Statutory guidance – what we have to teach

Mathematics: Developing a strong grounding in number is essential so that all children develop the necessary building blocks to excel mathematically. Children should be able to count confidently, develop a deep understanding of the numbers to 10, the relationships between them and the patterns within those numbers. By providing frequent and varied opportunities to build and apply this understanding – such as using manipulatives, including small pebbles and tens frames for organising counting – children will develop a secure base of knowledge and vocabulary from which mastery of mathematics is built. In addition, it is important that the curriculum includes rich opportunities for children to develop their spatial reasoning skills across all areas of mathematics including shape, space and measures. It is important that children develop positive attitudes and interests in mathematics, look for patterns and relationships, spot connections, ‘have a go’, talk to adults and peers about what they notice and not be afraid to make mistakes.

Our Maths Curriculum

At the beginning of their mathematical learning journey…

Our children begin their nursery journey with typically very little experience of, or exposure to Maths. The numbers and shapes they may have seen are characteristically found on toys, technological devices or in books. Their mathematical journey tends to begin through physical exploration within their play; such as fitting themselves or toys into spaces, sharing, grouping, separating and sorting; following their own agenda, based on their individual wants and needs.

Children of this age have a natural inquisitiveness regarding themselves and the world around them. Therefore, exposure to number and other mathematical ideas in the nursery environment are key to igniting their mathematical curiosity.

This often begins from a multi-sensory approach involving hearing numbers in songs and physically exploring the objects in the space around them.

Adults play a pivotal role in sparking children’s early interest in Maths; by demonstrating their own mathematical fascinations and being exploratory, curious and investigative in nature.

We wish to ensure children enjoy maths as part of their everyday lives, despite them often being oblivious to their learning experiences having a mathematical context.

At the end of their mathematical learning journey at Whitegate…

At Whitegate Nursery School, we aspire for our children to embark on the next key step of their learning journey with enthusiasm, curiosity and a fascination for Maths.

We aim to provide our children with the skills and knowledge to approach mathematical problems and challenges with confidence and high levels of energy. We wish to embed a thorough understanding of early mathematical concepts; through meaningful memorable learning experiences which put Maths in a positive light.

We support all individual children in developing a solid foundation to ensure they are able to carry with them the tools they need to flourish mathematically in their new school environment and beyond.

It is our hope that our children will continue to enjoy Maths throughout their lives and have the confidence and security to apply the skills they have gained here at Whitegate Nursery School in all relevant aspects of their lives.