Early Years – Matrix Maths Hub – Hertfordshire & Harlow

Teaching for Mastery in Nursery

January 12, 2026/in Early Years/by Kate Gassner

NEW Teaching for Mastery in Nursery
Research and Innovation Work Group

Join our research group to explore ‘Laying the Foundations for Teaching for Mastery of maths through Mathematical Thinking in the Early Years’

Benefits

This exciting new Research and Innovation Work Group offers many benefits for both teachers and children in their earliest stages of learning:

Builds Early Mathematical Habits
Supports children in developing number sense, pattern awareness, and spatial reasoning—key foundations for later mastery.
Identifies Prerequisites for Mastering Number
Helps practitioners explore and embed key experiences for children.
Aligns Nursery Practice with TfM Principles
Encourages coherence and continuity from the earliest stages of learning through to Key Stage 1 and beyond.
Empowers Early Years Educators
Provides practical strategies and insights to support high-quality mathematical interactions in nursery settings.

Who can take part?

This group is for Early Years practitioners or leaders in school-based nurseries.

What is the cost?

The Teaching for Mastery in Nursery Research and Innovation Work Group is fully funded by the Maths Hubs Programme, so is free to participating schools.

To take part in this Research and Innovation Work Group in 2025-26, please complete the form below:

R&I 25B - Booking Form: Teaching for Mastery in Nursery

Please complete the details below

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Phone

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Name*

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School*

Teacher Reference Number (TRN) - please put EY if you don't have a TRN*

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2025/26 DATES

Tuesday 27^th Jan ONLINE Twilight:
3:45 to 4:45pm

Tuesday 10^th March. F2F Twilight
4pm to 5:30pm
Knebworth Primary & Nursery School, Swangleys Lane, Knebworth, SG3 6AA

Wednesday 15^th April. ONLINE Twilight:
3:45 to 5:15

Thursday 30th April. F2F PM
12:45 to 3:45 (please do bring lunch)
Roger De Clare C of E First School and Nursery, Station Road, Puckeridge, Ware, SG11 1TF

Please note that participation in this group requires attendance of all four sessions above.

SKTM – Early Years Teachers

July 17, 2024/in Early Years/by matrixmathshub

Specialist Knowledge for Teaching Mathematics (SKTM) – Early Years Teachers

Develop mathematical subject knowledge and understand the pedagogy that underpins the teaching of it.

“A very experienced teacher from my Early Years staff returned from session 1 of the SKTM Number Pathway buzzing with ideas. She says it has opened doors to a whole new way of looking at maths in Early Years, it is so much more than just counting!’

Math Lead referring to SKTM (Specialist Knowledge for the Teaching of Maths) for Early Years.

What is involved?

This programme is designed to improve the subject knowledge and pedagogical knowledge for all practitioners teaching and supporting the learning of early maths (developing Specialist Knowledge in the Teaching of Maths – SKTM).

For 2024-25 there will be two types of SKTM Early Years pathways (participants are welcome to book onto both pathways):

Pathway One: Number

Pathway Two: Pattern

Each pathway consists of the equivalent of four days, spread out over a minimum of two terms. Professional learning and practice development continue throughout, with participants implementing new ideas into their daily practice. Participants will have the opportunity to plan and prepare within the Work Group sessions.

Who can take part?

This project is for Early Years teachers and practitioners who would like to develop their specialist knowledge for teaching maths. It may be particularly relevant for those that have moved phases or have not received maths-specific training.

Benefits

Your pupils will demonstrate a positive attitude towards maths, being willing to have go, persevere, and share their mathematical ideas.
You will explore and increase your use of a range of pedagogic approaches that will support pupils in engaging with and developing their maths.
You will understand how maths opportunities can be developed across all areas throughout continuous provision and in everyday routines.

What is the cost?

The programme is fully funded by the Maths Hubs Programme, so is free to participating schools.

To book the SKTM for Early Years Teachers Programme for 2024-25, please complete the form/s below (please scroll down for the Pattern pathway booking form):

2024/25 Work Group Dates:

NUMBER PATHWAY (please scroll down for Pattern Pathway dates)
Session 1
Date: Thursday 7th November 2024
Time: 9.15am to 2.45pm
Venue: Knebworth Primary School

Session 2
Date: Tuesday 28th January 2025
Time: 9.15am to 2.45pm
Venue: Knebworth Primary School

Session 3
Date: Thursday 20th March 2025
Time: 9.15am to 2.45pm
Venue: Knebworth Primary School

Session 4
Date: Thursday 22nd May 2025
Time: 9am to 11.45am
Venue: Online (via Zoom)

PATTERN PATHWAY
Session 1
Date: Thursday 17th October 2024
Time: 9.15am to 2.45pm
Venue: Knebworth Primary School

Session 2
Date: Wednesday 4th December 2024
Time: 9.15am to 2.45pm
Venue: Knebworth Primary School

Session 3
Date: Tuesday 25th February 2025
Time: 9.15am to 2.45pm
Venue: Knebworth Primary School

Session 4
Date: Thursday 24th April 2025
Time: 9am to 11.45am
Venue: Online (via Zoom)

Mastering Number at EY and KS1

March 21, 2024/in Early Years, Primary/by matrixmathshub

Mastering Number at Reception and KS1

Supporting pupils in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 to develop good number sense

A national programme to secure firm foundations in the development of good number sense

What is involved in the Mastering Number Programme?

This programme focuses on the key knowledge and understanding needed in Reception & KS1 classes. Participating schools will receive training through National and Local sessions to support each set of half termly materials, and a wealth of pupil-facing resources.

There is an expectation that schools will provide a short daily teaching session for all children of 10 to 15 minutes. In Reception this will be the main input for number content of the EY curriculum, while in KS1 this is in addition to their main maths lesson, which may be reduced by 10-15 minutes to support logistics in schools’ busy timetables. Lead Teachers in schools will also take part in an online community to share practice and engage in critical reflection.

Who can take part?

Lead participants from Work Group schools will be three teachers; one each from Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 – known as Lead Teachers. Some support will also be given to subject leaders and headteachers. Where appropriate, Lead Teachers are expected to support the other teachers in their year group teams.

Benefits

Your pupils will be able to clearly communicate their mathematical ideas.
You will develop a secure understanding of how to build firm mathematical foundations.
You will work to develop teaching strategies focused on developing fluency in calculation and number sense for all children.
You will develop understanding and use of appropriate manipulatives to support your teaching of mathematical structures.

What is the cost?

The programme is fully funded by the Maths Hubs Programme, so is free to participating schools.

To express an interest in taking part in the Mastering Number at Reception and KS1 programme in 2026/27, please complete the form below. We will be in touch with all schools who complete this expression of interest form.

Expression of Interest : Mastering Number at Reception and KS1 Work Group 2026/27

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School
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Specialist Knowledge for Teaching Mathematics (SKTM) – Primary Teaching Assistants

March 21, 2024/in Early Years/by matrixmathshub

Specialist Knowledge for Teaching Mathematics (SKTM) - Primary Teaching Assistants

Develop mathematical subject knowledge and understand the pedagogy that underpins the teaching of it.

What is involved?

This project is designed to improve the subject knowledge and pedagogical knowledge for all practitioners teaching and supporting the learning of primary maths.

It supports primary teaching assistants who are supporting maths to develop specialist knowledge for teaching maths, to build on the primary maths National Curriculum, and to develop distinct pedagogical decision-making which will impact on their practice when supporting maths. It takes place over the equivalent of four days. Participants will have the opportunity to plan and prepare within the Work Group sessions.

Who can take part?

These programmes are designed for primary teachers assistants who would like to develop their specialist knowledge for teaching maths. This may be particularly relevant for new TAs or TAs that have not received maths-specific training.

Benefits

Your pupils will positively engage with maths that challenges them
You will identify common misconceptions and ways of addressing these to help pupils master important concepts
You will develop an understanding of key principles and approaches associated with teaching for mastery

What is the cost?

The programme is fully funded by the Maths Hubs Programme, so is free to participating schools.

To book onto the 2025-26 SKTM Primary Teaching Assistants Programme, please complete the form below. Please ensure you indicate your preferred location (East Herts or West Herts) by ticking the box.

NCP25-27 SKTM for Primary Teaching Assistants: Work Group Booking Form

Please complete the details below

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Name

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Name*

First Last

Email*

School*

Maths Lead Name*

Maths Lead Email*

Work Group (please select ONE)*

EAST Herts (Ware)

WEST Herts (Bushey)

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2025/26 Work Group Dates

East Herts Group

Session 1: Thursday 27^th November at Widford School, Ware Road, Widford. SG12 8RE

Remaining sessions at Hunsdon JMI School, High Street, Hundson, Ware. SG12 8NT:

Session 2: Thursday 5^th February

Session 3: Thursday 12^th March

Session 4: Thursday 23^rd April

All sessions take place from 9.30am to 2.30pm

West Herts Group at Merry Hill Infant and Nursery School, School Lane, Bushey, WD23 1ST

Session 1: Thursday 20^th November

Session 2: Wednesday 28^th January

Session 3: Wednesday 11^th March

Session 4: Wednesday 22nd April

All sessions take place from 9.30am to 2.30pm

Specialist Knowledge for Teaching Mathematics (SKTM) – Early Years Teachers

March 21, 2024/in Early Years/by matrixmathshub

Specialist Knowledge for Teaching Mathematics (SKTM) – Early Years Teachers

Develop mathematical subject knowledge and understand the pedagogy that underpins the teaching of it.

“A very experienced teacher from my Early Years staff returned from session 1 of the SKTM Number Pathway buzzing with ideas. She says it has opened doors to a whole new way of looking at maths in Early Years, it is so much more than just counting!’

Math Lead referring to SKTM (Specialist Knowledge for the Teaching of Maths) for Early Years.

What is involved?

This programme is designed to improve the subject knowledge and pedagogical knowledge for all practitioners teaching and supporting the learning of early maths (developing Specialist Knowledge in the Teaching of Maths – SKTM).

There are two types of SKTM Early Years pathways:

Pathway One: Pattern, shape, space & measures

Pathway Two: Number and numerical patterns

Each pathway consists of the equivalent of four days, spread out over a minimum of two terms. Professional learning and practice development continue throughout, with participants implementing new ideas into their daily practice.

Who can take part?

This project is for Early Years teachers and practitioners who would like to develop their specialist knowledge for teaching maths. It may be particularly relevant for those that have moved phases or have not received maths-specific training.

Benefits

Your pupils will demonstrate a positive attitude towards maths, being willing to have go, persevere, and share their mathematical ideas.
You will explore and increase your use of a range of pedagogic approaches that will support pupils in engaging with and developing their maths.
You will understand how maths opportunities can be developed across all areas throughout continuous provision and in everyday routines.

What is the cost?

The programme is fully funded by the Maths Hubs Programme, so is free to participating schools.

To express an interest to take part in the 2024-25 SKTM for Early Years Teachers Programme, please complete the form below:

2023/24 Work Group Dates: (BOOKINGS NOW CLOSED)

PATTERN PATHWAY
Session 1
Date: Fri 17th Nov
Time: 9.15am – 2.45pm
Venue: Knebworth Primary School

Session 2
Date: Fri 2nd Feb
Time: 9.15am – 2.45pm
Venue: Knebworth Primary School

Session 3
Date: Fri 15th March
Time: 9.15am – 11.45am
Venue: Knebworth Primary School

Session 4
Date: Thurs 9th May
Time: 12.45pm – 3pm
ONLINE

NUMBER PATHWAY
Session 1
Date: Wed 15th Nov
Time: 9.15am – 2.45pm
Venue: Knebworth Primary School

Session 2
Date: Wed 31st Jan
Time: 9.15am – 2.45pm
Venue: Knebworth Primary School

Session 3
Date: Thurs 14th March
Time: 9.15am – 11.45am
Venue: Knebworth Primary School

Session 4
Date: Thurs 9th May
Time: 9am – 11.45am
ONLINE

NEW Teaching for Mastery in Nursery

Join our research group to explore ‘Laying the Foundations for Teaching for Mastery of maths through Mathematical Thinking in the Early Years’

Benefits

Who can take part?

What is the cost?

R&I 25B - Booking Form: Teaching for Mastery in Nursery

Specialist Knowledge for Teaching Mathematics (SKTM) – Early Years Teachers

Develop mathematical subject knowledge and understand the pedagogy that underpins the teaching of it.

What is involved?

Who can take part?

Benefits

What is the cost?

Mastering Number at Reception and KS1

Supporting pupils in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 to develop good number sense

What is involved in the Mastering Number Programme?

Who can take part?

Benefits

What is the cost?

Expression of Interest : Mastering Number at Reception and KS1 Work Group 2026/27

Specialist Knowledge for Teaching Mathematics (SKTM) - Primary Teaching Assistants

Develop mathematical subject knowledge and understand the pedagogy that underpins the teaching of it.

What is involved?

Who can take part?

Benefits

What is the cost?

NCP25-27 SKTM for Primary Teaching Assistants: Work Group Booking Form

Specialist Knowledge for Teaching Mathematics (SKTM) – Early Years Teachers

Develop mathematical subject knowledge and understand the pedagogy that underpins the teaching of it.

What is involved?

Who can take part?

Benefits

What is the cost?