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.

EEF Funded Trial for Mastering Number at Reception and KS1 in 2025/26

The NCETM is partnering with the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) to evaluate the Mastering Number at Reception and KS1 programme in the 2025/2026 academic year. This is an exciting opportunity for your school to engage with this highly regarded programme as the trial will assess the impact of Mastering Number on Reception pupils and their teachers. 

Please visit this page on the NCETM website to find out more about this EEF funded trial.

You can also find a School Information Sheet with full details of the EEF funded trial here:

Mastering-Number-At-Reception-And-KS1-2025-2026-Trial

To express an interest in taking part in the Mastering Number at Reception and KS1 EEF funded trial in 2025/26, please complete the form below. We will be in touch with all schools who complete this expression of interest form.