The start of a new academic year is a good opportunity for early years settings to review their priorities and invest in staff development. One programme designed to improve children’s mathematical development is Maths Champions.

Maths Champions provides approximately 38 hours of professional development over 12 months. Rather than completing all the training at once, practitioners have time to learn new ideas, apply them in their setting and reflect on their practice. This flexible approach is particularly useful for busy early years settings where staffing and ratios can make it difficult to find time for training.

An important focus of the programme is recognising that mathematics is already part of children's everyday experiences. For example, children can develop mathematical skills when counting during tidy-up time, comparing the size of objects, exploring shapes, identifying patterns or working out whether there are enough cups for everyone.

Settings nominate a Maths Champion and Deputy Maths Champion. These practitioners develop their own knowledge and confidence before sharing their learning with colleagues. This can help create a consistent approach to supporting children's mathematical development across the setting.

Starting the programme in September gives practitioners a full 12 months to develop and apply their learning. This could lead to lasting improvements in how mathematical opportunities are provided through play, routines and everyday interactions.

The programme is fully funded for eligible early years settings in England, making it an accessible opportunity for settings wanting to strengthen their approach to early mathematics.

https://ndna.org.uk/maths-cham...

1. What is the purpose of the Maths Champions programme?

2. How can everyday activities support children’s mathematical development? Give two examples.

3. How can the Maths Champions programme lead to lasting improvements in an early years setting?