Mathematics in the early years helps children develop essential skills in number, shape, space, and measure. We focus on building a strong foundation for problem-solving and logical thinking through hands-on activities and everyday experiences. Within this area, children learn about numbers, counting, numerical patterns, shapes, and spatial awareness.

A key part of learning to count is understanding the Five Principles of Counting:

1. One-to-One Correspondence – matching one number to each object.
2. Stable Order – knowing numbers come in a fixed order.
3. Cardinality – understanding the last number counted represents the total amount.
4. Abstraction – knowing you can count any set of objects, whether they are similar or different.
5. Order Irrelevance – understanding objects can be counted in any order and still get the same total.

Children also explore numerical patterns, such as recognising and creating repeating patterns, which helps develop their reasoning and problem-solving skills.

In Nursery
Children begin exploring numbers through songs, games, and everyday play, learning to recognise and count small quantities with support.

In Reception
Children build on this by counting accurately, comparing numbers, understanding simple addition and subtraction, and exploring shapes and patterns in their environment.