At St Joseph’s, we believe that every child can achieve success in maths. Our goal is to help children feel confident, curious, and capable when working with numbers and solving problems.

In Reception, we use a programme called Mastering Number to help children build strong foundations in number sense. This means they learn to recognise small quantities quickly, understand how numbers are made up, and become fluent with number facts. Lessons are short, fun, and happen every day. Children use hands-on tools like rekenreks and tens frames, and they are encouraged to talk about their thinking using simple sentence structures. This helps them build confidence in using mathematical language and expressing their ideas clearly.

As children move into Key Stage 1 (Years 1 and 2), we continue to build on this foundation using the White Rose Maths scheme. This approach breaks learning into small, manageable steps so that children can develop a deep understanding of number, shape, space, and measure. We continue to use the Mastering Number sessions alongside this to strengthen fluency and confidence.

Our teaching focuses on understanding rather than speed. Children are given time to explore ideas in depth, and every lesson includes opportunities to practise fluency, reasoning, and problem-solving. We use a method called the Concrete–Pictorial–Abstract approach, which means children first use real objects, then pictures, and finally symbols to help them understand mathematical concepts. Throughout all year groups, children are encouraged to explain their thinking using structured sentence frames known as STEM sentences. This helps them speak clearly, use accurate vocabulary, and build confidence in sharing their ideas.

In our classrooms, you’ll see vibrant maths displays with key vocabulary and visual models. Children have access to practical resources like Numicon, cubes, and number lines to support their learning. Daily routines such as counting help reinforce key skills. Learning objectives are clearly displayed and referred to during lessons, and children use number lines, skip counting tracks, and visual aids like days of the week and months of the year to support their understanding.

Our overall aim is to help every child develop a deep, secure, and lasting understanding of maths. We want children to enjoy maths, feel confident to have a go, and understand that making mistakes is part of learning. We teach in small, clear steps to reduce overload and ensure all children can progress together. Lessons are inclusive, with support and challenge provided as needed, and we encourage a growth mindset where effort is celebrated.

Each maths lesson follows a consistent structure. We begin by reviewing previous learning to keep it fresh in children’s minds. Key vocabulary is introduced and displayed with helpful visuals. During the main part of the lesson, teachers model the learning and children practise together before working independently. Tasks are designed to support and challenge all learners, and children are encouraged to use practical tools and visual aids. At the end of the lesson, children have the chance to explain their thinking and solve problems to show what they’ve understood.

By the end of Year 2, we aim for every child to feel confident with numbers, counting, and place value. They will be able to use practical resources and pictures to support their understanding, begin to explain their thinking clearly, and recall number facts with increasing fluency.