Best Start In Life
This programme will support pupils to develop good number sense and allow maths leads to understand how to embed effective practice in Reception and in Key Stage 1, to ensure all pupils have the best start in life.
Are you passionate about building strong mathematical foundations for young learners?
This project aims to secure firm foundations in the development of good number sense for all children from Reception through to Year 1 and Year 2. The aim over time is that children will leave KS1 with fluency in calculation and a confidence and flexibility with number. Attention will be given to key knowledge and understanding needed in Reception classes, and progression through KS1 to support success in the future.
What Is involved?
There is an expectation that schools will provide a daily teaching session for all children of 10 to 15 minutes, in addition to their normal maths lesson.
Lead Teachers in participating schools will receive training and will be part of an online community, to share practice and engage in critical reflection. Teaching materials will be provided, aimed at developing children’s fluency and flexibility with number.
New for 2026/27: Additional teaching resources have been created which cover the whole of the maths curriculum for Reception.
Why Join?
- Equip your pupils with deep number sense and fluency in calculation.
- Gain expert training with high-quality teaching resources.
- Work alongside fellow educators, sharing best practices and reflecting on impactful strategies.
- Learn how to effectively use manipulatives to strengthen mathematical understanding.
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. Schools can also nominate additional Reception teachers to join central and local workshops. 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. This year, the programme is open to all schools in the BBO Maths Hub area regardless of previous participation.
The short videos below give a flavour of Mastering Number happening with different age-groups. The teachers explain how the programme has benefited all pupils in their classes, providing firm foundations for later work in maths.
Cost?
Absolutely FREE! This programme is fully funded by the Maths Hubs Programme. Schools taking part in the September 2026 start cohort of this programme may receive physical rekenreks prior to the start of the programme subject to availability from the DfE. Digital rekenreks are freely available online.
Applications are now closed for 2026/27. Please register your interest for 2027/28 via the link below:
More information
- READ: How to Put the Ofsted Maths Report into Practice – Mastering Number
- READ: “Taking the ceiling off learning” with Mastering Number – we explore how one trust has invested fully in the whole-school systems and structures needed to ensure success in the Mastering Number Programme, to help all children reach their full potential in maths
- LISTEN: A podcast discussion with two teachers at a school engaged in Mastering Number at Reception and KS1 — How early primary maths influences school-wide teaching
- READ: A feature which explores the impact of Mastering Number at Reception and KS1 on a small rural primary school with mixed-age classes
- READ: Mastering Number: Building strong foundations in early maths
- READ: One Lancashire primary school has seen pupil confidence flourish as numeracy skills are embedded from Reception – How Mastering Number supports EAL and disadvantaged pupils
