Developing a strong grounding in number is essential so that all children develop the
necessary building blocks to excel mathematically. Children should be able to count
confidently, develop a deep understanding of the numbers to 10, the relationships
between them and the patterns within those numbers. By providing frequent and varied
opportunities to build and apply this understanding - such as using manipulatives,
including small pebbles and tens frames for organising counting - children will develop a
secure base of knowledge and vocabulary from which mastery of mathematics is built. In
addition, it is important that the curriculum includes rich opportunities for children to
develop their spatial reasoning skills across all areas of mathematics including shape,
space and measures. It is important that children develop positive attitudes and interests
in mathematics, look for patterns and relationships, spot connections, ‘have a go’, talk to adults and peers about what they notice and not be afraid to make mistakes.

Early Years Statutory Framework 2024

Activities at Home

• Play board games like snakes and ladders to practice counting 

• Make a game out of sock sorting after doing the washing. Talk about the patterns you see. Can your child match pairs of socks together? Look for patterns around the house and when you are out and about

• Ask your child when you have a problem e.g. I only have 2 apples but there are 4 of us. What shall we do?

• Sing some number rhymes e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, once I caught a fish alive
• Count objects to at least 10
• Say the numbers forwards and backwards to 20 and beyond