Maths in EYFS and Key Stage One
At Rosehill Infant School, we aim to develop confident, curious and resilient mathematicians. From EYFS through to Key Stage 1, children build a strong foundation in number, calculation and problem-solving through a carefully structured and engaging curriculum.
Early Years Foundation Stage
In EYFS, mathematics is taught through a balance of adult-led activities and continuous provision, following the areas of Number and Numerical Patterns.
Children:
- Develop a deep understanding of numbers to 10
- Explore counting, subitising and number recognition
- Begin to understand composition of number (e.g. part–whole relationships)
- Explore patterns, shape, space and measure through play
We use the Mastering Number programme to support early fluency. This helps children to:
- Develop strong number sense
- Build confidence with small numbers
- Understand key concepts such as one more/one less
Adults model mathematical language and provide opportunities for children to practise and apply their learning in meaningful contexts.
Key Stage One
In KS1, mathematics is taught through a structured approach using Power Maths, alongside the Mastering Number programme to further develop fluency.
Power Maths
Power Maths provides a clear, progressive sequence of learning, allowing children to:
- Build conceptual understanding step-by-step
- Develop fluency, reasoning and problem-solving skills
- Use mathematical vocabulary accurately
Lessons follow a consistent structure:
- Discover – exploring a concept
- Share – discussing and explaining ideas
- Think Together – guided practice
- Practice – independent application
This approach ensures that all pupils are supported and challenged appropriately.
Mastering Number
The Mastering Number programme is used alongside daily maths lessons to strengthen:
- Number fluency and recall
- Understanding of number relationships
- Confidence in mental calculation
This ensures children develop secure foundations in number that support all areas of mathematics.
Progression and Sequencing
The maths curriculum is carefully sequenced so that:
- Learning builds progressively from EYFS to KS1
- Key concepts are revisited and deepened over time
- Children move from concrete experiences to pictorial and abstract understanding
A strong emphasis is placed on number sense and fluency as the foundation for future learning.
Vocabulary
Children are explicitly taught and encouraged to use mathematical vocabulary. Vocabulary is modelled and reinforced to support reasoning and explanation.
Assessment
Assessment is ongoing and used to inform teaching. Teachers use:
- Observation and questioning
- Daily feedback within lessons
- End-of-unit checks through Power Maths
This ensures that misconceptions are quickly identified and addressed.
Impact
By the end of Key Stage 1, pupils at Rosehill Infant School:
- Demonstrate strong number fluency
- Can reason mathematically and explain their thinking
- Solve problems with increasing confidence
- Use mathematical vocabulary accurately
- Show resilience and a positive attitude towards maths
Children leave with secure foundations, ready for the next stage of their mathematical learning.