Maths Champion
Maths Champions – Supporting Early Maths in Our Nursery
At our nursery, we want every child to feel confident exploring numbers, shapes, patterns, and problem‑solving. To support children’s mathematical development from their earliest years, we are part of the Maths Champions project — a national initiative designed specifically to enhance early maths learning across nursery settings.
What is the Maths Champions Project?
The Maths Champions project is a professional development programme for early years settings. It helps practitioners build confidence and expertise in supporting young children’s early maths skills in meaningful, play‑based ways.
The programme is led by the National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) and supported by the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF).
The focus is on:
- Increasing early years staff confidence in teaching maths
- Embedding maths learning naturally in everyday routines and play
- Strengthening children’s understanding of numbers, shapes, patterns, measurement, and problem‑solving
- Promoting a positive and enjoyable approach to early maths
Research shows that high‑quality early maths support can make a real difference in children’s development, helping them feel confident, curious, and ready for future learning.
How the Project Works
Settings taking part in the Maths Champions programme:
- Select a Maths Champion and a Deputy Maths Champion (both are Level 3 qualified practitioners)
- Complete specialist training and coaching focused on early maths teaching
- Conduct an audit of current maths practice
- Use findings to develop and implement an action plan to improve maths learning
- Receive ongoing support through coaching sessions, webinars, classroom resources, and practice tools
The programme runs over several months and helps settings embed maths learning across all rooms and key routines.
Evidence and Impact
Independent evaluation shows that:
- Children in early years settings taking part in Maths Champions often make significant additional progress in maths and language skills compared to settings not participating
- Some children can make up to six months of additional progress
- Benefits are often maintained into the first year of school
- Participating settings report that staff feel more confident, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic about delivering maths activities
This strong evidence base is why the programme is recommended for early years settings committed to raising outcomes for all children.
Our Trained Maths Champions
We are proud to have trained practitioners leading early maths across our nursery:
⭐ Doris – Maths Champion (3–4 Room)
Doris leads the Maths Champions programme here. She has undertaken specialist early years maths training and supports staff across all rooms to embed maths into learning.
⭐ Radhika – Deputy Maths Champion (2–3 Room)
Radhika has also completed Maths Champion training and works closely with Doris. She supports maths learning throughout the nursery, particularly in the 2–3 room, and contributes to planning and staff support.
Together, Doris and Radhika:
- Plan maths‑rich activities across all nursery rooms
- Support staff to embed early maths into everyday routines and play
- Share ideas and coaching with colleagues across the setting
- Encourage children to explore numbers, shapes, patterns, measuring, and reasoning
- Ensure maths is taught in a positive, engaging, and enjoyable way
Their teamwork ensures children of all ages benefit from consistent, stimulating, and supportive maths opportunities.
How Children Learn Maths in Nursery
Children learn early maths best through play, exploration, and everyday experiences, such as:
- Counting toys or steps during play
- Singing number rhymes and games
- Sorting and matching objects by colour, shape or size
- Exploring shapes through building and construction
- Recognising and creating patterns
- Comparing sizes and quantities
- Problem‑solving through play activities
These activities help children build confidence and mathematical understanding organically as part of their daily nursery routine.
How Parents Can Support Maths at Home
Parents can play a powerful role in reinforcing early maths skills through simple everyday moments:
- Count objects together (e.g., steps, toys, crackers)
- Look for shapes around the home and environment
- Compare sizes (big/small, longer/shorter) while tidying toys together
- Sing number songs or rhymes
- Bake or cook together and measure ingredients
- Sort and organise items by colour or type
These small activities help children see that maths is part of daily life and build strong early foundations.
Early Years Maths Resources for Parents
Here are trusted, early years‑specific resources for ideas, activities, and support:
📘 NDNA Maths Champions Programme
Official programme information and early years support —
NDNA
📊 Education Endowment Foundation – Early Years Maths Champions
Evidence, research, and guidance on the impact of maths champions —
Education Endowment Foundation
🎲 NRICH – Early Years Maths Resources
Fun, open‑ended maths activities designed for children aged 2–5 —
NRICH
These sites offer practical, parent‑friendly activities you can use at home to support your child’s early maths learning.
Our Goal
Our aim is to help children:
✔ Feel confident exploring early maths concepts
✔ Build curiosity, reasoning, and problem‑solving skills
✔ Develop enjoyment and resilience when learning
✔ Gain strong foundations for future schooling
By embedding the Maths Champions project across all rooms, and with trained staff working collaboratively, we are committed to giving every child the best start in their early mathematics journey.
