Early Years Maths activities that build confidence
How the Maths Champions Programme is boosting practitioner confidence through early years maths activities at The Rocking Horse Nursery
At NDNA, we are proud to deliver the national Maths Champions Programme, a research-informed initiative designed to strengthen early mathematical understanding across nurseries and early years settings. The programme supports practitioners to confidently embed high-quality early years maths activities into everyday routines, play and learning experiences. It is currently delivered fully funded to eligible providers in England thanks to the support of the Department for Education and rigorous independent evaluation by the Education Endowment Foundation.
The programme supports practitioners to develop confidence, enrich their everyday interactions and embed meaningful early years maths activities throughout the day.
The power of partnership: Case study and proven impact
A recent visit to The Rocking Horse Nursery in Finchley, London, highlighted the powerful, real-world impact of the programme. Representatives from the DfE, the EEF and NDNA spent time observing children and practitioners at work.
Nursery Owner Audrey Willoughby, Maths Champion Iana Bujor and Deputy Maths Champion Priya Ranganathan showcased the confident practice that has grown across their team. Visitors were struck by the enthusiasm of staff and the depth of mathematical learning woven seamlessly into play, routines and exploration.
The EEF evaluation is central to this success. It provides clear evidence that the programme works, with children in participating settings making:
- 3 months additional progress in their mathematical development
- Up to 6 months additional progress for children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Expert perspective: Maths really is everywhere
Kimberley Luckham, Early Years Advisor (Deputy Champions Lead) at NDNA, reflected on her visit:
“I was delighted to be so warmly welcomed at The Rocking Horse Nursery… Iana and the setting manager Audrey have taken on a whole setting approach to the Maths Champions programme, ensuring that every child attending this setting has the opportunity to reach their full potential in mathematical development. The team demonstrated that they were all confident in implementing, teaching and highlighting rich mathematical moments within the children’s play and daily routines.
“As we were shown around the setting it was clear to see that maths really was EVERYWHERE. Staff evidently have a deep understanding of early years mathematical development… Children have made fantastic progress across all areas of their maths development, making huge leaps in progress in areas such as ‘composition’, ‘measures’ and ‘spatial awareness’. Many of the children’s parents have also commented on the mathematical progress they have noticed at home too. A huge well done to all at The Rocking Horse Nursery.”
Embedding mathematics across the nursery environment
The visit to Rocking Horse Nursery highlighted how effectively the Maths Champions Programme supports practitioners to integrate mathematics into everything they do. Practitioners demonstrated how number, pattern, measure, shape and spatial reasoning are now part of daily routines, free play and guided activities.
Mathematical development was evident in both indoor and outdoor spaces. Outdoor maths activities for EYFS included opportunities for counting natural objects, comparing sizes and exploring pattern in the environment. Indoors, staff had created rich and engaging opportunities for children to explore number and shape through purposeful play and carefully planned nursery maths activities.
The programme encourages reflective practice using an audit tool that helps practitioners examine the strengths of their current provision and identify areas for further development. Through ongoing support, staff build confidence to extend learning and provide a wide range of meaningful opportunities.
Why the programme works for early years settings
Maths Champions succeeds because it focuses on building confidence, developing reflective practice and empowering practitioners. It is accessible, flexible and achievable for busy staff teams. It emphasises simple changes that make a meaningful difference, encouraging educators to use their existing resources creatively and purposefully.
Crucially, it also recognises that maths anxiety is common in the early years. By supporting practitioners with knowledge, examples and coaching, the programme helps them move past this anxiety and model enjoyment, curiosity and confidence for the children they teach.
Join NDNA’s Maths Champions Programme
The dedication and commitment shown by the staff at The Rocking Horse Nursery, resulting in children thriving in their maths and language development, is testament to just how valuable a funded place on the Maths Champions Programme can be.
Maths Champions is available nationally to nurseries and schools in England at no cost for eligible settings. It provides a full year of expert support, online training, reflective tools and practical activities designed specifically for early years educators.
If you want to strengthen practitioner confidence, enrich everyday provision and help every child build secure foundations for future learning, now is the ideal time to take part.
Secure your place on NDNA’s Maths Champions Programme and empower your team to make early maths meaningful, enjoyable and accessible for every child.
- early mathematical development
- early maths practice
- Early years maths
- Maths Champions Programme
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