Maths Champions programme shortlisted for two Children & Young People Now Awards 2026
We’re delighted to announce that NDNA’s Maths Champions programme has been shortlisted in two categories at the Children & Young People Now Awards 2026.
The programme has been recognised in both The Learning Award and The Workforce Development Award, highlighting its impact on children’s learning while supporting the professional development of the early years workforce.
Being shortlisted in two prestigious categories is a significant achievement and reflects the dedication of the nurseries, practitioners and partners who have embraced the programme and helped make it such a success.
Recognising excellence in early years
The Children & Young People Now Awards celebrate organisations and initiatives that are making a real difference to the lives of children, young people and families across the UK.
To be recognised in both learning and workforce development demonstrates the strength of the Maths Champions programme in supporting high quality early years practice.
The programme helps practitioners build confidence in teaching early maths through everyday play, routines and interactions.
By embedding maths into children’s daily experiences, settings can create rich learning opportunities that help children develop essential mathematical thinking from an early age.
Supporting practitioners while improving outcomes for children
The Maths Champions programme has been designed to fit around the realities of busy nursery life.
The flexible professional development programme enables practitioners to develop their knowledge and skills while continuing to work with children, making it easier for settings to invest in staff development without significant disruption.
Through practical training, resources and ongoing support, practitioners gain the confidence to recognise and make the most of mathematical learning opportunities throughout the day.
This not only strengthens practice across the setting but also helps children develop positive attitudes towards maths from the very beginning of their educational journey.
Thank you to our Maths Champions community
This achievement would not have been possible without the commitment and enthusiasm of the many early years professionals who have taken part in the programme.
We would like to thank every nursery, Maths Champion, Deputy Maths Champion and practitioner who has contributed to its success.
Your dedication to providing early years education continues to make a lasting difference to children’s learning and development.
We’re also grateful to everyone who has supported the programme, from partners and collaborators to those championing professional development across the sector.
Congratulations to all of the finalists shortlisted in this year’s Children & Young People Now Awards. We look forward to celebrating alongside so many inspiring organisations later this year.
Find out more
If you’d like to discover why Maths Champions has been recognised in both The Learning Award and The Workforce Development Award, explore the programme and see how it is helping early years settings build confident practitioners and confident mathematicians.
Find out more about the Maths Champions programme and register your interest today.
- Maths Champions Programme
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