The government’s Giving Every Child the Best Start in Life (2025) report makes clear that improving early education is essential to tackling disadvantage and raising standards, with a national ambition for 75% of children to reach a good level of development by the end of Reception by 2028. At the heart of this is the quality of teaching and the interactions children experience every day.
As part of the Cheshire and Wirral Maths Hub Programme, our Early Years work is focused on supporting this ambition - strengthening the knowledge and practice of those working with our youngest children so that all children develop the language, understanding and confidence in mathematics they need for a strong start in life.
Early Mathematics
Better mathematics experiences for children and young people begin with confident, knowledgeable adults working together.
At Cheshire and Wirral Maths Hub, we bring together teachers, schools and local leaders to engage with research, learn collaboratively and make small evidence-informed improvements to practice.
Our Early Years programmes support practitioners in developing the mathematical understanding, language and confidence that give children the strongest possible start in life.
Now Recruiting - Specialist Knowledge for Teaching Mathematics (SKTM) - Reception Teachers 2025/26
Develop confidence and expertise in teaching mathematics in Reception through collaborative professional learning with colleagues from across the Cheshire and Wirral Maths Hub community. This programme supports Reception teachers to deepen their understanding of effective Early Years pedagogy, strengthen children’s mathematical thinking, and recognise opportunities for rich mathematical learning throughout the day.
Working alongside peers, you’ll explore research-informed approaches, reflect on your practice, and become part of a supportive community committed to giving every child the best possible start in mathematics.
Targeted Support - Intensive 2026/27
Tailored Reception Support 2026/27
If your school would benefit from more personalised support, our Best Start in Life offer provides bespoke opportunities to strengthen early mathematics in a way that reflects your school’s context, priorities and ambitions.
Working in partnership with the Cheshire and Wirral Maths Hub, we’ll identify your school’s strengths, explore priorities for development, and provide sustained support to help build confident practitioners and strong mathematical foundations for every child. Together, we’ll develop a shared approach that creates lasting improvements and supports every child to flourish in mathematics.
Targeted Support - Enhanced 2026/27
If your school is already engaged in Teaching for Mastery and would benefit from additional support, our Targeted Support – Enhanced offer provides bespoke opportunities to strengthen implementation in a way that reflects your school’s context, priorities and ambitions.
Working in partnership with the Cheshire and Wirral Maths Hub, we’ll identify areas for development, remove barriers to implementation, and support leaders to embed sustainable improvements. Together, we’ll strengthen high-quality mathematics teaching and continue improving outcomes for every learner.
CLOSED - Mastering Number at Reception and KS1 2026/27
Applications for 2026/27 are now closed.
We’d still love to support your school through our wider Best Start in Life offer. Explore our other Reception programmes above.
Give every child the strongest possible start in mathematics through a whole-school approach to developing confidence, fluency and number sense. Mastering Number brings together Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 teachers to explore research-informed approaches, strengthen classroom practice, and build consistent mathematical experiences across the early years and Key Stage 1.
Working alongside colleagues from across the Cheshire and Wirral Maths Hub community, you’ll develop a shared understanding of effective number teaching, collaborate with peers, and implement approaches that help every child build secure mathematical foundations for future success.
Join the Reception Mathematics Community
Together we:
- Learn from research
- Learn from one another
- Test ideas in practice
- Reflect on impact
- Improve outcomes for children
Every child. Every teacher. Every voice.