At Summerseat Methodist Primary School, we believe that every child can become a confident, capable and resilient mathematician.

Mathematics is essential to everyday life. It helps us solve problems, make sense of the world and think logically and creatively. Our aim is to ensure that all children develop strong foundations, deep understanding and a genuine enjoyment of mathematics.

Early Mathematics (Nursery & Reception)

Strong foundations begin in the Early Years.

In Nursery, children develop early mathematical understanding through high-quality interactions, practical exploration and story-based mathematics. We use Story Time Maths to introduce number, pattern, shape and measure through carefully chosen books, songs and structured play. Adults model mathematical language and create rich opportunities for children to count, compare, notice patterns and talk about their thinking.

In Reception, children follow the NCETM Mastering Number programme to secure deep number sense and understanding of numbers to 10 and beyond. This is supplemented with additional Epworth Story Led Maths units to ensure strong development in shape, space and measure.

These early foundations are crucial for long-term success in mathematics.

Our Approach

We follow the Epworth Education Trust Mathematics Strategy, which is:

• Research-informed
• Aligned with the National Curriculum and EYFS Framework
• Shaped by guidance from the NCETM and the Education Endowment Foundation
• Designed to ensure depth, coherence and long-term understanding

Our core primary scheme is the Oak National Academy maths curriculum, carefully sequenced and aligned to the NCETM Curriculum Prioritisation materials and DfE Ready-to-Progress criteria.

Alongside this, we build in carefully planned additional opportunities to strengthen fluency, reasoning and challenge, ensuring all pupils make strong progress from their starting points.

Teaching for Mastery

We use a Teaching for Mastery approach. This means:

• The whole class works through concepts together
• Learning is broken down into small, carefully sequenced steps
• Children develop deep understanding before moving on
• Challenge is provided through depth and reasoning, not acceleration

We believe all children can learn mathematics. Progress is based on secure understanding, not speed.

The CPA Approach

New learning is introduced through the Concrete–Pictorial–Abstract (CPA) approach:

• Concrete – using practical resources such as counters, bead strings and place-value counters
• Pictorial – using drawings, bar models and visual representations
• Abstract – using numbers and formal written methods

This approach helps children to see the structure of mathematics and build lasting understanding.

Daily Fluency and Retrieval

Alongside the daily maths lesson:

• In Key Stage 1, children take part in daily Mastering Number sessions to secure strong number fluency.
• In Key Stage 2, children complete a daily 20-minute fluency session to practise key number facts and core skills.

Regular retrieval ensures knowledge is retained and applied confidently over time.

Reasoning and Problem Solving

Children are encouraged to:

• Explain their thinking
• Use precise mathematical vocabulary
• Spot patterns and connections
• Solve both routine and non-routine problems

Mathematical talk is central to our lessons, helping children deepen understanding and develop confidence.

Mixed-Age Classes at Summerseat

At Summerseat, classes are mixed-age. Our mathematics curriculum is carefully structured to ensure that every child receives the right learning at the right time.

In Nursery, Reception, Year 1 and Year 2, mathematics is delivered as discrete year-group content. This ensures that early mathematical foundations are taught with precision and clarity. Teaching is led by the class teacher, supported by skilled staff, so that children secure essential knowledge and understanding appropriate to their stage.

In Key Stage 2, we follow a carefully sequenced two-year rolling programme aligned with NCETM guidance. This ensures full coverage of the National Curriculum across the key stage while maintaining coherent progression and depth of understanding.

This structured approach allows us to maintain high-quality teaching, clear progression and strong outcomes within a small-school context.

Assessment

Assessment is continuous and responsive.

Teachers use daily formative assessment alongside Trust-wide diagnostic tools to identify gaps and plan next steps. As a Trust, we use PiXL to support our internal assessments. This ensures timely support and challenge for every child.

Children are well prepared for statutory assessments, including:

• Early Learning Goals in Reception
• The Year 4 Multiplication Tables Check
• End of Key Stage 2 SATs

Preparation is embedded within high-quality teaching rather than delivered as a separate programme.

Inclusion

We have high expectations for all learners.

Where children need additional support, we adapt teaching carefully while maintaining ambition. Manipulatives, visual models and structured scaffolding ensure access for all pupils, including those with SEND.

Working with Families

We believe partnership with families is vital.

We provide information about curriculum content, offer workshops to explain calculation methods and encourage meaningful mathematical experiences at home.

Further Information & Curriculum Documents

For those who would like to explore our mathematics curriculum in greater detail, the following documents are available to download below:

• The Epworth Education Trust Mathematics Strategy
• Long-term curriculum plans
• Progression maps
• Pictorial knowledge organisers

These documents provide detailed information about how learning is sequenced across year groups, how key concepts build over time and how we ensure full coverage of the National Curriculum within our mixed-age structure.

If you have any questions about our curriculum or progression, please contact our Maths Lead, Miss Ward.