Early Years
Specialist Knowledge for Teaching Mathematics
Reception Teachers
Develop mathematical subject knowledge and pedagogy
Best Start in Life
As part of the Best Start in Life strategy, 2026/27 sees the SKTM Reception Programme replace the previous SKTM for Early Years. This programme will bring together the previous two pathways for Number and Spatial Reasoning in a one-year programme.
A targeted Specialist Knowledge for Teaching Mathematics (SKTM) Reception Programme will enhance Reception teachers’ understanding of early maths development and deepen practitioners’ expertise in developing high quality mathematical learning experiences to ensure that every child – regardless of background – can build the confidence and competence in mathematics that underpin later success in education and life.
What does it involve?
This one-year programme supports Reception teachers to develop specialist knowledge for teaching maths, and use a teaching for mastery approach as exemplified in the NCETM’s The Essence of Mathematics Teaching for Mastery.
It will enable participants to explore number, shape, space and pattern. Reception teachers (and teaching assistants) will also explore how children’s learning in all these areas can be supported through the development of oracy, spatial reasoning and executive function.
Participants will attend four days of workshops, and complete four short online asynchronous modules between workshops, totalling the equivalent of one day.
What will you learn?
-
Your pupils will be able to communicate their maths and mathematical thinking
-
You will explore and increase your use of a range of pedagogic approaches that will support pupils in engaging with and developing their maths
-
You will understand how maths opportunities can be developed across all areas and in everyday routines
Who can take part?
New and existing schools are eligible to participate. It would be appropriate for more than one participant to attend from a school, e.g., class teacher plus teaching assistant.
What is the cost?
The SKTM Reception programme is fully funded by the Maths Hubs Programme so is free to state funded participating schools.
NCETM Feature article Find Out in Five - Building strong foundations in Reception maths
Sue Evans, Director for Reception and Early Years, introduces a new programme designed to help Reception teachers develop expertise in early maths.
https://www.ncetm.org.uk/features/find-out-in-five-building-strong-foundations-in-reception-maths/
If you wish to be included in the next cohort starting in 2026/27, please complete the expression of interest form here