Maths

Subject Overview

At Pine Ridge and Lorraine, we are dedicated to fostering a deep understanding of mathematics, sparking curiosity, and inspiring our children to become confident mathematicians.  Our curriculum is designed with the most vulnerable children at the heart.  It is progressive and structured around the small steps outlined in the GLF Maths Curriculum and NCETM Spines.  This ensures every child is guided towards mastery in mathematics, laying a strong foundation for future learning.

Curriculum Intent

Our mathematics curriculum is designed to enable all children to develop confidence in using mathematical tools and solve challenges independently.  By focusing on small steps, we strengthen children's mathematical foundations, helping them build upon prior knowledge and grow in confidence.  Our approach empowers children to apply problem-solving skills in real-life situations, fostering a love for mathematics.

Curriculum Implementation

Children make connections between mathematical concepts and other areas of the curriculum, developing a deeper understanding.  We use a Concrete, Pictorial, Abstract (CPA) approach, employing a range of manipulatives and representations to reinforce learning.  Our curriculum is tailored to meet the needs of each cohort, ensuring no child is left behind.

Oracy is at the heart of our ethos, with explicit teaching of mathematical vocabulary and opportunities for children to verbalise their thinking.  Stem sentences scaffold whole-class discussions and partner talk, promoting inclusivity and ensuring every child has a voice in their learning.

Through our collaboration with Surrey Maths Hub, we further strengthen our Teaching for Mastery approach, providing opportunities for teachers to collaborate with other schools and enhance the quality of maths education at Pine Ridge and Lorraine.

Early Maths

Children in our Nursery and Reception classrooms engage with mathematics daily, both through their broader environment and teacher-led activities.  Our Early Years classrooms are rich in mathematical experiences, with numeracy integrated throughout the day, from story times to numbered labels that support tidying up, as well as various resources in each area of our indoor and outdoor classrooms.  Alongside these continuous and progressive mathematical opportunities, Reception children also take part in daily mathematics lessons that focus on developing factual fluency and mathematical language whilst our youngest children in nursery focus on one mathematical concept a week.

Key Stage 1

In KS1, children follow the GLF Maths curriculum, utilising NCETM materials to develop a deep understanding of mathematical concepts.  Year 1 and Year 2 children participate in daily 15-minute Mastering Number lessons, which focus on building fluency and understanding of number facts.  Known as the "Phonics of Maths," these lessons are critical in helping children master number facts, which are essential for solving more complex problems efficiently.

What a typical lesson looks like

In Reception, Year 1, and Year 2, pupils receive explicit teaching of number facts to enhance fluency, recall, and understanding.  Every child actively participates in daily maths lessons, using manipulatives and sharing ideas to deepen their understanding.  In Early Years, play-based activities support the development of early mathematical concepts, with the classroom environment serving as an additional “third teacher.”

Teachers employ a “ping pong” or “teach task” approach, providing on-the-spot feedback and individualised support to ensure every child is actively engaged in their learning.

Teaching and Learning

• Whole class maths lessons are delivered daily in both EYFS and KS1, following the GLF curriculum.

• KS1 students participate in a daily 15-minute Mastering Number lesson to develop fluency and number fact understanding.

• Classrooms are equipped with a well-maintained selection of resources, reviewed regularly to support diverse representations of learning through the CPA approach.

• By the end of KS1, students RAG (Red, Amber, Green) rate their work in the final five minutes of each lesson, promoting ownership and helping teachers gauge understanding.

• Teachers participate in ongoing professional development to ensure high-quality lesson delivery and effective interventions.

SEND and Inclusion

At Pine Ridge and Lorraine, we take pride in fostering an inclusive environment where all children are supported to succeed.  Our curriculum is designed to be adaptable, ensuring each child can access the content.  Manipulatives, visual representations, and scaffolded tasks are employed to create a personalised learning experience.  Small group interventions provide additional support, enabling children to keep up with their peers, rather than needing to catch up.  Teachers work closely with the inclusion team to ensure all learners are fully supported and ready for their next stage of learning.

How can I support my child in Maths?

• Point out maths in everyday life: Go on a number hunt when you're out and about or explore different recipes in the kitchen at meal times.
• Share Numberblock episodes: Discuss the maths concepts you notice.
• Talk about the weather: Use the opportunity to discuss measurements and patterns.
• Read stories: Focus on identifying shapes, space, and position in the story.

By incorporating these simple activities into daily life, you can help reinforce the mathematical skills your child is developing in school.