At Northlands Primary School and Nursery we deliver the main aims of the National Curriculum:

- To become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics,

- To reason mathematically,

- To solve problems.

We do this by planning and teaching exciting lessons. This gives our children opportunities to practise their arithmetic skills to build their fluency and offers interesting problems and probing questions to develop their reasoning. Children are given time to work practically with a range of resources to lay the foundations of their mathematical understanding, as well as time to discuss problems and develop a rich mathematical vocabulary.

We use a Maths scheme developed by the White Rose Maths Hub for Reception through to Year 6. This scheme helps us to deliver a mastery approach to teaching Maths and has teaching ideas for fluency, reasoning and problem solving.

Our children have a fantastic attitude towards Maths and many consider it their favourite subject!

Using the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage and the Programmes of Study from the National Curriculum it is our aim to develop:
A positive attitude towards maths through active engagement and to inspire a lifelong interest in the subject;
Competence and confidence in mathematical knowledge, concepts and skills in order to “become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics”;

An ability to “reason mathematically” using appropriate mathematical language;
An ability to “solve problems by applying their mathematics” including thinking logically and working systematically and accurately on a range of problems;
An ability to work both independently and in cooperation with others;
An ability to use and apply mathematics across the curriculum and to recognise its relevance in real life situations;
Consistency across the key stages and within year groups.

Through careful planning and preparation we aim to ensure that throughout the school, children are given opportunities for:

• Practical activities and mathematical games;
• Using maths in everyday contexts, so that children can see the relevance of maths in the wider world;
• Problem solving and discussion of their methods and findings using appropriate mathematical language;
• Individual, group and whole class discussions and activities;
• Open and closed tasks;
• Development of children’s ability to select appropriate processes to solve problems;
• A range of methods of calculating e.g. mental, pencil and paper and using a calculator and other practical resources, as appropriate;
• Working with ICT to enhance teaching and learning.

In the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) the Mathematical Development programme of Development Matters is used to build on the skills the children bring with them from home. The children are supported in developing their understanding by allowing them to explore, enjoy, learn, practise and talk about what they are doing. They are provided with opportunities to practise and extend their skills to gain confidence and competence in their use. Planning is topic-based, linked to Early Learning Goals, within which there is a balance of child-led and adult directed activities.

In Key Stage 1 (KS1) and Key Stage 2 (KS2), teachers plan and teach using the National Curriculum 2014 – Mathematics Programme of Study, which sets the expectations for the end of each academic year. The Mathematics Curriculum is delivered through daily maths lessons and, where appropriate, effective mathematical links are made within other curriculum areas, including Computing (ICT). In addition, Mental and Oral sessions are delivered either as part of the main lesson or as a separate, discrete session.