At Wootton Bassett Infants’ School we deliver mathematics through the National Curriculum Objectives for years one and two. In EYFS (reception) we deliver mathematics through Development Matters and the Early Learning Goals.  The primary aim is to deliver a curriculum that not only develops mathematical understanding but also develops and nurtures the love of maths

This is achieved by ensuring lessons are practical, purposeful, differentiated and fun. We follow the National Centre for Excellence in Teaching of Mathematics (NCETM) programme for maths teaching in all year groups.  encouraged for all class teachers. We follow the mastery approach and use stem sentences, Key Instant Recall Facts (KIRFs) with the use of manipulatives (practical resources). 

In our school we follow the Maths fluency programme from the NCETM. This is a short session where children consolidate their number skills using manipulatives to demonstrate fluency in calculation and a confidence and flexibility with number.  

In our reception classes the children follow the NCETM maths fluency programme for EYFS as their main maths lessons and in Key Stage 1 the children have an extra maths fluency session in the afternoon in addition to their maths lessons, which are taught in year groups.

Manipulatives (practical resources)

There are a wide range of resources within the school to support every aspects of maths learning.  These are used by all children in the class, not just those who need additional help with maths.  We recognise that it is beneficial for all children to use these manipulatives to aid their mathematical understanding.  These can include:

Each classroom has a maths working wall or display which supports the children's learning. Every class uses stem sentences to respond to mathematical questions, these are progressive across the school. Such as ‘I think the answer is … because ….’.  The children are encouraged to answer questions in full sentences to explain their reasoning. This not only helps their vocabulary, but it can aid the understanding of others.  

At Wootton Basset Infant School we recognise that the outdoors provides lots of opportunities for mathematical learning and so each class has regular maths lessons or activities outside.  This can enable our teachers to provide a more physical maths lesson or for the children to have more freedom and space to use for example, loose parts in their mathematical learning.

Each class will also have opportunities for maths learning within their busy time.  This purposeful play allows children to reflect and consolidate upon recent learning and experiment and explore mathematical concepts and ideas.  The role play area for example can give them opportunities to apply mathematics to ‘real life’ situations such as shopping, sharing and even making a phone call!  

Mastering Numbers - Reception Overview

Mastering Numbers - Year 1 Overview

Mastering Numbers - Year 2 Overview

Curriculum Map - Year 1

Curriculum Map - Year 2

Vocabulary Progression

An introduction to Key Instant Recall Facts (KIRFs)

KIRFs (Key Instant Recall Facts) are designed to support the development of the mental skills that underpin much of the maths work in schools. They are particularly useful when calculating, be it adding, subtracting, multiplying or dividing.

It is important that they know these facts thoroughly and can recall them instantly. Whilst children have a wide range of abilities in mathematics, the KIRFs are designed to be a set of facts that need to be learnt thoroughly as they build on each other year on year. Again, we stress that the children must aim to know their KIRFs inside out, back to front and with instant recall.

We would like to encourage you to engage with your children in the learning of their KIRFs and find fun and practical ways to do this.  You might find that your child may need to work on some of the KIRFs from the previous year as they may not be secure in those yet. 

Reception Autumn

Year 1 Autumn

Year 2 Autumn

We would like to encourage you to engage with your children in the learning of their KIRFs and find fun and practical ways to do this. There are many online tools that you can use Daily ten and Hit the button which can both be found through these weblinks.

https://www.topmarks.co.uk/maths-games/daily10

https://www.topmarks.co.uk/maths-games/hit-the-button

Children should undertake these regularly as part of their weekly routine. You might find that your child may need to work on some of the KIRFs from the previous year as they may not be secure in those yet.

We know that, by internalising these key facts which have been carefully structured to build upon each other term by term, year by year, children will leave Wootton Bassett Infants’ with a much stronger foundation of mathematical understanding to build upon.

Should you have any questions about the KIRFs programme, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s class teacher or Mrs Hughes/Mrs Smith (Maths Curriculum Leads)

For information regarding Doodle Maths please see here: Maths