At Dallington, we want every child to enjoy numeracy. We believe that numeracy is about more than learning numbers, it’s about developing a love for problem-solving, building confidence, and understanding the world around us through mathematical thinking. Our approach is child-centred, ensuring that numeracy becomes a natural and enjoyable part of each child’s education.
Our Approach to Numeracy in Primary Education
We focus on depth rather than speed. By allowing children to engage deeply with numeracy concepts at their own pace, we ensure they build a solid foundation of understanding. This personalised approach encourages every child to feel confident and capable, ensuring they enjoy their learning journey. Children who need more time to grasp a concept are fully supported, leading to greater progress and a deeper connection with the material.
EYFS – Foundation of Curiosity
In our Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), numeracy is introduced through engaging, hands-on activities that are closely linked to other areas of learning. Children explore numbers and patterns in everyday activities such as counting, sorting, matching, and working with shapes. They also begin to explore concepts of space, measurement, and patterns through practical activities like cooking, building with blocks, and exploring the world around them. These activities set the stage for future learning by showing children that numeracy is part of their everyday lives.
Years 1 & 2 – Building Confidence and Skills
As children progress into Years 1 and 2, our focus is on developing both their understanding and application of numeracy skills in a variety of contexts. They learn about numbers, measurement, space, and problem-solving, using both practical and pictorial methods to represent their thinking. The balance between direct instruction and independent learning gives children the opportunity to explore, make connections, and explain their mathematical thinking. They use hands-on materials like number blocks and coins to develop a deeper understanding before moving to more abstract representations like pictures and numbers.
Years 3-6 – Expanding Mathematical Thinking
In Years 3-6, numeracy becomes more advanced, with children introduced to number relationships, time, money, fractions, and deeper problem-solving. Daily lessons ensure that every child has the chance to explore these areas at their own pace.
For those who are ready, we provide additional challenges to extend their skills, while offering tailored support to those who need it. Students also explore shapes, measurements, and patterns in a range of engaging activities, from everyday problem-solving to more complex investigations. We aim to make numeracy an enjoyable experience, where students feel confident tackling new challenges.
Numeracy Across the Curriculum
Numeracy isn’t confined to just mathematics lessons. It’s woven throughout our entire curriculum helping children see the relevance of numeracy in all aspects of their education. From measuring ingredients in science to exploring shapes in art, numeracy at Dallington is embedded in real-world contexts. This integrated approach ensures that children understand how mathematical thinking supports their overall learning, encouraging them to see numeracy as a valuable skill that extends beyond the classroom.
See Numeracy in Action
The best way to see the benefit to our unique approach at Dallington is to experience is for yourself. Why not book to visit us on one of our open days, or join us for a private tour of the school?
Frequently Asked Questions
How is numeracy integrated across the curriculum?
We weave numeracy into various subjects, from science and art to geography and design, helping children understand how mathematical thinking is used in the real world.
What support is available for children struggling with numeracy?
At Dallington, we provide differentiated learning paths to ensure all children receive the right level of support, with tailored resources to help consolidate their understanding.
How do you ensure numeracy is fun and engaging for children?
Our approach focuses on hands-on, practical activities that make numeracy enjoyable, from cooking lessons to problem-solving games that make learning both fun and purposeful.
Can children progress through numeracy at their own pace?
Yes, we allow children to learn at their own pace, ensuring they build a deep understanding and confidence before moving on to more complex topics.