Welcome to Mathematics at Lainesmead Primary School and Nursery

Our Vision for Maths

We want every child to feel successful in maths. Our curriculum is carefully planned to make learning clear, enjoyable and meaningful. We focus on three key aims:

• Fluency: Building strong number knowledge and quick recall of facts
• Reasoning: Explaining ideas and using precise mathematical language
• Problem-solving: Applying maths to real-life situations and challenges

Mistakes are seen as learning opportunities: depth of understanding is always prioritised over speed.

Our most recent Challenge Partners Review recognised this shared belief in success for all, noting that “classrooms are calm and all children ready to learn.” Reviewers praised the school’s “clear, cohesive and shared vision” and the strong sense of purpose across teaching and leadership in mathematics.

What Maths Looks Like at Lainesmead

Our lessons follow a clear and consistent structure:

• Flashback 4: A quick daily task to revisit previous learning and strengthen memory
• Learning question: What we’re exploring today, linked to real-life examples
• Key vocabulary: Introduced and used throughout the lesson
• I do, We do, You do: Modelling, guided practice and independent work
• Unlock Challenge: A deeper-thinking task to stretch understanding

“We don’t just say the answer — we explain how we know it.” – Year 3 pupil

“The Unlock Challenge makes me think hard but it feels great when I solve it!” – Year 3 pupil

This approach was praised in our recent review, which observed that “a clear ‘I do, We do, You Do’ structure allows all pupils to make progress within lessons” and that “teachers made clear links to real-life learning, helping children understand how these skills apply in later life.”

We use visual tools like rekenreks (counting frames) and 10-frames to help children see number relationships clearly. Stem sentences and manipulatives support understanding for all learners.

Inclusive and Supportive

Every child can access and succeed in maths. Lessons are adapted to provide the right level of challenge and our inclusive approach ensures all learners feel confident and engaged.

This inclusive practice was also highlighted in our recent review: “Teachers create stimulating and supportive classroom environments, with visual resources and working walls used effectively to help all pupils access learning.”

Building Strong Foundations

Alongside high-quality daily lessons, we build secure number understanding through two key programmes:

• Mastering Number: From Reception to Year 5, short sessions build number sense and confidence with addition, subtraction and later multiplication
• Times Tables Progression: From Year 2 to Year 4, pupils practise multiplication and division facts daily, supported by TT Rock Stars and weekly checks

“TT Rock Stars makes times tables really fun — I’m getting faster every week!” – Year 4 pupil

These programmes develop automaticity – quick and effortless recall of number facts – so children can focus on problem-solving and reasoning.

Monitoring and Improving

We regularly review maths teaching through learning walks, pupil voice and book looks. Assessment data is checked each term to spot gaps and plan support. Moderation ensures consistency across year groups.

These reflections help us celebrate strengths, share effective practice and plan next steps to keep raising standards in maths, in line with our School Development Plan priorities.

Supporting Maths at Home

Families play a big role in building confidence. Everyday activities such as cooking, shopping or talking about time help children see how maths connects to real life.

Children use platforms such as Times Tables Rock Stars, DoodleMaths and DoodleTables to make practice fun and focused.

“When I get an answer wrong, I can try again and talk about what happened. That helps me learn.” – Year 2 pupil

Before the Multiplication Tables Check (MTC), we run parent workshops with tips and resources. Encouraging children to explain their thinking out loud at home is another great way to deepen understanding.

We’d Love to Hear From You

If you’d like to find out more about maths at Lainesmead, or would like any support, please contact the school office and ask for the Maths Lead — we’d be delighted to help.