In the early years, maths is not about formal instruction or worksheets. It’s about curiosity, exploration and building confidence through everyday play and interactions.
Yet many early years practitioners report that maths is one of the areas they feel least confident teaching. Knowing how to recognise mathematical moments, extend learning through play and use the right language can feel challenging without the right support. This is where the Maths Champions programme makes a meaningful difference.
Delivered by the National Day Nurseries Association, Maths Champions is a research-informed professional development programme designed specifically for early years settings. It supports practitioners to build confidence, strengthen knowledge and embed high-quality maths practice across their setting in ways that are practical, achievable and sustainable. The programme is fully funded and free for eligible settings in England, making it an accessible opportunity for those looking to enhance early maths provision.
More information about the programme is available here.
Maths Champions is grounded in robust research and has been independently evaluated with funding from the Department for Education. Evidence from the evaluation shows that children in participating settings make up to three months’ additional progress in maths and language development compared with their peers. Children from disadvantaged backgrounds can make up to six months’ additional progress. Practitioners also report increased confidence and improved understanding of early mathematical development.
These findings highlight the value of investing in early maths and demonstrate how targeted, high-quality professional development can improve outcomes for both children and staff. For eligible settings in England, this high-impact programme is free, providing an exceptional opportunity to develop staff and support children without additional cost.
The programme is open to early years settings in England, including private, voluntary and independent nurseries, nursery schools, preschools and school-based nurseries working with three- and four-year-olds. Each setting nominates a Maths Champion and a Deputy Maths Champion, both holding at least a Level 3 qualification. These practitioners lead the programme within their setting and support colleagues to reflect on and strengthen practice.
Settings do not need to be NDNA members to take part. Places for eligible settings in England are fully funded and free, making it straightforward for settings to participate. Paid options are also available for settings that are not eligible for funding but still wish to join.
Further details can be found here.
The programme runs over 12 months and is designed to fit around the realities of early years practice. Training is delivered online through a series of short modules that focus on early maths development, practitioner confidence and effective coaching. Settings complete reflective audits and reviews of their learning environment to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
Champions are supported to introduce a set of core play-based maths activities that can be embedded naturally into everyday routines. A comprehensive resource library provides planning tools, downloadable materials and research summaries, while live webinars and access to early years advisers offer ongoing guidance and support. Opportunities to connect with other Maths Champions allow practitioners to share ideas and learn from peers.
More information about programme content is available here.
Interest in the Maths Champions programme is strong, with over 50% of funded places already taken. Early years settings across England are recognising the value of accessing evidence-based maths training that improves staff confidence and enhances learning experiences for children.
With over half of the places already allocated, this is an ideal time for settings to explore joining the programme. For eligible settings, it remains free and fully funded, offering a valuable opportunity to develop practice and benefit from expert support.
Feedback from participating settings highlights the real impact of the programme on practice and confidence. One lead practitioner shared that Maths Champions completely changed how the team viewed early maths, explaining that maths is now part of everything they do rather than something planned separately. Another practitioner commented that the reflective audits helped them recognise existing strengths while identifying small changes that made a big difference to children’s engagement.
A Deputy Maths Champion described how the ongoing support built confidence, saying that children now use maths language spontaneously during play and parents regularly comment on the simple maths ideas they enjoy trying at home.
Many early years teams report that maths anxiety can affect both practitioners and families. Maths Champions addresses this by reframing maths as an everyday experience rather than a standalone subject. Practitioners learn to notice and extend mathematical thinking during play, routines and conversations, helping children build confidence and positive attitudes towards maths from an early age.
By supporting individual Champions and encouraging whole-team reflection, the programme helps create a consistent and confident approach to early maths across the setting. For eligible settings in England, this impact is available at no cost, making it an accessible and practical solution for quality improvement.
The next phase of Maths Champions delivery begins in early 2026, with cohorts running from February to June. Settings interested in taking part are encouraged to find out more and register their interest, particularly while demand remains strong and more than half of the funded places have already been claimed.
To learn more or register your interest, visit the NDNA website.
Maths Champions is a confidence-building, evidence-based programme that empowers early years practitioners to make maths meaningful, engaging and inclusive. By strengthening practice and supporting professional development, it helps lay strong foundations for children’s learning and long-term success. For eligible settings in England, it is fully funded and free, providing an outstanding opportunity to develop staff, enhance practice and improve outcomes for children.
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