Subject Leader: Mr Nordon

At Cheetwood Primary School, we believe that maths gives children the tools they need to succeed, both in school and in everyday life. We want our pupils to enjoy maths, feel confident when tackling challenges and develop curiosity about how numbers and patterns shape the world around them.

Our Maths curriculum is focused on three key areas:

• Fluency: becoming quick and confident with numbers and calculations
• Reasoning: explaining ideas clearly and spotting patterns or relationships
• Problem Solving: applying maths to real-life situations and unfamiliar challenges

We aim to develop children who are resilient, independent and agile thinkers who are not afraid to try, make mistakes and learn from them.

Our curriculum is carefully planned in line with national guidance, including the EYFS Statutory Framework, Development Matters and the National Curriculum for Maths.

National expectations for maths ensure that pupils:

• Build a secure understanding of number through regular practice
• Use mathematical language to explain their thinking
• Break down problems into manageable steps and persevere when solutions are not obvious

At Cheetwood, our teaching is supported by the White Rose Maths approach. This provides a clear and carefully sequenced journey through mathematical concepts, taught in small steps, so children develop deep understanding and strong connections between ideas.

We place a strong emphasis on number knowledge and use a concrete – pictorial – abstract approach. This means children may:

• Handle practical equipment
• Look at pictures and diagrams
• Move on to numbers and symbols

This helps all our children access maths and build confidence. Teachers consistently model mathematical vocabulary, so children can explain their thinking clearly.

To deliver high-quality maths lessons, we:

• Invest in staff training so teachers have strong subject knowledge
• Plan lessons carefully so learning builds from year to year
• Break topics into manageable steps that develop understanding over time

Teachers regularly review the curriculum to make sure it meets pupils’ needs and ensures clear progression. Where necessary, lessons and plans are adapted so every child is supported and challenged.

Children practise new skills, and record their thinking in their maths books. They are encouraged to explain answers, reason clearly and solve problems in different ways.

Across the school, pupils are taught important mathematical vocabulary, which grows year by year. We expect children to develop key mathematical habits, including:

• Recalling number facts quickly
• Explaining their reasoning
• Using mathematical language to justify answers
• Solving a range of problems
• Showing resilience when work is tricky
• Applying maths to real-life situations
• Understanding why maths matters in daily life

Teachers carefully plan lessons to help knowledge stick in pupils’ long-term memory. During lessons, they continually check understanding, address misconceptions and adapt teaching where needed. Assessment is used to guide learning and ensure every child makes progress.

We measure the success of our Maths curriculum through regular assessments, classwork and pupils’ explanations of their learning. These help teachers identify strengths, support pupils who need extra help and ensure that all children, including those with additional needs, are thriving.

Because our curriculum is well-sequenced and progressive:

• Pupils gain strong mathematical understanding
• Their work in books and practical activities shows clear development
• Children are well prepared for the next stage of their learning
• Pupils remember more as they move through the school

At Cheetwood Primary School, we are proud that our approach to maths helps children grow into confident, capable learners who are ready for the future.