Maths

Mastering Number

At Fairfield Primary School, we are committed to developing strong mathematical foundations and ensuring that every child develops confidence, fluency and a deep understanding of number. As part of this commitment, all pupils from Reception to Year 5 take part in timetabled Mastering Number sessions four times per week.

Mastering Number is an evidence-informed programme developed through the NCETM (National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics) and is designed to strengthen children's understanding of number, number relationships and mathematical structures. The programme focuses on helping pupils develop secure number sense, enabling them to recall and apply key facts fluently while developing a deeper understanding of how numbers work.

These short, impactful, daily sessions provide regular opportunities for children to explore mathematical concepts through discussion, practical activities, visual representations and mathematical reasoning. Pupils are encouraged to explain their thinking, identify patterns, make connections and develop efficient calculation strategies. Rather than simply learning procedures, children are supported to understand the reasoning behind them, helping them become confident and flexible mathematicians.

A key strength of Mastering Number is its focus on developing automaticity and fluency. Children learn to recognise number relationships quickly and accurately, allowing them to devote more cognitive energy to problem solving and higher-level mathematical thinking as they progress through the curriculum. The programme places particular emphasis on developing a secure understanding of:

• Number composition and decomposition
• Subitising (recognising quantities without counting)
• Addition and subtraction facts
• Number bonds
• Place value understanding
• Multiplication and division relationships
• Mathematical reasoning and explanation

All teaching staff have received specialist training and coaching to ensure that Mastering Number is delivered consistently and effectively across the school. This shared approach means that children experience a coherent progression in their learning as they move through year groups, with staff using common mathematical language, representations and strategies to support understanding.

We have seen the significant impact that Mastering Number has on pupils' mathematical development. The programme helps children build confidence, improve fluency and develop a deeper conceptual understanding of mathematics. It supports learners of all abilities by strengthening core knowledge and ensuring that pupils have the secure foundations required to succeed in all areas of mathematics.

By embedding Mastering Number into our regular practice, we aim to develop children who are confident, resilient and enthusiastic mathematicians, equipped with the knowledge and understanding needed to achieve success both in school and beyond.

Times Tables

At Fairfield Primary School, we understand and emphasise the importance of the mental recall of Times Tables facts, in order to apply these across all aspects of Mathematics, as well as being a vital life-long skill. Like all areas of our curriculum, we deliver the teaching of times tables in a fun, creative and engaging manner. In our dedicated daily Times Tables sessions, we teach Times Tables in a variety of ways, including chanting, singing, playing games, including ICT games, as well as more traditional ‘quizzes.’ We also maximise opportunities to utilise our grounds, and have regular ‘tables trails’ and active Times Tables sessions.

All children in Year 4 undertake a statutory assessment, the ‘Multiplication Tables Check’ (MTC). This is an online assessment, which takes place during the summer term, and consists of 25 questions. The children are given 6 seconds to answer a question, and all tables facts are assessed, up to 12 x 12. We prepare the children for this, through their daily Times Tables sessions, and giving them regular practise on an online programme which closely matches the assessment which they will undertake. All children have log-ins to ‘Times Tables Rockstars’ so that parents/carers can support their children at home.

Our Overview for Times Table Teaching

Each year, we host a parent/guardian information evening and workshop in relation to the Multiplication Check. 

Working with the Maths Hub

At Fairfield Primary School, we are proud to work closely with the Maths Hub and fully embrace the principles of Teaching for Mastery. This partnership ensures that our pupils benefit from the very latest research, best practice and professional expertise in mathematics education.

We are particularly proud that Mrs. C. Taylor is a Primary Mastery Specialist, a recognised role that involves supporting and developing mathematics teaching across a number of schools. Through this work, Mrs. Taylor collaborates with colleagues beyond Fairfield, sharing effective practice, modelling high-quality mathematics teaching and supporting other schools on their mastery journey.

As a recognised example of strong mathematical practice, Fairfield regularly hosts Maths Hub workshops, open classrooms and professional development events, welcoming teachers and leaders from other schools to observe teaching, share ideas and learn from our approach to mathematics. These opportunities celebrate the excellent practice within our school while also strengthening collaboration across the wider educational community.

Through our involvement with the Maths Hub, all of our teaching staff benefit from regular, high-quality continuing professional development (CPD) throughout the year. Teachers engage in ongoing training, research projects, collaborative planning and professional discussions focused on the most effective approaches to mathematics teaching and learning. This commitment to professional development ensures that classroom practice remains current, evidence-informed and highly effective.

Ultimately, our strong relationship with the Maths Hub helps us to continually refine and strengthen our mathematics provision, ensuring that every child receives high-quality teaching that develops confidence, fluency, reasoning and a deep understanding of mathematical concepts. By investing in both staff development and collaborative working, we are able to provide the very best mathematical experiences and outcomes for our pupils.

Subject Enrichment

In line with our school vision, we are committed to promoting a love of mathematics beyond the daily Maths lesson. Our Maths enrichment opportunities are designed to show children that mathematics is a fascinating, creative and essential subject that shapes the world around us.

Throughout the year, pupils participate in a range of enrichment activities, including the NSPCC Number Day, which celebrates the importance of mathematics through engaging challenges, investigations and problem-solving activities. Children are encouraged to apply their mathematical thinking in fun and practical contexts, helping to build enthusiasm and confidence in the subject.

To develop pupils' understanding of the history and significance of mathematics, each year group studies a significant mathematician as part of their learning. Through these studies, children learn about the achievements and contributions of influential mathematicians from a variety of backgrounds and time periods, gaining an appreciation of how mathematics has shaped modern life and continues to influence the world today.