Best Start in Life
As part of the Best Start in Life strategy, 2026/27 sees the SKTM (Reception teachers and accompanying Teaching Assistants) Programme replace the previous SKTM for Early Years.
This programme will bring together the previous two pathways for Number and Spatial Reasoning in a one-year programme.
Who can take part?
This programme is for Reception teachers who would like to develop their specialist knowledge for teaching maths. It would be particularly valuable for a Reception teacher and their teaching assistant colleague to attend the programme together.
What is involved?
This one-year programme supports Reception teachers to develop specialist knowledge for teaching maths, and use a teaching for mastery approach as exemplified in the NCETM’s The Essence of Mathematics Teaching for Mastery.
It will enable participants to explore number, shape, space and pattern. Reception teachers (and teaching assistants) will also explore how children’s learning in all these areas can be supported through the development of oracy, spatial reasoning and executive function.
This programme consists of five days of facilitated learning spread across the academic year:
- hub-led core sessions (the equivalent of four days)
- NCETM-led asynchronous modules (the equivalent of one day)
Participants will attend the hub-led days, in which they will develop their specialist knowledge. They will work collaboratively to consider the progress and difficulties relating to specific aspects of maths and how teaching for mastery support children in Reception. Between these days participants will reflect on learning and notice the impact of the changes in their practice on their pupils. They will also complete an asynchronous module between each hub-led day to build on their knowledge and understanding.
What will you learn?
- Your pupils will be able to communicate their maths and mathematical thinking
- You will explore and increase your use of a range of pedagogic approaches that will support pupils in engaging with and developing their maths
- You will understand how maths opportunities can be developed across all areas and in everyday routines
What is the cost?
The SKTM (Reception Teachers and accompanying Teaching Assistants) Programme is fully funded by the Maths Hubs Programme so is provided free to state-funded participating schools.
Next Steps
Register your interest now for priority application.