By Amy Macinnes
Amy is Elevate’s Early Years Learning Lead in Maths and will soon be offering some CPD and bespoke support as part of her role.
Maths is magical. Maths is mighty. Maths can also feel a little mystifying. That’s exactly why this series exists — to gently unpick maths anxiety, challenge common misconceptions, explore key mathematical ideas, and share simple language and everyday activities you can use to bring maths to life in your setting.
But before we dive in, pause for a moment and ask yourself: What feelings come up when you hear the word maths? What about the educators you work with? And how do you think the children and families in your setting would respond?
These reflections matter. The Early Years Child Development Training Maths Module (Department for Education) highlights a powerful truth:
“It is important to recognise that all children (and all adults) are mathematical and use mathematics every day. You should view all children as being capable of learning mathematics, regardless of their individual starting point.”
Maths is everywhere - Even when we don’t notice
Whether we realise it or not, maths quietly threads through our daily lives. We estimate shopping totals, measure ingredients, work out journey times, tap our feet to a beat, or judge how long a task might take. Maths is right there with us.
In Early Years settings, it’s woven into every moment, such as:
- counting pieces of snack
- pouring drinks
- anticipating changes in routine
- joining train tracks
- building towers
- comparing sizes
- singing number rhymes
Children are already mathematical — our role is to help them recognise it.
Understanding Maths Anxiety
Of course, not everyone feels comfortable with maths. Many adults carry memories of stressful lessons, unhelpful comparisons, or the belief that they’re “not a maths person”. These experiences shape how we teach, talk about, and model maths to children.
Maths anxiety is real, and it affects both children and adults. As described by the Centre for Neuroscience in Education at the University of Cambridge:
“Mathematics anxiety… is a negative emotional reaction to mathematics, which can interfere with the ability to perform mathematical tasks.”
It can show up emotionally (worry, tension, frustration), physically (racing heart, butterflies), or behaviourally (avoidance, misbehaving, disengaging).
And the impact can be lifelong — influencing employment, confidence, health, and even financial stability.
The Good News: Maths anxiety can be overcome
National Numeracy highlights five simple but powerful steps to begin shifting attitudes:
- Talk about your feelings about maths
- Challenge your own beliefs
- Try not to compare yourself to others
- Reduce pressure
- Set realistic goals
These small changes can transform how adults feel about maths — and that transformation directly benefits children. When educators and families model curiosity, positivity and resilience, children absorb those attitudes too.
Recognising that maths really is everywhere is a wonderful place to start.
Join us on This Journey
Throughout our Maths is Magical series, we’ll explore the skills that children will develop when learning mathematics, as well as practical ways to nurture mathematical thinking, build confidence, and celebrate the maths that already exists in your setting.
Keep your eyes peeled for further CPD opportunities to develop your knowledge, understanding and confidence in teaching maths, including bespoke setting visits. We will send our further information via our mailing list.
Further resources/reading
If you’d like to learn more about National Numeracy’s mission and resources, you can explore their work here: About us | National Numeracy
Complete some self study on mathematics by completing this Department for Education Module: Early years child development training : Mathematics
Follow up the research undertaken by The University of Cambridge on maths anxiety in primary and secondary pupils: Understanding Mathematics Anxiety: Investigating the experiences of UK primary and secondary school students