Maths Champions is an online professional development programme with 12 months access developed by the National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA).
The programme consists of nine steps, which can be completed flexibly around your schedule.
The aim of the programme is to increase practitioner knowledge, awareness and confidence in supporting early mathematics in order to improve outcomes for children. Participating nurseries will nominate a Maths Champion and Deputy Maths Champion who will lead the programme, supporting and driving improvement.
We are currently taking expressions of interest from nurseries and schools* to take part in Maths Champions in 2026, at no cost to settings, with cohorts starting delivery in February, March, April, May and June 2026.
*Unfortunately, childminders are currently not eligible to apply for Maths Champions.
Programme Overview
As an NDNA Maths Champion, you will support your team to evaluate and develop their knowledge, understanding and practice in relation to early years’ mathematics, in order to increase their confidence in supporting and teaching children in this area.
You will support staff to develop an enabling environment, resulting in high-quality maths experiences being available throughout the day, providing children with the best possible start in their mathematical development.
The programme includes two online training courses specifically created by Dr Sue Gifford for the Maths Champions Programme. These cover the key aspects of maths in the early years, including priorities, predictors from research, the progression of big ideas in early number sense, and the key aspects of shape, space and measures.
You will also explore developmentally appropriate teaching approaches and investigate different methods for observing, assessing and planning for maths across the different ages of children in the setting.
Proven Impact
The Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) evaluation report found that:
- Children in Maths Champions settings made, on average, the equivalent of three months’ additional progress in maths and language attainment compared to a control group.
- Children eligible for Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP) made, on average, the equivalent of six months’ additional progress in maths attainment.
- Maths Champions received the EEF’s highest possible security rating for the strength of the evidence and the low cost to settings.
NDNA's own research found that:
- 100% of settings said that their knowledge of supporting children’s mathematical development improved during the
course of the programme. - 100% of settings said that the programme had a beneficial impact on the staff in their setting.
- 95% of settings said the programme was good value for money.
- 95% of settings would recommend the programme to others.
Programme Support
You will receive ongoing support throughout the 12 months on the programme through:
- An initial live induction to take you through the programme steps and how to log in with an opportunity for questions.
- Monthly one-to-one support to discuss your progress, any obstacles and any further support we can offer.
- Regular live webinars on emerging topics with opportunities to network and ask questions.
You can also gain access to an extensive Resource Bank with hundreds of additional activities, handouts and useful links.
Further Information
If you would like to find out more about the Maths Champions programme, we have added some useful documents below which you can download, including:
- General information leaflet
- Recruitment process information
- FAQs
Join a Live Information Session
NDNA are hosting a series of short, engaging online sessions where they’ll guide you through how the Maths Champions programme can boost children’s mathematics outcomes.
Sessions are available at various times throughout November and December 2025.
How to Register Your Interest
If you'd like to sign up to the programme and are based within the East Midlands Early Years SPH reach areas (Leicester, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, North and West Northamptonshire, and Rutland), please scan the QR code in the image below or fill out the expression of interest form here or hit the 'Register Your Interest' button at the top of this page!
