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.
Nine Steps to Success
The Maths Champions programme contains nine steps for you to work through during your enrolment.
Step 1: Initial Tasks
This section includes important information about the programme and what is expected throughout. It also allows us to get to
know you better.
Step 2: Reflective Learning Journal
This section contains an optional learning journal that you can use throughout the programme to record your reflections, training, development plans and achievements.
Step 3: Online Training
This section contains three bespoke online training courses designed to enhance and consolidate your current knowledge and support staff and children to improve outcomes.
Step 4: Children’s Observational Assessment
This section contains a tracking tool to record the impact of changes made throughout the programme on a chosen sample of children.
Step 5: Audits
This section contains a learning environment and staff confidence audit tool to help you evaluate your current practice and identify areas for improvement that you can focus on.
Step 6: Action Plans
This section contains action plan templates allowing you to record key priorities identified in the audits. These can be used
throughout the programme to improve practice and record your achievements.
Step 7: Core Activities
This section contains core play-based activities to be carried out with children in your setting. The aim of these are to increase staff’s understanding and confidence and to benefit children’s attainment through every day activities.
Step 8: Measuring Impact
This section requires you to revisit the tracking tool in step four and the audits and action plans in steps five and six to identify the areas where you have made improvements and evaluate the impact of this, and overall success of the programme.
Step 9: Case Study
This section contains a case study for you to complete, focusing on an area that you have been developing throughout the programme. This is your opportunity to share the success you have had.
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 January and February 2026.
How to Register Your Interest
If you'd like to sign up to the programme and are based within the HEART Midlands Early Years SPH reach areas (Birmingham, Coventry, Herefordshire, Solihull, Warwickshire, Worcestershire), 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!
