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.

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.

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 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?

Specialist Knowledge for Teaching Mathematics (SKTM)- Reception Teachers is fully funded by the Maths Hubs Programme and is free to  state-funded schools.

Find further information about this programme on the NCETM website here.

Apply for SKTM- Reception Teachers here.