Maths Small-Group Session Bank Practitioner FAQs | Preschool 3-4 Years

Home › EYFS Curriculum & Pedagogy › Preschool Curriculum & Pedagogy

FAQs - Preschool Maths Small-Group Session Bank | 3-4 Years

Supporting Consistent, High-Quality Early Maths Practice Across Your Setting

Find answers to our Preschool Maths Session Bank Frequently Asked Questions below:

• What is the Maths Small-Group Session Bank?

  A sequenced set of 24 short, playful maths sessions designed for 3–4-year-olds, aligned to EYFS 2024 and Development Matters.
  Each session takes 5–8 minutes, is practical and hands-on, and complements continuous provision rather than replacing it.

• Do I need to teach the sessions in order?

  Yes, ideally.
  The sequence follows natural developmental progression across six strands.
  However:

  • Sessions can be revisited

  • Children can repeat earlier sessions if needed

  • You can pause or slow down the sequence at any point

  The pack is flexible and designed for mixed readiness.

• How many times per week should I run these sessions?

  Most settings use one session per week, sometimes two.
  The intention is depth over speed.

  Short bursts + rich continuous provision are far more effective than formal daily maths lessons.

• What group size is recommended?

  Small groups of 4–6 children work best.
  This allows:

  • shared talk

  • modelling vocabulary

  • observing children closely

  • supporting individual needs

  Larger groups reduce the impact.

• How long does each session take?

  Between 5–8 minutes.
  They are intentionally short to suit the attention span of 3–4-year-olds and to keep maths fun.

• Do I need to print anything?

  No.
  The sessions rely on loose parts, everyday objects, and continuous provision materials.
  No worksheets or formal resources are required.

• Are these sessions suitable for non-teachers, apprentices or new practitioners?

  Yes — every session includes:

  • clear adult modelling language

  • simple step-by-step structure

  • adaptation guidance

  • observation prompts

  • continuous provision suggestions

  They are designed to be accessible to all staff.

• How does this link to the 6 main theme packs?

  Each maths strand connects naturally to the themes.

  The sessions strengthen the mathematical learning already present in your curriculum.

• How does this pack support the “3 I’s”?

  Intent

  A clear, progressive maths curriculum built on play, exploration and conceptual understanding.

  Implementation

  Short, consistent small-group sessions + enhanced continuous provision + rich adult modelling.

  Impact

  Children develop:

  • deep number sense

  • spatial reasoning

  • early measure awareness

  • pattern understanding

  • strong mathematical vocabulary

  • confidence and curiosity

  Observational notes help staff notice progress without formal testing.

• Is this approach appropriate for mixed-ability groups?

  Absolutely.
  Sessions include support and challenge pathways, allowing children to:

  • explore at their own pace

  • repeat tasks as needed

  • adapt activities according to interest and readiness

  It is fully inclusive.

• Do we need to record evidence?

  No formal recording is required.
  However, many practitioners choose to use:

  • quick photo snapshots

  • short observation notes

  • examples of children’s creations (patterns, paths, shapes)

  These help track understanding without adding paperwork.

• Will this help with Ofsted?

  Yes — this pack supports:

  • a clear maths curriculum progression

  • staff consistency

  • purposeful adult interactions

  • embedded mathematical thinking

  • evidence of “Intent–Implementation–Impact”

  • meaningful CP enhancements

  • high-quality learning without worksheets

  It demonstrates a considered, developmentally appropriate approach to EYFS maths.

• How does this support children with SEND?

  All sessions include:

  • multi-sensory routes

  • low-verbal and non-verbal access points

  • simple repetition and predictability

  • opportunities for 1:1 modelling

  • structured support and extension

  Sessions emphasise play, exploration and communication, making them highly inclusive.

• Can parents use these ideas at home?

  Yes — a complete Home Learning & Parent Prompt sheet is included, full of simple activities using everyday household items.

Recommended next read Selection

Or read our ‘Little Owls Resources’ Curriculum Intent Statement’

Additional Documents | Professional Membership Contents (Preschool 3-4 Years)

Navigate our Curriculum & Pedagogy guidance documents here.

Pedagogical identity:
Broad, play-based, theme-led curriculum with purposeful adult input and strong continuous provision.

• 1. Welcome to Preschool (Start Here)

  👉 Pre-planning orientation.

  • Preschool Pedagogy Position Statement

  • Preschool Curriculum Overview & Rationale

  • Curriculum Overview: How Themes Fit Together (6 Main + 8 Mini)

  • What Child-Led Does Not Mean

  • Adult-Led With Purpose in Preschool

• 2. Preschool Curriculum & Progression

  👉 Big-picture curriculum intent and progression.

  • Preschool Curriculum Map (By Term)

  • Skills Progression Ladders (3–4 Years) - Including Practitioner Guidance

    ↪ Communication & Language

    ↪ Early Reading (Phase 1 Readiness)

    ↪ Early Writing

    ↪ Early Maths - Subitising, Counting & Comparing

    ↪ Early Maths - Pattern, Shape & Spatial Awareness

    ↪ PSED - Self-Regulation & Relationships

    ↪ Fine Motor & Hand Control

  • Strength-Based Progress Overview

  • Our Preschool Curriculum Intent, Implementation & Impact - OFSTED Conversation Statement

• 3. Preschool Themes & Medium-Term Planning

  👉 Theme-led planning lives here.

  • Curriculum Overview | How Themes Fit Together

  • Preschool Theme Packs – FAQs

  • How Practitioners Use This Curriculum Daily

  Core Preschool Themes (6 Weeks Each)

  • ‍Autumn 1: This Is Me

  • Autumn 2: Who Helps When…?

  • Spring 1: Journeys & Transport

  • Spring 2: Animals & Habitats

  • Summer 1: Growing & Changing

  • Summer 2: Water World

  Optional Mini-Themes (1–2 Weeks)

  • Space

  • Dinosaurs & the Mystery Egg

  • Pets & Vets

  • Building & Construction

  • Traditional Tales

  • Beaches & Coastlines

  • Healthy Bodies & Wellbeing

  • Celebrations Around the World

• 4. Continuous Provision in Preschool

  👉 The engine room of daily practice.

  • Universal Continuous Provision Packs (Preschool | 3–4 Years)

    • Construction Area

    • Small World Area

    • Role-Play Area

    • Writing / Mark-Making Area

    • Maths Area

    • Creative Area (Art & Making)

    • Investigation / STEM / Discovery Area

    • Book Corner / Reading Den

    • Fine Motor Station

    • Water Area

    • Sand Area

    • Snack Area / Independence Station

    • Outdoor Provision Core Zones

      • Physical play

      • Gross motor skills

      • Nature area

      • Outdoor mark-making

      • Outdoor maths

  • Preschool Environment & Provision Map Audit Pack

  • How Continuous Provision Works in Our Preschool Curriculum

  • Continuous Provision Audit Checklist

  • Continuous Provision FAQs (For Preschool Practitioners)

• 5. Adult-Led Teaching & Small Groups

  👉 Purposeful adult input without formalisation.

  Early Reading & Phonics

  • Phonics & Early Reading Pack

  • Phase 1, Vocabulary & Early Comprehension, Curriculum System (24 Sessions)

    • 8 themed sets covering all aspects of Phase 1

    • 24 mini session plans

    • Vocabulary & story-building scaffolds

    • Outdoor phonological play ideas

    • SEND & EAL accessible sessions

    • Theme-linked sessions (Transport, Animals, Growth)

    • Assessment & observation prompts

    • Continuous Provision follow-up suggestions

  • Adult-Led Session Templates

  • Practitioner FAQs

  Maths

  • Maths Small Group Session Bank (24 Sessions)

    • Strand A - Subitising (Sessions 1-4)

    • Strand B - Counting Principles (Sessions 5-8)

    • Strand C - Comparing Quantites (Sessions 9-12)

    • Strand D - Composition of Number (Sessions 13-16)

    • Strand E - Spatial & Shape (Sessions 17-20)

    • Strand F - Measures & Pattern (Sessions 21-24)

  • How To Use Our Maths Session Bank & Strand Overview (A–F)

  • Adult-Led Session Templates

  • Practitioner FAQs

  Writing & Fine Motor

  • Fine Motor & Mark Making Mini Sessions (18)

    • How To Use Our Fine Motor & Mark Making Mini Sessions Bank

    • Strand A - Core & Shoulder Stability (Sessions 1-3)

    • Strand B - Wrist Rotation & Fluidity (Sessions 4-6)

    • Strand C - Pincer, Pinch & Tool Control (Sessions 7-10)

    • Strand D - Early Pattern Making: Pre-Writing Shapes (Sessions 11-18)

  • Early Writing Purpose Mini Sessions (6)

    • How To Use Our Early Writing Purpose Mini Sessions Bank

    • Lists

    • Labels

    • Messages

    • Maps

    • Signs

    • Tickets & Recipes

  • How These Two Session Banks Are Designed To Work Together

• 6. Language, Interaction & Thinking

  👉 High-impact interaction guidance.

  • How We Talk to Children

  • Five Sentence Stems For Preschool Practitioners

  • If Interest Sparks — What Happens Next?

  • Preschool Staff Guidance Posters

• 7. Planning Tools & Templates

  👉 Practical planning support.

  • Weekly Planning Templates (2 Versions)

  • How to Use the Preschool Weekly Planning Templates: Guide

  • Adult-Led Session Planning Templates Pack

    • Universal

    • Phonics / Early Language Focus (Listening → Rhyme → Sound Awareness)

    • Maths Focus (Number + Pattern + Shape + Measure)

    • Story & Book Talk Focus (Comprehension → Retell → Vocabulary → Prediction)

    • PSED / Self-Regulation Small Group

• 8. Observation, Assessment & Reporting

  👉 Proportionate, non-statutory assessment.

  • Observe–Assess–Plan (OAP) Toolkit - Preschool

  • Assessment Dashboard Pack (3 Versions)

    • Prime Areas Only Dashboard (Communication & Language, PSED, Physical)

    • Full EYFS Areas Dashboard (Prime + Specific)

    • Dashboard with Wellbeing & Involvement Scale (Leuven-inspired 1–5 ratings)

  • Progress Review (3–4 Years)

    • Short & Long Versions

    • Guidance - How To Complete And Share With Families

  • Preschool Report Pack

    • End of Term Template

    • End of Year Template

    • Guidance - How To Write Strength-Based Reports

    • Sentence Starters Bank

• 9. Transition to Reception

  👉 Parent Engagement plus Emotional, environmental and communicative transition.

  • Preschool Transition to Reception Pack

    ↪ Child Passport

    ↪ Practitioner-To-Practitioner Handover Summary

    ↪ SEND Transition Sheet

    ↪ Family Transition Summary Sheet

    ↪ Parent Leaflet — “Preparing For Reception”

    ↪ Child Voice Page

    ↪ Guidance Page— “How To Complete & Share Transition Information”

  • Home & Setting Communication

    ↪ Our Preschool Curriculum (Age 3–4) | Parent-Facing Document

    (Additional parent literature within planning documents.)

Additional Whole-Setting Guidance | for Professional Members

Explore our whole-setting guidance below, including overarching curriculum and pedagogy documents, early years schemas and EYFS setting policies.

• Curriculum & Pedagogy

  • Little Owls Resources’ Curriculum Intent Statement

  • EYFS from Birth to 5: Curriculum Coherence & Pedagogical Throughline

  • Whole-Setting Curriculum Map (Birth-5): Curriculum Intent & Progression

  • Pedagogy Guidance Document

  • Speech & Language Development - Setting Statement

  • EYFS Inspection-Facing Summaries

• Early Years Schemas

  Early Years Schemas - Practitioner Toolkit | EYFS Birth-5

  ↪ Schema Cards (definition, behaviours, age-related examples, enabling resources)

  ↪ Schema Observation & Responsive Provision Planning Template

• EYFS Setting Policies

  • EYFS Group Setting Policies Pack

    ↪ x 22 Policy Documents

    ↪ Policy Sign-Off and Confirmation Document

    ↪ EYFS Setting Policy Folder Contents List

  • Childminder Setting Policies Pack

    ↪ x 22 Policy Documents

    ↪ Childminder Assistant or Volunteer Policy Sign-Off and Confirmation Document

    ↪ Childminder Policy Folder Contents List

• EYFS Glossary

  EYFS Glossary

  ↪ Clear, practitioner-friendly explanations of key curriculum and pedagogy terms used throughout our guidance.

Looking for a different age group pathway?

Select the pathway that best reflects your role or the age group you work with. You do not need to use everything. (Some practitioners may use more than one pathway.)

What is Professional Membership?

Find our more about our Professional guidance for confident, reflective EYFS practice (Birth–5)

Latest EYFS Articles & Practical Guides | From Our Blog

Stay informed, get expert advice, and find inspiration from our collection of articles and useful external resources, tailored specifically for EYFS practitioners. We regularly publish in-depth articles to support you with current best practices, regulatory changes, and fresh ideas.

Are you looking for a specific resource or document for your provision?

Use our 🔍 SEARCH Bar located at the top of every page.

Content within the EYFS Curriculum & Pedagogy Membership is provided as professional guidance and support. It reflects current understanding of the EYFS statutory framework, Development Matters and inspection expectations at the time of writing. Practitioners are responsible for applying professional judgement and ensuring practice aligns with current statutory requirements and their specific context.

Updated: January 2026