Prime Highlight
- Rethink Maths will trial its new early years maths programmes in Nursery and Reception settings, aiming to strengthen number understanding among young learners.
- The trials will gather teacher feedback and assess effectiveness to shape the final programme design before a wider national rollout.
Key Facts
- Funding is provided by The Richmond Project to support fully funded trials in around 50 Nursery and 50 Reception classes from September 2026 to July 2027.
- The programmes will remain screen-free in classrooms, using an online platform solely for teacher training, planning, and professional support.
Background
Rethink Maths has secured new funding to trial its early years maths programmes in Nursery and Reception settings across England. The funding, awarded by The Richmond Project, will support national pilots aimed at strengthening number understanding among young learners.
Caroline Hamilton, co-founder of Rethink Maths, announced the news on LinkedIn and said applications are now open for schools and nurseries to join the fully funded trials. She said the support will allow the company to test and develop two new maths programmes with direct input from practitioners.
The trials will focus on selected elements of each programme and will gather feedback from teachers to shape the final design before a wider rollout. An independent evaluator will assess the programmes, measuring how well they improve practitioner confidence and pupil engagement with early number concepts.
Rethink Maths develops structured teaching routines that aim to help children build secure foundations in maths. The company said daily lessons will remain screen-free in classrooms. Instead, educators will use an online platform for training, planning, and guidance. The platform will offer video demonstrations, structured advice, and ongoing professional support.
Hamilton said the approach ensures technology supports teachers rather than replacing classroom interaction. She added that the programmes use clear routines, shared language and built-in assessment to guide next steps in teaching.
Efficacy trials will run from September 2026 to July 2027 and will involve around 50 Nursery settings and 50 Reception classes in two phases. Following this, Rethink Maths plans a larger national effectiveness trial for Nursery settings during the 2027–2028 academic year.
The company said the aim is to build a strong evidence base before introducing the programmes more widely. Participation in the initial phase will be fully funded, making it easier for early years settings to take part.
Rethink Maths said the funding marks a major step in its mission to improve early maths learning across England.
