Description

Developing Early Mathematical Understanding Through Practical Everyday Experiences

Course Overview

Next course starts on 11th January 2027

Book Your Place on the Course

Mathematical learning begins long before children are introduced to formal number work. It develops through everyday experiences, exploration, problem-solving and meaningful interactions with the world around them.

The Early Maths for Children with SEND and Vision Impairment Course is a practical online training programme designed to help practitioners develop a deeper understanding of early mathematical concepts and how they can be supported through everyday learning opportunities.

Designed for educators, support staff and professionals working with children and young people with vision impairment, SEND and complex learning needs, the course explores how mathematical understanding develops and provides practical strategies to help children build strong foundations for future learning.

The course places a strong emphasis on using practical, low-cost resources to support learning. Participants are introduced to a wide range of activities and ideas that can be implemented immediately using everyday classroom materials and readily available resources. These practical approaches help children build concrete understanding of mathematical concepts before moving on to more abstract learning.

Participants leave with practical activities, observation ideas, low-cost resource suggestions and greater confidence in supporting early mathematical development across educational settings.

What Practitioners Say About the Course

“Encourages understanding across the school of the need for concrete concepts. Also lots of ideas for maths games to use with peers. Thank you, I am inspired!”

Who Is This Course For?

This course is ideal for:

QTVIs
QTMSIs
Teachers
Teaching Assistants
SENCOs
ALN Staff
Early Years Practitioners
Learning Support Assistants
Therapists
Professionals supporting children and young people with SEND and vision impairment

The course is suitable for both mainstream and specialist educational settings.

What You Will Learn

During the course participants will explore:

Understanding Early Mathematical Development

How mathematical concepts develop
Early problem-solving skills
Learning through exploration and play
Understanding mathematical thinking

Building Strong Mathematical Foundations

Number awareness
Counting and quantity
Matching and sorting
Patterns and sequences
Comparing and classifying

Supporting Learners with SEND and Vision Impairment

Developing concepts through real experiences
Creating meaningful opportunities for mathematical learning
Adapting activities and resources
Supporting participation and engagement

Practical Strategies and Resource Ideas You Can Use Immediately

Participants will leave with practical approaches and low-cost resource ideas that can be implemented immediately, including:

Everyday maths activities
Number and quantity games
Matching and sorting activities
Pattern and sequencing tasks
Concept development opportunities
Inclusive teaching strategies
Low-cost sensory and tactile maths resources
Classroom activities using everyday objects
Resource adaptations for learners with vision impairment and SEND

All strategies are designed to be practical, achievable and effective within everyday educational settings and do not rely on expensive specialist equipment.

Structure and Delivery

The course combines contemporary understanding of early mathematical development with practical approaches that can be implemented immediately in educational settings.

Participants explore how mathematical concepts can be developed through everyday experiences rather than isolated teaching activities.

The course focuses on:

Concept development
Mathematical understanding
Problem-solving
Exploration and discovery
Participation and engagement
Meaningful learning opportunities

Throughout the training, participants are introduced to a wide range of low-cost resources and practical activities that demonstrate how early mathematical concepts can be developed through everyday learning experiences.

Practical examples show how mathematical learning can be embedded naturally across the curriculum and throughout the school day.

Learning Objectives

1. Develop an Understanding of Early Mathematical Development

Success Criteria

Understand how mathematical concepts develop.
Recognise the importance of early experiences in mathematical learning.
Identify key foundations for future mathematical understanding.

2. Develop Practical Strategies for Teaching Early Maths

Success Criteria

Identify opportunities for mathematical learning throughout the day.
Select activities that support concept development.
Adapt approaches for children with SEND and vision impairment.

3. Promote Meaningful Mathematical Learning

Success Criteria

Create engaging and accessible activities.
Support participation and confidence.
Develop mathematical understanding through real-life experiences.

Recordings of Sessions

Sessions are recorded and made available for one week following each session for registered participants.

Recordings are provided as an additional benefit and are not included within the course fee. Participants are encouraged to attend all live sessions whenever possible.

Sessions

Time:

2.00 – 3.30pm UK | 9.00 – 10.30am ET | 8.00 – 9.30am CT

Dates:

Session 1: 11.1.2027 | Counting, quantity and matching | Ideas for including counting and matching in the everyday experience of the child | A counting story shared.

Session 2: 18.1.2027 | Sorting, categorising | Ideas for including sorting and categorising in the everyday experience of the child | A sorting story shared

Session 3: 25.1.2027 | Discrimination and Comparison | Ideas for developing discrimination skills through everyday experiences | A story shared

Handouts and Powerpoint

To further enhance the learning experience, the course is accompanied by a comprehensive downloadable folder containing resource sheets. These sheets serve as an extensive resource bank, providing valuable materials for participants to reference and utilise in the future.

PowerPoint presentations used during the course are not shared with participants. Instead, the resource sheets are intended to offer greater depth and practical value, reflecting the hands-on nature of the course delivery.

Cost: £120.00

To pay by invoice email gwyn@positiveeye.co.uk to arrange or pay here on the shop.

What Practitioners Say About the Course

Practical Ideas You Can Use Immediately

“Plenty of resources to try. Great ideas to take away with me and put into practice.”

“Very useful sessions and I have learned a lot and got a wealth of ideas to go away with.”

Resource Rich and Easy to Apply

“The effort put into the resources was excellent.”

“Lots of inspirational ideas with good handouts to aid memory and share.”

Practical and Accessible

“Brilliant, lots of ideas and very practical and accessible.”

“Lots of good ideas and new ideas of how to use them well in class.”

Supporting Concept Development

“Using ideas and resources to build concrete understanding of such abstract ideas. Thank you!”

Flexible for Individual Learners

“Fantastic resources demonstrated and lots of ideas for adaptation to suit individual children.”

Related Positive Eye Training and Resources

Why Choose Positive Eye?

Positive Eye has supported schools, local authorities and specialist services for many years through high-quality training, consultancy and practical resources.

Our training combines:

Contemporary evidence-informed practice
Real-life educational experience
Practical and achievable strategies
Specialist expertise in vision impairment education
A strong focus on participation, independence and meaningful outcomes

We are committed to helping practitioners create meaningful learning opportunities that enable children and young people to thrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who should attend this course?

The course is designed for educators and professionals supporting children and young people with SEND and vision impairment.

Is the course suitable for mainstream schools?

Yes. The strategies can be used across mainstream and specialist educational settings.

What will I learn?

You will learn practical strategies that support early mathematical development through everyday learning opportunities.

Will I receive practical resource ideas?

Yes. The course includes a wide range of low-cost, practical resource ideas, activities and strategies that can be used immediately in classrooms, early years settings and specialist provision.