At Elmstead Primary School, our aim is to inspire an intrinsic love of maths in our children. We value the importance of developing a range of mathematical skills including reasoning; problem solving and mental arithmetic.
Our problem solving and sophisticated questioning across the school encourages our children to make connections between different mathematical concepts and explain their reasoning behind problems that they face. We value the importance of challenge and encourage our children to challenge their own abilities to continually improve and build on their existing knowledge.
We believe in the importance of making maths as hands on and practical as possible to give the children the opportunity to apply their learning to a real-life context.
For our children, we have found that when discrete maths skills are taught and then further used to reinforce and enhance other areas of the curriculum, for example in DT, Science, Computing and Art, our children begin to understand how maths can be used in wider life.
All of these steps are captured in our maths process which is detailed below.
Times Table Challenges
Times Table Rockstars
Log in to compete against yourself, your peers and across the school to beat your time!
Your teacher will be able to give you your username and password.
You can access this online via the web address below or alternatively, download the app to your Android/smartphone.
Number Bonds Challenge
Times Table Songs
See document for the times table songs we play in school to support our learning.
Elmstead Primary Times Table Songs
Maths Ambassadors
Maths Ambassador Job Description
Maths Ambassadors work towards promoting maths and the enjoyment of maths across the school. They have a fabulous attitude to maths and are keen to help others to improve their maths skills, knowledge and understanding.
The job of a Maths Ambassador involves the following:
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Attending monthly meetings during lunchtime.
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Support children in KS1 with basic mathematical recall facts (number bonds)
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Support children in KS2 with times table knowledge.
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Raise the profile of maths in school.
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To give pupils in our school a voice and help them share their ideas.
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Lead activities relating to maths.
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Introduce competitions and new ideas.
Puzzle Challenge Day
On Thursday 15th January 2026, we were delighted to welcome The Happy Puzzle Company to our school for an exciting Puzzle Challenge Day. The Happy Puzzle Company specialises in hands-on, educational puzzles that encourage problem-solving, teamwork and resilience through fun and engaging activities.
Throughout the day, children worked collaboratively in mixed-year groups, giving pupils the opportunity to learn alongside and support one another.
Sessions were organised for:
- Reception
- Years 1 & 2
- Years 3 & 4
- Years 5 & 6
In their teams, the children tackled a variety of puzzles, including: tangrams, jigsaws and the very-popular balancing penguins challenge. These activities encouraged children to think logically, communicate clearly and persevere when faced with tricky problems.
The Puzzle Challenge Day was not only great fun, but also a valuable learning experience. The children developed confidence, reasoning skills and teamwork, while enjoying the satisfaction of solving puzzles together. It was wonderful to see children of all ages working cooperatively and celebrating their successes.
A huge thank you to EPSA for funding this fantastic opportunity for our children.
Puzzle Challenge Day
Number Day 2026
Our school was full of excitement on Friday 6th February as we celebrated Number Day 2026. Children looked fantastic in their wide variety of number-themed costumes, showing great creativity and enthusiasm for maths. We raised £78 for the NSPCC, helping to support an important cause.
Today, the children worked in mixed-age groups to complete a series of escape room challenges. Children in EYFS, Year 1 and Year 2 enjoyed space-themed puzzles, while pupils in Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 worked together to solve clues and catch a thief.
The activities were a great opportunity to develop teamwork and problem-solving skills with children sharing ideas, communicating clearly and supporting one another to overcome challenges.
Well done to everyone for making Number Day 2026 such an enjoyable and successful event!
Number Day 2026
