Teaching Assistants

Building Early Number Sense: An EYFS Maths Course for Teaching Assistants

Have you ever wondered how the simple routines and play experiences in an EYFS classroom can lay the foundation for a lifetime of mathematical understanding? This course empowers teaching assistants to make every moment count by embedding early number sense into daily interactions, play and routines. You will learn how to support children to count accurately, compare quantities, subitise small groups and explain their thinking, using manipulatives, stories, songs and games to make number learning engaging and memorable. With a focus on practical, achievable strategies, you will gain the confidence to scaffold learning for all children – including those with SEND, EAL learners and disadvantaged pupils – while linking everyday experiences to problem-solving and mathematical reasoning. By the end of the course, you will be equipped to strengthen early number foundations immediately and see the impact of your support on children’s understanding and confidence.
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Yiotina Achilleos-Dania, Fiona Roberts & Carly Watkins

2 hours

Online Course

By completing this course, you will:

understand what number sense means in the EYFS and why it is essential for children’s future mathematical learning;
support children to explore numbers, counting, patterns and early problem-solving through play, everyday contexts and real-life situations;
use manipulatives, stories, songs and games to make early number learning engaging, memorable and meaningful;
encourage mathematical talk that helps children explain their thinking, make connections and build confidence as learners;
reflect on your practice and plan immediate, short-term and longer-term approaches to strengthen children’s early number foundations.

Course Lessons

Course Lessons

Written by: Yiotina Achilleos-Dania 

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Yiotina has spent over a decade immersed in the world of primary education. Most of her teaching career, she juggled the roles of Science and Maths subject leader, while working across key stage 1 and 2 (mainly based in years 2 and 6). Armed with degrees in Marketing Communications, Business Analysis and Primary Education (plus a National Qualification of Middle Leadership), she’s been at the forefront of introducing new initiatives, reshaping curricula and championing practical, hands-on learning to ensure every pupil thrives.

From training staff to supporting long-term skill progression, Yiotina has always been passionate about helping both pupils and teachers grow. Now, as a Twinkl CPD Content Writer and Editor, she’s swapped the classroom for the creative space of professional development, using her expertise to craft engaging, impactful courses that continue to support educators and learners.

Presented by: Fiona Roberts

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Fiona Roberts is a video content creator for the Twinkl CPD team. She has over 10 years experience as a primary school teacher and private tutor. Before completing her PGDE, Fiona also achieved an MA(Hons) in Film and Television Studies. She has previously supported the development of her school’s English curriculum and is particularly passionate about this subject. Fiona has also thoroughly enjoyed acting as a mentor to trainee teachers and early career teachers during her time in the classroom.

In collaboration with: Carly Watkins

Carly is the Quality of Education Lead at Twinkl PD, overseeing the development of Teachers' Standards courses. She is an experienced primary school teacher and senior leader with a MA in Education Practice and NPQ in Leading Teacher Development. Carly also facilitates the ECF, delivering training for current mentors and ECTs; she is passionate about accessible and actionable professional development for all educators at all levels.