Editor's pick
Maths Resources for EYFS and Primary Schools
Maths resources should help children explore quantities, number relationships, pattern, shape, space and measure before connecting these ideas to pictures, language and symbols. Useful provision may include counters, ten frames, number lines, cubes, shapes and measuring tools. Resources should be selected according to the mathematical concept, pupils’ prior understanding and the representations used within the school’s curriculum.
Explore Maths Resources and Guidance
Which Resources Support Early Number?
Real objects, counters, five and ten frames, numeral cards, dice and subitising resources help children develop an understanding of quantity, composition, and number relationships.
→ Related Guide: Early Number Guidance
Which Resources Support Counting?
Number lines, tracks, songs, stories and daily routines create repeated opportunities to use counting language for a genuine purpose and support counting, ordering and movement between numbers.
→ Related Guide: Counting Guidance
How Do Shape and Spatial Resources Support Geometry?
Two-dimensional shapes, three-dimensional objects, construction sets, pattern blocks, tiles and positional language resources help pupils sort, compare, investigate properties, and explore spatial relationships.
→ Related Guide: Shape and Space Guidance
Which Resources Support Measure?
Length and height tools, balance scales, capacity containers, time resources, money and temperature tools help pupils compare, quantify, and explore standard and informal units.
→ Related Guide: Measure Guidance
How Do Resources Support Pattern and Connections?
Repeating patterns, growing patterns, number grids and shape patterns help children copy, continue, create units, and identify relationships between numbers and geometric rules.
→ Related Guide: Patterns Guidance
Which Manipulatives Support Number Sense and Progression?
Counters, five and ten frames, bead strings, linking cubes, base-ten equipment, place-value counters, fraction pieces and number rods expose mathematical structures from EYFS through primary school.
→ Related Guide: Manipulatives Guidance
How Should Schools Progress Maths Resources Across Primary School?
| Phase | Main mathematical focus | Possible resources |
|---|---|---|
| EYFS | Counting, quantities, numbers to ten, composition, comparison, pattern, shape, space and measure. | Real objects, counters, five and ten frames, dice, numeral cards, blocks, puzzles, containers and scales. |
| KS1 | Place value, calculation, equal groups, fractions, geometry and measure. | Ten frames, bead strings, linking cubes, base-ten equipment, number lines, arrays and fraction pieces. |
| Lower KS2 | Larger numbers, formal calculation, multiplication, division, fractions, measure and geometry. | Place-value counters, base-ten equipment, arrays, multiplication grids, fraction strips and measuring tools. |
| Upper KS2 | Fractions, decimals, percentages, ratio, negative numbers, geometry and increasingly abstract reasoning. | Place-value charts, fraction and decimal representations, double number lines, coordinate grids and geometric equipment. |
Maths Resource and Representation Audit
Checklist to review maths resources from EYFS through primary school
Featured articles
Explore maths resources, manipulatives and curriculum materials from Hope Education.
Explore maths resources
Learn what a Nursery CEO say’s about Green Bean & Me
Created by Green Bean Studios (founded by author and entrepreneur Anita Frost), Green Bean serves as a beloved household friend, supporting early childhood development through play, fun, learning, and outdoor adventures.
Green Bean Studios
The Ultimate EYFS & SEND-Friendly EdTech Subscription for Early Years Educators
Designed specifically to empower early years professionals and inspire young learners, this series brings a play-based, curriculum-aligned approach directly to your classroom, saving you valuable planning time.
Green Bean Studios
Exciting News: Green Bean Joins the Findel Family!
Well, the news is out! Have you caught up with the announcement that Green Bean & Me has officially launched and entered the world of Findel? If you haven't heard yet, check out the trailer to see what's happening as our household fun character Green Bean bridges the gap for nursery school readiness and involves parents in the collection.
Green Bean Studios
How Play-Based Learning Supports Early Maths in EYFS
Play-based learning supports early maths by giving children meaningful opportunities to count, compare, sort, build, measure and notice patterns. Through carefully planned play, children can handle mathematical ideas, test their thinking and explain what they observe. Skilled practitioners strengthen this learning by choosing purposeful resources, modelling precise language and knowing when to join, extend or observe play.
Natalie McMunn
Maths Resources for EYFS: A Practical Buying Guide
The best EYFS maths resources help children explore number, pattern, shape, space and measure through meaningful play. Settings need a carefully chosen range of manipulatives, everyday objects, games and open-ended materials rather than shelves filled with similar products. Resources should match the curriculum, children’s developmental needs and the mathematical thinking practitioners want to encourage.
Rachel Pangburn
Teaching Fractions in KS2: Hands-On Ideas with a Fractions Stacker
Explore practical ways to teach fractions in KS2 using a Circular Fractions Stacker. Build understanding, confidence and maths talk through hands-on learning in Year 3/4.
Simon Hunt
Name the 2D shape: A worksheet
Use this Measures, Shapes and Space worksheet with your KS1 pupils and help them get to grips with shapes. Match the shape to the name.
Christmas tree fractions worksheet
Add some festive cheer to your primary maths lesson with this three-tiered fractions activity - with added Christmas trees!
Multilink® Christmas Activities
Combine crucial subjects with some festive fun using Multilink®. Check out how to create these amazing Multilink® Christmas activities now!
Exciting ways to use Numberblocks in the classroom
Introduce maths in a fun way with these exciting ways to use Numberblocks. Perfect for developing children's knowledge on numbers & sums.
LEGO activities for maths lessons
15 ideas and activities to teach maths using Lego.
Fun and beneficial times tables activities for KS2
Incorporate fun and interactive activities into your lessons to aid times table learning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which maths resources support learning from EYFS through primary school?
Useful resources include counters, frames, cubes, bead strings, number lines, place-value equipment, shapes, measuring tools and fraction representations. The correct choice depends on the concept, pupils’ prior understanding and the school’s curriculum.
Which manipulatives are best for number sense?
No single manipulative is best for every aspect of number. Ten frames can highlight relationships to five and ten, while number rods, bead strings and cubes may reveal composition, magnitude or calculation structures.
What is concrete–pictorial–abstract learning?
It involves connecting physical resources, visual representations and mathematical symbols. It should not be treated as a rigid sequence. Pupils may move between representations while developing or explaining an idea.
How does play support early mathematics?
Play can create meaningful contexts for counting, comparison, shape, measure and pattern. Practitioners support learning by observing, modelling mathematical language and drawing attention to important ideas without taking control of the activity.
When should pupils stop using manipulatives?
Pupils can work without a manipulative when their understanding is secure and they can reason accurately without it. Equipment should remain available when it supports a new concept, explanation or problem.