Early Number with Numicon – pilot

Oxford University Press
Project info

Independent Evaluator

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IFF Research

Pilot to test the feasibility of a programme designed to support practitioners in the Private, Voluntary and Independent and home-based (childminders) sectors to deliver high-quality maths sessions to pre-reception-aged children.

Pupils: 270 Schools: 30 Grant: ÂŁ81,778
Key Stage: EY Type of Trial: Pilot Study
Completed December 2025

The project

Early Number with Numicon is a 14-week professional development programme designed to support childminders and practitioners in private, voluntary, and independent (PVI) early years settings to deliver high-quality maths sessions to 3 – 4 year-olds.

Practitioners attend four training sessions (two face-to-face and two online twilight sessions) and deliver short, structured weekly small group activities using Numicon manipulatives, while embedding numeracy into continuous provision. The programme is designed to be flexible and responsive to children’s needs, with practitioners encouraged to adapt activities to suit their setting

EEF summary

High-quality early mathematics provision is known to have a significant impact on children’s later attainment. However, there are gaps in the evidence base around which specific approaches are most effective, particularly in private, voluntary and independent (PVI) settings and childminders. Early Number with Numicon combines professional development with structured resources and a multi-sensory approach to numeracy. The pilot builds on promising pre-pilot work and aims to assess the feasibility, promise, and readiness for trial of the programme in early years settings.

The pilot found strong qualitative and quantitative evidence of promise. Practitioners reported increased confidence and knowledge in delivering early numeracy, and all felt the programme positively impacted children’s numeracy development. The programme was well-received, with high engagement and medium to high fidelity across settings. While the evaluation did not collect direct data on children’s outcomes, practitioners observed improvements in children’s engagement, pattern recognition, and use of mathematical language. The pilot involved 29 settings (16 childminders and 13 PVIs) in northern England.

The findings suggest that Early Number with Numicon is feasible and acceptable for both PVIs and childminders. Practitioners valued the flexibility of the programme and adapted it to suit their children’s needs. Most progressed through at least six of the eleven learning sequences, though delivery varied depending on setting context. The programme was inclusive, with adaptations made for children with SEND and EAL, though some practitioners requested more guidance. The pilot highlighted the importance of clear guidance on adapting activities and the need for improved monitoring systems to support fidelity at scale.

EEF is currently considering commissioning an efficacy trial of Early Number with Numicon, subject to refinement of the training format, strengthening delivery monitoring, and addressing recruitment challenges for childminders.

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