EEF trial of the Mastering Number at Reception and KS1 Programme

Thank you for your interest in the EEF trial of the NCETM’s highly-regarded programme, Mastering Number at Reception and KS1. More information about the programme can be found on the project webpage, and more about what being part of an EEF trial involves is also available. You might also be interested to read a blog post by Dr Jen Shearman, NCETM's Director for Evaluation and Impact, on why randomised controlled trials (RCTs) are the 'gold standard' of evaluation.

On this page you’ll find the detail of two information events, and a list of frequently-asked questions (FAQs). If you would like further information, please contact your local Maths Hub.

Information events

Learn more about the EEF trial of Mastering Number at Reception and KS1.

Join Sue Evans, the project lead for Mastering Number at Reception and KS1, as well as the NCETM's Director for Evaluation and Impact, Jen Shearman, to learn more about the EEF trial of this well-regarded programme.

In these information sessions, Sue will outline the Mastering Number Programme including giving an overview of the materials and the intended outcomes of the programme. Then Jen will share the evidence gathered so far showing that Mastering Number makes a difference to the mathematical development of young children, and talk through the evaluation requirements on Mastering Number trial schools.

• Register to join Sue and Jen on Monday 28 April, 1545-1630
• Register to join Sue and Jen on Tuesday 3 June, 1545-1630

FAQs

Q) Can we just join the ‘normal’ programme rather than be part of a trial?
A) If your local Maths Hub is taking part in a trial then there is not a 'normal' option. Find out whether your hub is involved.

Q) Is there an incentive for being in a trial?
A) Yes. There are more details about the incentives on the school information sheets available on the EEF website or from your local Maths Hub.

Q) My school is part of a MAT, can we still join?
A) Yes. Contact your local Maths Hub.

Q) Our school is a special school. Can we join the trial?
A) No. Special schools are not eligible to join the trial, however special schools can still sign up for Mastering Number. Contact your local hub.

Q) If we join the trial, when will we find out if we are in the intervention or control group?
A) For the Mastering Number trial, this will happen in early October.

Q) If we are in the intervention group, can our Year 1 and Year 2 teachers have the Mastering Number materials to use from September?
A) No. If your school is in the trial - and is selected to get the intervention - then all staff in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 will gain access to materials and training in October.

Q) We understand that the focus is on the Reception class but if my school is put in the control group, can the Year 1 and Year 2 teachers still join the programme?
A) No. If your school is in the control group, none of the teachers from your school will be able to take part in Mastering Number at Reception and KS1 until the following year when your school is guaranteed a place (subject to funding).

Q) Can we have a teacher/TA on the EYs SKTM at the same time as being part of the EEF Mastering Number trial?
A) Yes.

Q) Will all schools get rekenreks?
A) If your school is in the trial - and is in the intervention group - then rekenreks will be delivered to you in October. If you are in the control group, then you will get rekenreks the following year when your school takes part in Mastering Number training (subject to funding).

Q) Our Reception Lead Teacher was the Year 1 Lead Teacher in another school previously, does this make the school ineligible?
A) The evaluation focuses on impact in the Reception year and schools will only be excluded from the trial if any of the Reception teachers have previously been the Lead Teacher in Reception while working at another school. If they were a Lead Teacher in a different year group, that is OK. If other teachers in the school have been Lead Teachers in previous schools, then that is also OK.