What Schools Really Hope Your Child Can Do in Maths by January in Reception
If your child is in Reception, or starting school in 2026 or 2027, it’s completely normal to wonder “What should they actually be able to do in maths by this point?” The good news is: schools aren’t expecting formal sums or worksheets.
What they are looking for is a secure understanding of early number foundations, the building blocks that help children feel confident, capable and ready to learn.
Below are some of the key maths skills schools hope Reception-age children are developing by January, along with simple ways to support them at home.
1. Saying Numbers in Order (to 10)
One of the first skills teachers look for is whether children can say numbers in order from 1 to 10.
Even better (but not essential) is being able to:
count backwards from 10
join in confidently with number songs and rhymes
Top tip: If your child makes a mistake, don’t correct them directly. Simply repeat the numbers back in the correct order. This builds confidence without pressure.
2. Counting Objects Accurately (1–1 Counting)
This means being able to:
count objects one at a time
touch or point to each object as they count
understand that the last number said is the total
For example: “1, 2, 3, 4, 5… there are 5 apples.”
Top tip: Food is a brilliant motivator for counting — grapes, crackers, apples or slices of pizza all work beautifully.
3. Recognising Written Numbers (to 5… or beyond)
Schools hope children can:
recognise written numerals between 1 and 5
say the number name
show how many that number represents
For example: Seeing the number 3, saying “three”, and holding up three fingers.
Top tip: Talk about numbers in everyday life — door numbers, prices in shops, table numbers, buses, birthday candles.
4. Using Language to Compare (More, Fewer, Equal)
Reception maths relies heavily on language.
Children are encouraged to use words like:
more
fewer
equal / the same
to compare groups of objects or sizes.
Top tip: Model this language naturally during:
shopping
baking
tidying toys
sharing snacks
For example:
“You have more grapes than me.”
“These piles are equal.”
5. Subitising (Knowing How Many Without Counting)
Subitising is the ability to:
look at a small group of objects (up to 5)
instantly know how many there are without counting
This is a really important early maths skill that supports mental maths later on.
Top tip:
Play lots of dice and board games, or notice small groups in nature — spots on a ladybird, petals on a flower, stones on the ground.
A Quick Reminder for Parents 💛
Every child develops at their own pace.
These skills are guidelines, not a checklist, and confidence, curiosity and enjoyment matter far more than ticking every box.
The aim is to help children feel:
secure with numbers
confident to have a go
happy and relaxed around maths
How Jump Start Maths Supports These Skills
At Jump Start Maths, we focus on exactly these early number foundations through active, play-based sessions designed for children aged 2.5–5.
Our sessions:
revisit key skills week by week
build confidence through movement, games and repetition
avoid worksheets and pressure
support school readiness in a gentle, child-centred way
Classes run weekly in:
Roberttown
Brighouse
Morley
Trial sessions are now open to book
Use code TRIAL to get your first class half price.