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Reception maths Progress checks

Reception maths Progress checks, TheSchoolRun
In Reception your child will develop the foundations of all their future numeracy work, learning to count accurately, add, subtract, order numbers correctly and use mathematical language. Find out where to support their learning at home with our Reception maths Progress check, then plan lots of numbers fun to boost their confidence.
Keystage:  EYFS, Reception

Our Reception maths Progress checks are designed to help you practise counting, adding 'one more' and subtracting 'one less', basic shape recognition and other key skills with your child at home.

Each term’s maths check consists of 20 questions and a total of 20 marks. Work through the questions with your child and include plenty of drawing, Lego-brick counting and Smartie-eating 'subtraction' as possible!


The Progress checks are designed to follow TheSchoolRun's Learning Journey for that particular term. Please note: they cannot and will not necessarily follow what your child’s teacher is doing at school this week / term, as teachers tend to choose to cover objectives in an order that they feel suits their class. Therefore, don’t worry if your child cannot complete certain questions; the point of the Progress checks is to help parents identify where children might need extra help and practice.

Reception maths objectives explained

By the end of the school year children should be confident with the following:

Reception counting and number facts

  • Say and use number names 0-20.
  • Recite the number names in the correct order.
  • Count a set of objects reliably.
  • Count in tens.
  • Estimate a number (“clever guess”).
  • Begin to record numbers.
  • Put numbers in the correct order.

Reception addition and subtraction

  • Begin to use the language of addition.
  • Find one more than a given number.
  • Begin to relate addition to counting on.

Reception problem-solving

  • Recognise and create simple patterns.
  • Solve simple puzzles and problems.
  • Begin to use and understand money.

Reception shape, space and measures

  • Use language such as 'shorter than' and 'longer than'.
  • Use language to describe the shape and size of solids and flat shapes, begin to name shapes and use them to make models, pictures and patterns.
  • Begin to name shapes.

For more information about what your child learns in Reception maths read our parents' guide; you can also browse all our Reception maths worksheets or follow our Learning Journey for Reception maths.