This article is brought to you by Slough Borough Council's Early Years team, for the attention of all Early Years Providers.
New funding opportunity: early years maths programmes (ages 2–4)
We've opened applications to our Spring 2026 funding round, focused on pre-Reception maths programmes.
We’re looking for ready-to-evaluate programmes that aim to strengthen early number, geometry, spatial thinking, or measurement through developmentally appropriate practice— especially for children from lower-income backgrounds.
Deadline: Wednesday 11th March 2026, 11am
📅 Applicant webinar: Monday 9th February 2026, 3pm (online)
Early years funding round (Spring 2026) | EEF
Vocabulary development isn’t an add-on to early years practice — it sits at the heart of it. From stories and play to everyday routines, the words children hear and use shape how they understand the world and themselves.
Evidence shows that early vocabulary supports later reading and learning. Research also highlights the importance of the communication environment. Together, the evidence shows how thoughtful, evidence-informed practice can make a real difference for children.
Effective practice brings together:
- Explicit teaching: intentionally introducing and explaining new words
- Implicit modelling: using rich language naturally and repeatedly through play and conversation
When vocabulary teaching is joyful, playful, and well-timed, it enhances learning rather than interrupting it. Small, consistent moments — a word noticed in a story, revisited in play, reused in talk — can have a lasting impact.
Julian Grenier’s blog explores the evidence and practical examples.
How thoughtful teaching and modelling of vocabulary can make a… | EEF
Receive a promising, evidence-backed programme to support early maths!
There's still time to access Maths Champions, a promising programme designed to build practitioner confidence and strengthen children’s early maths, delivered by the National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA).
Fully funded through the Department for Education, this programme is available at no cost to PVIs, maintained, and school-based nurseries across England, with cohorts starting training in February, March, April, May, and June 2026.
In each participating setting, a ‘Maths Champion’ (a senior member of staff) is selected to lead improvement in maths practice across the setting. Supported by a Deputy Maths Champion, they audit current practice, create an action plan, and implement strategies to support colleagues throughout the year. Support includes bespoke online training, covering early mathematical development and coaching, practical resources, and one-to-one guidance.
Children in PVI and school-based nurseries receiving the Maths Champions programme made an average of three additional months’ progress in maths and language compared to children in settings that did not receive the programme. There were also indications of a larger impact for children in receipt of Early Years Pupil Premium.
Maths Champions - scale-up | EEF
Shape the future of the EEF website
We’re redesigning our website — and we want your input. Share your views to help us prioritise what matters most and make our resources easier to use for educators like you. By taking part, you could win a £100 Love2Shop voucher.
The short survey closes Friday 20th February 2026.
Help us shape the future of the EEF website