EYFS Maths: Place Value (3‑Week Unit) (Foundations First — Low Cognitive Load, High Clarity)
This complete 3‑week EYFS Place Value unit is designed using the Foundations First approach — consistent, calm and evidence‑informed teaching that reduces cognitive load and builds secure early number understanding.
Every lesson follows a predictable structure so children know what to expect, feel confident, and experience success.
Perfect for Reception teachers, ECTs, leaders building consistent pedagogy, and settings looking for SEND‑friendly maths planning without overwhelm.
What’s Included
This download contains everything you need for a full half‑term of early number teaching:
15 Full Lessons (PowerPoints)
Each lesson includes:
Do Now – immediate, independent warm‑up
Learning Objective & Success Criteria – metacognition-friendly language
Retrieval – strengthens memory through daily recall
I Do – clear modelling
We Do – guided practice
You Do – independent application
Consistent visual cues for remember, understand, apply
Minimal, consistent resources (counters, tens frames, rekenreks)
Printable Resources
Subitising slides
Tens frame images
Concrete-to-visual scaffolds
Simple teacher notes where needed
Pedagogical Guide
A short, user-friendly explanation of:
Cognitive Load Theory
Gradual Release (I/We/You Do)
Why consistent visual design supports independence
How the lessons build number composition and understanding
Unit Coverage
Fully aligned with the EYFS Early Learning Goals (Number):
Children will:
Subitise up to 5
Recognise numerals to 10
Count with accuracy
Understand the cardinal principle
Compare quantities
Explore number composition to 10
Notice patterns (doubles, odds/evens)
Use concrete and visual representations confidently
Why Foundations First?
This unit is built around a simple belief:
Children learn best when the lesson stays consistent, predictable and uncluttered.
With Foundations First, you get:
Calm, clean slides
Reduced visual noise
A structure children quickly internalise
A resource designed with SEND learners in mind
Retrieval built into every lesson
Progression that feels natural — not overwhelming
No endless printing or preparation
Teachers love this approach because it saves time and creates calmer maths sessions.
Key Features
15 sequenced lessons
Low cognitive load slide design
Mixed concrete + visual modelling
Repeated structures for confidence
EYFS-appropriate language
Suitable for whole class, groups and interventions
Works alongside any mastery curriculum
Try Before You Buy
Download Lesson 1 for FREE to see the layout, visuals and teaching approach.
Search:
FREE SAMPLE – EYFS Maths Place Value: Lesson 1 (Foundations First)


