EYFS Nursery Report Comments: Mathematics

Mathematics covers number, such as counting objects, recognising small amounts without counting and number bonds within 10, and numerical patterns, such as counting beyond 20, comparing quantities, odd and even numbers, doubling and sharing.

Below are 13 sample sentences for Nursery (FS1): two strengths and one next step for each of the 4 comment levels (Expected: secure and confident / Expected / Emerging: developing well / Emerging: beginning), plus a tip for families. They are a small selection from the 173 mathematics sentences in the full pack. Copy one, then add a detail only you know about the student.

Jump to: Expected: secure and confident · Expected · Emerging: developing well · Emerging: beginning · Writing tips

Student name Pronouns

Fills in the name and pronouns on this page. Nothing is sent anywhere.

Expected: secure and confident S

Strengths

[Name] sorts the farm animals into groups and explains in [his/her/their] own words which group has more and which has fewer.
At snack time, [Name] shares out fruit fairly between friends and checks for [himself/herself/themselves] that everyone has the same amount.

Next step

A next step is for [Name] to spot numerals to 10 around the setting and match each one to a group of objects.

Expected E

Strengths

[Name] joins in with number rhymes such as Five Little Speckled Frogs and can usually work out how many are left.
[Name] usually knows which of two groups has more and can show this by lining the objects up side by side.

Next step

Matching numeral cards to sets of objects in the sand tray would help [Name] to link number names, numerals and amounts.

Emerging: developing well D

Strengths

During number rhymes, [Name] joins in with more of the counting and actions each week, with encouragement from an adult.
Comparing two groups of toys, [Name] can sometimes say which has more, especially when the difference is easy to see.

Next step

[Name] could help [his/her/their] key person count out the cups and plates at snack time, matching one to each child.

Emerging: beginning B

Strengths

In familiar games, such as rolling a large dice outdoors, [Name] is beginning to notice one or two spots at a glance.
Playing with sets of toys, [Name] is starting to notice when one group has lots and another has only a few, with an adult pointing this out.

Next step

[He/She/They] could count the steps up to the slide with an adult, saying each number together on the way up.

Support at home

On walks, you could look for numbers on doors, buses and signs and talk about which number is bigger.

How to write mathematics comments for Nursery (FS1)

Describe counting in real contexts: touching each object once, counting cups at snack time or saying how many are in a small group. Name the amount the child counts accurately, such as up to 5.
Mention maths in songs and play, such as counting rhymes, sorting toys by colour or spotting shapes outdoors. Parents can repeat the same songs and games at home without any equipment.
Include the comparison words the child uses, such as more, bigger or the same, in the sand or water tray. These show mathematical thinking even before counting is secure.

Watch out: Avoid judging maths by how far a child can count aloud. Rote counting can hide gaps in understanding, so describe whether they match numbers to objects and compare amounts.

At the most secure level, words such as confidently, independently and in a range of situations fit, backed by one example from play. At the earliest level, name what the child can already do and the support that helps, such as modelling or a visual prompt. Let the observation show the level rather than restating it.

What Mathematics covers

In these comments, mathematics covers these behaviours:

Number: understands numbers to 10, subitises, recalls number bonds
Numerical Patterns: counts beyond 20, compares quantities, explores patterns, odd and even, doubling, sharing

More EYFS comments

How these sentences were made, and what has been checked: About these comments.