EYFS Reception 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 Reception (FS2): 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] compares numbers to 10 using more than and fewer than, and explains on a number track which number is bigger.
Using words such as more, fewer and the same, [Name] explains how two groups of toys compare and how [he/she/they] can tell.

Next step

A next step for [Name] is to use doubling and halving to solve problems in play, such as sharing a bag of conkers between two baskets.

Expected E

Strengths

[Name] knows that numbers can be made in different ways and can show 6 as 5 and 1 or 4 and 2 using cubes.
Looking at a small group of objects, [Name] can usually say how many there are at a glance without counting each one.

Next step

[Name] could explore doubling and halving with everyday objects, such as sharing a plate of biscuits between two teddies.

Emerging: developing well D

Strengths

Putting number cards on a washing line, [Name] recognises numerals to 10 with growing confidence and is learning to order them.
Through counting games, [Name] is developing an understanding that the last number said tells us how many there are.

Next step

Exploring doubles with dominoes, mirrors and matching towers would help [Name] to see how doubling works.

Emerging: beginning B

Strengths

Working one-to-one, [Name] is beginning to see that a group of 3 can be split into 2 and 1 using cubes or counters.
When exploring colours and shapes in patterns, [Name] is starting to say what might come next, with modelling from an adult.

Next step

Making pairs of socks, shoes or gloves in role play would help [Name] to explore pairs and notice what is left over.

Support at home

Singing counting rhymes such as Ten Green Bottles, using fingers or small toys, makes counting fun and easy to remember.

How to write mathematics comments for Reception (FS2)

Refer to subitising and number bonds with an example, such as recognising dot patterns on a dice or knowing that 3 and 2 make 5. A next step can name the bonds to practise next.
Show reasoning as well as counting: how the child explains which group has more, shares snacks fairly or spots odd and even numbers. Parents then hear what explaining in maths sounds like.
Name the resources the child uses, such as tens frames, number tracks or counters, and whether they apply number in play, like paying with coins in the class shop.

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.