At Etio, we welcome the Government’s continued commitment to Early Years education as part of its Best Start in Life strategy and Plan for Change. The ambition that, by 2028, 75% of all five-year-olds should reach a good level of Early Years development is an important national goal - one that reflects a growing recognition of how foundational these formative years are for children’s future learning, attainment, and wellbeing.

Etio is proud to contribute directly to this mission through our delivery of the Department for Education’s National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics (NCETM) project. Through a network of 40 regional Maths Hubs, we provide high-quality, evidence-informed professional development to state school teachers across England. This work strengthens classroom practice and ensures that every child, regardless of background, has access to exceptional maths teaching from the very start of their education.

We firmly believe in the transformative power of high-quality CPD to develop and sustain a strong, confident teacher workforce. At a time when the sector is facing significant recruitment and retention challenges, investing in teachers’ professional growth is not just beneficial - it is essential. Empowering teachers with the knowledge, skills, and support they need not only improves outcomes for pupils, but also increases job satisfaction, strengthens career pathways, and helps retain talented professionals within the system.

This is particularly crucial in Early Years maths education, where strong foundations can shape children’s attitudes, confidence, and long-term success in the subject. We hope to see continued investment and focus in this area, ensuring that educators working with our youngest learners feel equipped and valued.

For a deeper exploration of the importance of Early Years maths, Sue Evans from the NCETM has written an insightful piece for TES. We encourage you to read her reflections and join the conversation around what high-quality Early Years maths provision should look like.