Leading Primary Maths Podcast

Maths leaders who only look at data are missing the real story. This conversation shows how to sweat the small stuff in November so you can spot what’s really happening in primary maths before the numbers tell you later. Steve Lomax, Tom Manners, and Liz Hopkins break down a practical leadership focus for the month: not just judging standards, but looking underneath them. They explore why quality day in, day out matters more than “weighing the pig,” and how a sharp book scrutiny can reveal whether children are actually getting an equitable maths diet, secure understanding, and the right level of challenge.You’ll discover:

• how to plan a book scrutiny that raises questions instead of making judgments
• what to look for in books beyond ticks and finished work
• why random samples matter before you get more nuanced about groups
• how to spot whether representations, reasoning, and precise language are really landing
• when to use staff conversations, pupil voice, and learning walks to dig deeper

The episode also turns to Early Years, where the trio make a strong case for meeting with EYFS staff in November to check the daily mathematical experience, the quality of continuous provision, and whether the “best start in life” is actually being lived out in classrooms. They connect the dots between reception, Year 1, and the rest of school, showing how habits like subitising, comparison, and non-examples should be building across the whole primary journey - not disappearing after the early years.

Then the discussion shifts to a second powerful leadership tool: a reasoning and problem-solving audit. Rather than treating reasoning as a separate event, the conversation focuses on pupil behaviour - what children do when they’re stuck, whether they try something, how they respond to unfamiliar problems, and what that reveals about confidence, resilience, and mathematical thinking. If you want pupils to think like mathematicians, this episode gives you a clear starting point for observing how they behave, not just what they can answer.

Essential listening if you lead primary maths and want practical, honest ideas for improving provision without relying on data alone.

#LeadingPrimaryMaths #MathsLeadership #PrimaryMaths #TeachingForMastery #mathsleader

Timestamps

• 00:00

November check-in and the three strands for subject leadership

• 01:13

Why leaders should feed the pig, not just weigh it

• 05:44

Using work scrutiny to understand children’s experience

• 24:46

Why November is a good time to meet with EYFS staff

• 39:37

Introducing a reasoning and problem-solving audit

The takeaway: sweat the small stuff and focus on day-to-day quality

Tom Manners, Liz Hopkins, and Steve Lomax discuss how primary maths leaders can move from setting September’s vision to checking whether it is being put into practice in October. They explore monthly reviews, meaningful assessment, evaluating teaching, and identifying potential challenges early—without creating unnecessary workload. They use their three lenses for maths leadership - Judging standards, Securing improvement and Evaluating teaching and learning each month to help maths leaders create their focus for the month.

Tom shares insights on the importance of separating new learning from revision sessions, encouraging educators to focus on cognitive overload and the effective use of class time. Liz emphasizes the need for a structured, dual-lesson approach that allows for both new content and crucial practice, while Steve discusses the importance of engaging with school leadership to secure necessary curriculum time for math. 

As September rolls in, the atmosphere in schools shifts significantly. For primary maths leaders, this month is not only about settling back into routine but also about setting the tone for the entire academic year. In this episode, Liz, Steve and Tom explore how primary maths leaders can effectively engage their staff and create a conducive environment for learning and improvement.

Key topics

• Establishing a shared vision for maths
• Evaluating teaching and learning in September
• Building sustainability in school improvement
• Using data to inform decisions
• Strategies for engaging staff and students

Chapters

00:16 Setting the Stage for September

03:13 The Role of Maths Leaders

06:16 Establishing a Vision for Maths

09:14 Creating a Shared Understanding

12:10 Evaluating Teaching and Learning

13:10 Strategies for Effective Teaching

18:16 Building Relationships and Trust

21:18 Judging Standards and Continuous Improvement

24:26 The Journey of Student Learning

30:31 Reflecting on Student Success and Curriculum Focus

34:07 Understanding the Lived Curriculum Experience

39:46 Transition Data and Sustainable Improvement

45:13 Evaluating Improvement Plans and Setting Priorities

51:42 Implementing Effective Strategies for Student Outcomes

Resources referenced

Can Do Maths - https://candomaths.com

EEF School Improvement Guidance - https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/public/files/Publications/EEF_School_Improvement_Guidance.pdf

Liz, Steve and Tom introduce the Leading Primary Maths Podcast series, who they are, the thinking behind the podcast and the three core challenges of maths leadership: judging standards, evaluating teaching and learning, and securing improvement.

www.leadingprimarymaths.co.uk

Key topics

• The importance of context in maths leadership
• The three mountains: judging standards, evaluating teaching, securing improvement
• The role of professional learning and embedding practices
• The significance of understanding current standards before making judgments
• The concept of navigating through the year with a clear structure
• The value of celebrating success and understanding the 'why' behind actions
• The impact of school culture and curriculum on math outcomes

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to primary maths leadership challenges

01:52 The importance of context and personal journey in leadership

04:01 The three mountains: judging standards, evaluating teaching, securing improvement

06:55 The role of professional learning and embedding practices

10:07 Structuring discussions around key leadership themes

12:55 The significance of celebrating success and understanding impact

16:02 The interconnectedness of school culture, curriculum, and teaching

19:00 The importance of honest judgment and continuous improvement

22:02 Sharing good practice and celebrating achievements

24:52 The journey of leadership and the importance of reflection