Learn about the new Australian professional development programme to help ‘introduce mathematics in positive and engaging ways during the pre-school years.’
The Australian Department of Education is funding a free online professional development programme for early years professionals to help pupils foster a love of mathematics in pre-school education.
The programme, Let’s Count, is also in line with Australia’s Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF). It is designed to support practitioners in influencing how young children feel about mathematics – helping them to better understand and engage with the subject as they get older. The hope is this that will build a strong foundation for lifelong mathematics education. As the transferrable skills learnt through mathematics, such as problem solving and critical thinking, are crucial not just for academic success but also future employment and life, the department feels it is important to embed a good mathematics foundation, starting in early education. 1
The framework covers different aspects of mathematics such as:
- numbers and counting
- patterns
- shapes
- measurement
- spatial awareness 1
“By including these ideas as part of everyday play and activities, educators can help children see maths as a fun and normal part of life, not something difficult and intimidating.” 1
References
- Australian Government: Department of Education (2025) ‘Building a love for numbers in Australia’s young learners’. Available at: https://www.education.gov.au/newsroom/articles/building-love-numbers-australias-young-learners (Accessed: 23 June 2025)
