Lead the support for children and young people’s mathematical learning, exploration and problem solving

URN: HSCCLD432
Business Sectors (Suites): Health and Social Care & Childcare Learning and Development
Developed by: Skills for Care & Development
Approved: 2026

Overview

This standard identifies the requirements when leading the support for children or young people’s mathematical learning, exploration and problem solving in partnership with children or young people and others. This includes facilitating the assessment and support of mathematical learning, exploration and problem-solving skills.


Performance criteria

You must be able to:

  1. ensure curriculum guidance or frameworks for mathematical learning are identified and followed 
  2. lead the development of systems to observe the mathematical learning of children or young people through play and real-world experiences  
  3. support others to recognise and respond to children or young people who need additional support 
  4. model a child-centred approach by involving children or young people and others in assessments of mathematical learning 
  5. oversee the use of observations and feedback to assess mathematical learning in meaningful contexts 
  6. ensure observations recognise the full range of mathematical skills, including problem-solving, pattern recognition, and spatial reasoning 
  7. lead the development of mathematical learning experiences that build on the interests and natural curiosity of children or young people 
  8. promote and embed the use of digital tools and devices to enhance mathematical thinking and problem-solving 
  9. support others in selecting high-quality, developmentally appropriate resources to support mathematical learning 
  10. model and encourage responsive, sensitive interactions that foster mathematical confidence and curiosity 
  11. ensure children or young people have equal access to mathematical learning experiences 
  12. create environments where children or young people feel confident to explore and engage in mathematical thinking 
  13. develop systems that monitor and evaluate the mathematical learning of children or young people  
  14. work collaboratively with others to evaluate whether mathematical learning provision is effective and responsive to the needs of children or young people  
  15. identify areas for improvement and leading continuous professional learning in mathematical development 
  16. lead reflective practice by supporting others to analyse and improve their approach to mathematical learning 
  17. support others to access professional learning opportunities related to mathematical learning
  18. complete records and reports required for leading the support for children and young people’s mathematical learning, exploration and problem solving
  19. reflect on how you carried out your roles and responsibilities when leading the support for children or young people’s mathematical learning, exploration and problem solving

Knowledge and Understanding

You need to know and understand:

  1. how to support the transitions that children or young people may go through in their mathematical learning 
  2. national and local approaches to mathematical learning and how they influence assessment and curriculum planning 
  3. the importance of using valid and reliable data when assessing the mathematical learning of children or young people 
  4. your workplace processes for observation and assessment of the mathematical learning of children or young people 
  5. how internal assessment processes link to wider curriculum and assessment frameworks 
  6. how to lead on the application trauma informed principles to promote the mathematical development of children or young people 
  7. when and how to use different types of observations to support mathematical learning 
  8. the influences on mathematical learning and how research informs effective practice 
  9. the typical patterns of mathematical learning and problem-solving from birth and how to support progression of children or young people 
  10. the influence of neurodivergence and additional needs on the mathematical learning of children or young people
  11. the influence of culture and background on the mathematical development of children or young people 
  12. the role of play in developing mathematical thinking and how to integrate play-based approaches effectively 
  13. how to adapt your practice to support mathematical learning for children or young people with different abilities, needs, and preferences 
  14. the types of resources, experiences, and approaches that best support mathematical learning, including the use of digital technology 
  15. the importance of engaging others in children or young people's mathematical learning and how to build effective partnerships 
  16. how to involve children or young people in assessing and shaping their own mathematical learning in ways appropriate to their age and needs 
  17. how to lead on dignity, kindness, and compassion when promoting the mathematical learning of children or young people
  18. how to support emotional regulation during mathematical development 
  19. how to monitor and evaluate mathematical learning provision and plan for continuous improvement  
  20. how to reflect on your leadership role in supporting mathematical learning and ensure best practice is followed 
  21. how to support and develop the skills of others to ensure high quality mathematical learning experiences
  22. how to support others to be confident in the use of digital tools and devices to enhance mathematical thinking and problem solving  
  23. how to create learning environments that encourage confidence, curiosity, and engagement in mathematical thinking
  24. how to analyse and use observation data to inform planning and improve mathematical learning provision 
  25. how to embed mathematical learning across different areas of the curriculum to make it meaningful and relevant 
  26. the records and reports required for leading the support for children and young people’s mathematical learning, exploration and problem solving
  27. theories relevant to leading the support for children or young people’s mathematical learning, exploration and problem solving 
  28. the relevant legal requirements, standards of practice, frameworks and guidance for leading the support for children or young people’s mathematical learning, exploration and problem solving 
  29. the workplace requirements on equality, diversity, inclusion and rights when supporting children or young people’s mathematical learning, exploration and problem solving
  30. how your personal experiences and unconscious bias may impact when leading the support for children or young people’s mathematical learning, exploration and problem solving, and how to address this
  31. the role of supervision, reflective practice and learning and development in supporting children or young people’s mathematical learning, exploration and problem solving

Scope/range


Scope Performance


Scope Knowledge


Values


Behaviours


Skills


Glossary

The glossary for this National Occupational Standard is available on the Skills for Care and Development website.


Links To Other NOS


External Links


Version Number

1

Indicative Review Date

2031

Validity

Current

Status

Original

Originating Organisation

Skills for Care and Development

Original URN

HSCCLD432

Relevant Occupations

Social Care and Childrens Care

SOC Code


Keywords

Children and Young People, Mathematical Learning, Problem Solving, Health and Social Care & Children's Care Learning and Development