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:
- ensure curriculum guidance or frameworks for mathematical learning are identified and followed
- lead the development of systems to observe the mathematical learning of children or young people through play and real-world experiences
- support others to recognise and respond to children or young people who need additional support
- model a child-centred approach by involving children or young people and others in assessments of mathematical learning
- oversee the use of observations and feedback to assess mathematical learning in meaningful contexts
- ensure observations recognise the full range of mathematical skills, including problem-solving, pattern recognition, and spatial reasoning
- lead the development of mathematical learning experiences that build on the interests and natural curiosity of children or young people
- promote and embed the use of digital tools and devices to enhance mathematical thinking and problem-solving
- support others in selecting high-quality, developmentally appropriate resources to support mathematical learning
- model and encourage responsive, sensitive interactions that foster mathematical confidence and curiosity
- ensure children or young people have equal access to mathematical learning experiences
- create environments where children or young people feel confident to explore and engage in mathematical thinking
- develop systems that monitor and evaluate the mathematical learning of children or young people
- work collaboratively with others to evaluate whether mathematical learning provision is effective and responsive to the needs of children or young people
- identify areas for improvement and leading continuous professional learning in mathematical development
- lead reflective practice by supporting others to analyse and improve their approach to mathematical learning
- support others to access professional learning opportunities related to mathematical learning
- complete records and reports required for leading the support for children and young people’s mathematical learning, exploration and problem solving
- 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:
- how to support the transitions that children or young people may go through in their mathematical learning
- national and local approaches to mathematical learning and how they influence assessment and curriculum planning
- the importance of using valid and reliable data when assessing the mathematical learning of children or young people
- your workplace processes for observation and assessment of the mathematical learning of children or young people
- how internal assessment processes link to wider curriculum and assessment frameworks
- how to lead on the application trauma informed principles to promote the mathematical development of children or young people
- when and how to use different types of observations to support mathematical learning
- the influences on mathematical learning and how research informs effective practice
- the typical patterns of mathematical learning and problem-solving from birth and how to support progression of children or young people
- the influence of neurodivergence and additional needs on the mathematical learning of children or young people
- the influence of culture and background on the mathematical development of children or young people
- the role of play in developing mathematical thinking and how to integrate play-based approaches effectively
- how to adapt your practice to support mathematical learning for children or young people with different abilities, needs, and preferences
- the types of resources, experiences, and approaches that best support mathematical learning, including the use of digital technology
- the importance of engaging others in children or young people's mathematical learning and how to build effective partnerships
- how to involve children or young people in assessing and shaping their own mathematical learning in ways appropriate to their age and needs
- how to lead on dignity, kindness, and compassion when promoting the mathematical learning of children or young people
- how to support emotional regulation during mathematical development
- how to monitor and evaluate mathematical learning provision and plan for continuous improvement
- how to reflect on your leadership role in supporting mathematical learning and ensure best practice is followed
- how to support and develop the skills of others to ensure high quality mathematical learning experiences
- how to support others to be confident in the use of digital tools and devices to enhance mathematical thinking and problem solving
- how to create learning environments that encourage confidence, curiosity, and engagement in mathematical thinking
- how to analyse and use observation data to inform planning and improve mathematical learning provision
- how to embed mathematical learning across different areas of the curriculum to make it meaningful and relevant
- the records and reports required for leading the support for children and young people’s mathematical learning, exploration and problem solving
- theories relevant to leading the support for children or young people’s mathematical learning, exploration and problem solving
- 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
- the workplace requirements on equality, diversity, inclusion and rights when supporting children or young people’s mathematical learning, exploration and problem solving
- 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
- 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