Number Train North East Leeds

🚂 Why Number Bonds Matter: Building Strong Mathematical Foundations

At Number Train, we know that developing a strong sense of number is one of the most important steps in a child’s mathematical journey. One of the key building blocks of number sense is understanding number bonds.

Number bonds help children see the relationship between numbers and understand that numbers can be broken apart and put back together in different ways. For example, knowing that 5 can be made from 2 and 3, or 1 and 4, helps children develop flexibility and confidence when working with numbers.

📸 In this activity, children are exploring number bonds in a hands-on way, matching parts to make a whole number. Practical experiences like these make abstract mathematical concepts meaningful and memorable.

Why are number bonds so important?

⭐ Develop Mental Maths Skills
Children who know their number bonds can solve calculations more quickly and efficiently without always relying on counting.

⭐ Build Number Sense
Understanding how numbers relate to one another helps children recognise patterns and make connections across different areas of maths.

⭐ Support Addition and Subtraction
Number bonds provide the foundation for learning addition and subtraction facts, helping children understand how numbers combine and separate.

⭐ Prepare for More Advanced Maths
A secure understanding of number bonds supports future learning in multiplication, division, fractions, and problem-solving.

⭐ Increase Confidence
When children understand numbers deeply, they approach mathematical challenges with greater confidence and independence.

At Number Train, we believe that maths is about much more than learning facts—it’s about developing a deep understanding of how numbers work. By exploring number bonds through play, investigation, and hands-on activities, children build the strong foundations they need for future mathematical success.

🚂 Strong number bonds today lead to confident mathematicians tomorrow!

🚂 Number Train Play Time 🚂
All aboard the Number Train for some fun, friendship and learning! 🌟

During our play time sessions, children enjoy playing games together that encourage them to take turns, share resources and work alongside their friends. Activities like matching and sorting games help children learn that everyone gets a chance to participate, while also making new friendships along the way.

✨ Benefits of turn-taking games:
• Develops patience and self-control
• Encourages sharing and cooperation
• Builds communication and social skills
• Helps children make and maintain friendships
• Supports listening and concentration skills
• Boosts confidence when playing as part of a group
• Teaches fairness and respect for others

Through play, children learn valuable life skills that will support them both in the classroom and beyond. 💙

SocialDevelopment EYFS PreschoolActivities PlayBasedLearning MakingFriends ChildDevelopment NurseryLife LearningTogether EarlyLearning FunWithFriends 🚂✨

🎨✨ Creative Craft Time Every Week! ✨🎨

Each week, our children enjoy a different craft activity, giving them the opportunity to explore a variety of materials including paint, glue, sponges, brushes and printing tools.

Painting is a fantastic way for children to develop their creativity and self-expression while strengthening fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination and concentration. Exploring different colours, textures and techniques helps build confidence and encourages children to experiment with their own ideas.

Gluing activities are equally important, helping children develop hand strength, control and precision as they carefully place and stick materials. These experiences support early writing skills, problem-solving and spatial awareness, all while creating something they can be proud of.

Our craft sessions are always fun and a little bit messy, allowing children to learn through exploration with the support of caring adults. Best of all, we provide all the resources and handle the clean-up, so you can enjoy seeing the finished masterpiece without the mess at home! 😊

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“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” – Benjamin Franklin

There is something magical about watching children learn through doing. This week at Number Train, our little learners explored numbers using sand, filling and tipping, moulding and counting as they built their own number representations.

Hands-on learning gives children the opportunity to explore concepts with all of their senses. Rather than simply watching someone else demonstrate a skill, children are actively involved in the learning process. They can experiment, make mistakes, problem-solve, and discover ideas for themselves.

When children have the time and space to do rather than just watch, learning becomes more meaningful and memorable. Activities like these help to develop early maths skills, fine motor control, concentration, language, and confidence—all while having lots of fun!

At Number Train, we know that some of the most powerful learning happens when little hands are busy exploring. 🚂✨

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Feeling so excited and grateful to be continuing to work with so many amazing nurseries this half term! 🚂✨

It means so much that more and more settings are seeing the benefits of what we do at Number Train — helping children learn through fun, interactive and engaging sessions that build confidence with early maths skills. ❤️

Thank you to all the wonderful nursery teams for welcoming us into your settings and supporting what we do. We can’t wait for another fantastic half term full of hands on learning and Number Train fun! 🚂

If your nursery would like to find out more about our sessions or book a FREE taster session, feel free to drop me a message! 😊

Is your little one a little shy or nervous in new groups? ❤️

At Number Train, that’s absolutely okay 🚂✨

We know that every child settles in differently, and we always create a warm, friendly and pressure-free environment where children can join in at their own pace. Some little ones jump straight in, while others prefer to watch for a while first — and both are perfectly fine 😊

Through music, movement, play and routine, we often see shy children grow in confidence week by week, making friends, joining activities and shining in their own way 🌈

If you’ve been thinking about coming along but weren’t sure if your child would settle, please know you’ll be made to feel so welcome 💛

🚂☀️ NUMBER TRAIN SUMMER TERM IS HERE ☀️🚂

Get ready for a summer full of FUN, learning, and exciting themed maths adventures!

This term we’ll be exploring:

🦖 Dinosaurs
🏖 Seaside
🎡 Fun Fair
🏅 Sports Day
🇺🇸 America
🦸 Superheroes

Our Number Train classes make early maths fun, engaging, and confidence-building through games, activities, movement and hands-on learning.

Perfect for little learners who love to learn through play while building essential number skills 💛

✨ Small classes
✨ Friendly & supportive sessions
✨ Develop a love of learning
✨ Boost confidence with numbers

Spaces for the summer term are now open!

📩 Message me to book or find out more.

WHO is it for?
❤️Preschool children aged 2.5 years +
❤️Parents and carers who want their children to be confident
❤️Nurseries and preschools who want to enrich and enhance their provision

WHAT do we do?
❤️ We sing and dance
❤️ We move and make
❤️ We listen and learn... All while travelling around the world on the train!

WHERE is it?
❤️ Community venues across West. North and South Yorkshire
❤️ Coming soon to Co. Durham and other new locations in 2026,! Watch this space for more details.

WHEN is it on?
❤️ Weekly classes throughout the year
❤️ Monday to Friday
❤️Term time only

WHY is it popular?
❤️ Designed and delivered by highly skilled primary school teachers
❤️ Structured and progressive programme - tried and tested for 9 years!
❤️ An educational focus - offers that little bit more!
❤️ Something different every week
❤️ Unique and the first preschool maths activity provider.
❤️ Longer sessions offering great value for money

Still want to know more? Book a taster via the website and we will answer any questions!

🚨 Only 10 Number Train sessions left this academic year! 🚂🔢

The countdown is ON! Don’t miss your chance to jump aboard, build confidence, and have fun with numbers before we wrap up for the year. Let’s make these last sessions the best yet! 🎉

EducationMatters

🚨 Only 10 Number Train sessions left this academic year! 🚂🔢

The countdown is ON! Don’t miss your chance to jump aboard, build confidence, and have fun with numbers before we wrap up for the year. Let’s make these last sessions the best yet! 🎉