Live Panel Webinar: Why Playful Maths? With Dr Helen J Williams and Panelists

Stronger Practice Hub Event

“Mathematics could be like roller-skating, but usually it’s like being told to stop roller-skating and come in and tidy your room.” – Richard Winter (2009)

Do you want to be joyful, creative and playful with Early Maths?

Do you want to grow your confidence in being a playful partner with children as they explore their world through mathematical noticing, mathematical talk, and mathematical thinking?

Come and join Dr Helen Williams and our expert panel in a dynamic conversation about how to create a playful, maths-rich pedagogy and provision. A provision that is open, active, and flexible—full of challenging tasks and interesting maths tools—allows children to develop their own playful inquiry and understanding of mathematical concepts.

Helen will discuss the research evidenced in her book “Playful Mathematics” and inspire us to rethink mathematics, explore how children learn best, and learn how adults can best support children’s mathematical learning.

Our Panel

Dr Helen J Williams

Dr Helen J Williams is an independent consultant specialising in the learning and teaching of early mathematics. Her work includes writing and researching as well as teaching mathematics alongside colleagues in schools and settings, contributing to ITT and in-service conferences across the UK and Europe. She was awarded lifetime membership of the Association of Teachers of Mathematics in 2024, is a member of the British Society for Research into Learning Mathematics, an associate of Early Education and a founder member of the Early Childhood Mathematics group, who contributed the mathematics section to the ‘Birth To Five Matters’ guidance. Helen’s doctorate was completed with Roehampton University in 2014 and explored the mathematical potential of role play. She tweets as @helenjwc and blogs (sporadically) here. Her book “Playful Mathematics for Children 3 to 7.” was published by SAGE in March 2022 and won the Nursery World Professional Book of the Year Award later that year.

Robin Taylor is Associate Head of St. Paul’s Nursery School and Children’s Centre and a Specialist Leader in Early Mathematics. He is professional development lead for the NCETM’s Early Years Programme in Somerset and facilitates the Maths Network for Bristol and Beyond Stronger Practice Hub. Robin is obsessed with Block Play! And is currently working with Bristol University PHD student Michael Rumbelow in researching Block Play here at St. Paul’s Nursery School.

Zoi Chambers

Zoi Chambers is the Early Years Curriculum Lead at Begbrook Primary Academy. She thrives on growing her own professional development so she can spread her joy and passion to support and develop provision in Early Years, through child led play, and high-quality adult interactions. For the last two academic years, Zoi has had the privilege of being part of the Specialist Knowledge for Teaching Mathematics in Early years and has applied the knowledge and understanding she gained, and has woven it through their child-centred curriculum to ensure the joy of maths is deliberately placed everywhere! The provision in the environment and the quality of teaching has improved which, in turn, is ensuring raised outcomes for their children.

Julian Swindale is Leader of Teaching and Learning at Sefton Park Infant and Juniors Schools. He studied drawing at art school from a very early age culminating in a Masters in Fine Art at the Royal College of Art. This lifelong interest in drawing and ‘looking’ has been a lens through which to explore the teaching of mathematics to young children. Julian has introduced the Montessori cycle of activity to his nursery setting in order to create a platform for children’s self expression in mathematics and provide an open canvas for exploring the intersection of Art and Mathematical development. A central question is never far away from his teaching: ‘If the hands are key research tools for young children, then what do I best put within their reach?’

Our Live Panel Webinars are special evening events featuring a panel of experts. They are highly interactive events featuring a live chat, during which we encourage our audience to ask questions, share their thoughts on the topics we discuss, and network with other attendees.