Number Train Horsforth
Looking for preschool maths classes in Leeds? Number Train is an award-winning preschool programme created to help children grow in confidence, learn new skills, and prepare for school, through music, making, movement and maths!
Aimed at children from around 2.5 years upwards, our classes are designed and delivered by experienced primary school teachers, ensuring children develop confidence with numbers, whilst building the skills that will help them thrive when they start school.
“I can’t recommend Number Train highly enough… I’ve been a childminder for 22 years, and I’ve been to a lot of children’s groups, but this the best of them all.”
About our Horsforth classes
In Horsforth, we hold the following classes:
Our Horsforth venue, St James’ Parish Centre (LS18 5QW), offers free parking. Further details can be found in the FAQs at the bottom of this page.
We also offer classes in the following nearby areas: Otley, Ilkley and the surrounding areas, North East Leeds, Wetherby, Harrogate and Knaresborough, and North Bradford.
Meet the Horsforth Number Train Driver
Hi, I am Annette Peterson (aka Mrs Number Train) and I am the driver for the Horsforth area – the original home of Number Train.
As the founder and franchisor, my role is very varied from teaching young children, mentoring the other drivers and running Number Train HQ!
I have lived in North Leeds since 2007 after relocating from London with Mr P. We chose Leeds as the place to settle down and raise a family because we both came here for University and we love having the best of both worlds – being close to Leeds City Centre but also having so much green space on our doorstep!
Before Number Train, I was a primary school teacher for over 15 years, working across all year groups during this time. My specialist subject is maths which I studied to degree level at Leeds University.
I am a proud mum to two teenage boys who keep me busy out of work.
“Number Train keeps the children engaged with lots of different activities, alternating between physical and mental tasks. You do so much in an hour – from singing to dancing to games and lots more.“
Why local families choose Number Train
Number Train is a popular choice for many families across Horsforth, Cookridge, Adel, Rawdon, Calverley and Farsley because it offers so much in just one hour – often described by parents/ carers as a ‘one stop shop’.
The different themed adventures offer many important skills from the Early Years curriculum so children start school feeling confident and with strong foundations. Every single activity includes an element of maths and has been planned with precision to ensure the children are learning without realising.
Number Train is highly recommended because parents and carers immediately see the benefits of attending, and say it is excellent value for money! In addition, they like how it offers more educational challenge than many other classes available so come back with all their children for years and years.
It was my mission when creating Number Train to help young children to fall in love with maths from an early age and I am delighted that the model works – pop along and see for yourself how we do this through music, movement and making every week!
What local families say about Number Train
“I cannot recommend Number Train highly enough to parents, carers and fellow early years professionals. It is so much more than just maths. My children are now ready to transition into the school environment, and I know they are well prepared. I look forward to taking more passengers on board in the future. Number Train is simply brilliant!”
“Number train is our favourite class of the week. My 3 year old loves the variety of the songs, games and craft. Annette is just incredible, so kind and caring with all the class and even manages to adjust her approach to all to get the best from them and encourage their learning. We now look for patterns, shapes and numbers wherever we go. Couldn’t recommend more highly.”
“Number Train is simply the best pre school class we’ve been to. I took my eldest a few years ago and he was so excited to attend every week, especially eager to learn what the theme was for the week, the space and superhero week were his firm favourites. We enjoyed it so much, we signed my youngest son up when the time came. He loves it as much as his older brother! It’s been so lovely to see his confidence grow week by week and he loves showing off his knowledge of numbers in class and at home. Annette is a true pro, you can see how passionate she is about Number Train and my both my boys absolutely adore her. Highly recommend!”
To see what else parents and carers have to say about Number Train, please visit our gallery and testimonials page, or click here to view our Google profile where we have over 100 five star reviews.
“My son has developed so many skills in the short time he’s been attending. I only wish we’d been able to start this class sooner!”
FAQs
Where can I attend classes in Horsforth?
Number Train currently holds classes at St James’ Parish Centre in Horsforth, with new classes frequently being added. The full address can be found below:
St James Woodside Parish Centre
Low Lane
Horsforth
Leeds
LS18 5QW
For more information on the venue, such as facilities and accessibility, please visit their website.
Is parking available?
St James Parish Centre has a large car park and can be found just off Low Lane in Horsforth. There is a big sign to show you where to go. FREE Parking is available
What days and times do classes run?
Across Horsforth we run classes at a range of times on Monday and Thursday. A full list of venues and timings for Horsforth can be seen above, or please visit our Train Timetable for a full list of classes across the UK.
Alternatively, other nearby classes take place in Otley, Ilkley and the surrounding areas, North East Leeds, Wetherby, Harrogate and Knaresborough, and North Bradford.
How old does my child need to be to join Number Train?
Number Train was originally designed for children aged 3 years+ however over the last few years, several children have started when they were 2 and a half years old, and attended until starting school. As all children develop differently, it is up to each individual parent to decide if their child is ready, so by coming along to a trial session, parents can decide for themselves.
Can siblings attend?
Yes, you are welcome to bring a younger sibling along, and if they are under 2 years old, they may attend free of charge. Siblings over 2 years old are charged at 50% of the normal fees.
Due to limited capacity rules, please let me know in advance if you intend to bring a younger sibling so I can account for them in my total numbers. Please note, it is the parent’s responsibility to watch younger siblings, as there may be toys/ small items which the older child use and must be kept out of reach.
What happens at a typical Number Train session?
Our sessions use a combination of familiar structural elements and new material to help children build confidence. Every session starts with our welcome routine, and then children use clues to guess that week’s destination. Every week will be a different theme, ranging from the land of the dinosaurs to a busy bakery, with bespoke activities designed around each theme.
We understand that different children learn, and play, differently, so every session will combine physical activities with more focused tasks. By using dynamic ‘brain break’ activities, children get to use their bodies and burn off some energy, helping them to engage in tasks that require more attention.
Some activities will involve the whole class, some might have the children working in small group or teams, or some will be working on their own with their adult. Approaching tasks in a range of different ways helps prepare the children for school, and builds important skills like following instructions independently, taking turns, or speaking in front of a group.
Every class also includes an art activity, where children will be guided through creating a themed piece in class that they can take home with them at the end. Children love being able to share what they’ve done with their friends and family, and you won’t have to worry about tidying up the mess after!
The Number Train programme has been developed in line with the current EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) curriculum, giving the children (and parents!) the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the concepts and terminology that will be used at school. So if you haven’t heard of number bonds, or can’t remember what subitising means, jump on the train and we’ll bring you up to date with the skills you need to support your child’s learning!
Do you offer trial sessions?
Yes – we encourage parents to book a trial session to see if the class is right for your child. Trial sessions can be easily booked online, and there is no obligation to sign up afterwards.
To book your trial, please click here or contact us to find out more.
Do parents stay during the session?
Yes, Number Train is designed so adults can participate together with their child, offering support and encouragement. Parents often mention how much they learn alongside their children and leave with lots of ideas to try at home!
Can my child join mid-term?
Yes, you can join Number Train at any time, however, the ideal time to start is September when we start the programme. As the year goes on, we build on concepts we learn in the earlier sessions (for example, moving from counting to 10 to counting to 20) but we are able to cater to children of all ages and abilities so it’s never too late to join!
Getting in touch a few months in advance is always worthwhile as certain classes fill very quickly in the Autumn term. To view availability for your area, click here.
I’m interested in Number Train, but my child attends nursery the days you run sessions. Is there any other way I can attend?
Number Train is working with the following nurseries in your area, so please contact them directly to register your interest in joining a session:
- Little Explorers of Cookridge
- Rodley Village Day Nursery
- Calverley Village Day Nursery
- Acorns in Adel
- Brownberrie Lane Preschool
- Cliffe House Featherbank
- Cliffe House Pudsey
Alternatively, if your childcare setting does not currently offer Number Train sessions, please feel free to send us a message and we can contact them to see if they would like to run Number Train classes within their usual hours.
Number Train offers classes covering a wide range of days and times, so if you cannot see any that suit you in Horsforth, we also run classes in the following nearby areas: Otley, Ilkley and the surrounding areas, North East Leeds, Wetherby, Harrogate and Knaresborough, and North Bradford.
For more information, please visit our Number Train FAQs page
or contact us and we will be happy to answer your questions.