Number Train Doncaster
Looking for preschool maths classes in Doncaster? 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.
“The lessons are about so much more than maths and counting and I encourage anybody interested about Number Train to give it a go!”
About our Doncaster classes
Across Doncaster, we hold the following classes:
Further details on each venue, including parking information, can be found in the FAQs at the bottom of this page.
We also offer classes in the following nearby areas: Wakefield
Meet the Doncaster Train Driver
Hi, my name is Ellie Birkinshaw and I am the Number Train driver for Doncaster.
I grew up in Wetherby before moving to Leeds in 2008 to study Primary Education at Leeds Beckett University. After graduating, I spent the next few years teaching in the Leeds area and working at a Summer camp in America. In 2016, I moved to Vietnam to teach English before finally settling in Doncaster and teaching Key Stage One for many years. Doncaster has quickly become home to me and now my young family. You can oftem find me darting about on the school/nursery run, wandering around the Wildlife Park, or grabbing food at the Wool Market!
I discovered Number Train by attending classes with the eldest of my two girls (and my then 1-year-old in tow!) I couldn’t believe the progress my daughter made with her maths and how much both of my girls loved the classes. I jumped at the opportunity to bring Number Train to Doncaster In September 2025 and I have not looked back. Delivering sessions to families, nurseries and childminders brings me such joy!
“My granddaughter couldn’t wait for the class every week!”
Why local families choose Number Train
Number Train Doncaster was born because I was looking for a class for my 3 year old that would support her with maths. I actually lacked a lot of confidence in maths myself at school, and I wanted her to have a different relationship with the subject! I quickly found that there were no pre-school maths classes in Doncaster and I really wanted something educational as well as fun. We had to attend classes out of area, and then later I brought Number Train to Doncaster!
I have had many parents relate to my story. They struggled to find educational classes in the area and many have also said that they struggled with maths in school and they want to support their child’s educational journey from the start.
Sadly, in our area, Maths GCSE results are among the lowest in the country. However, our families have shared their joy with us after attending our classes, expressing that our programme has given their child strong foundations in maths and provided the stepping stones to thrive in the subject when they leave Number Train to go into pre-school or Reception.
In addition, parents, grandparents and childminders have said that they love the weekly routine that Number Train provides them, and that they love coming together with other families to learn, create, move, play and socialise. “We spend the whole session smiling!”
We’d love for you to join us too!
What local families say about Number Train
“Me and my son love coming to Number Train, I’ve been taking him since he was 2 and half years old, and the things he’s learnt at such a young age is amazing. Ellie is such a kind teacher and really does take her time with each and every child that attends and you can really tell all the kids love her! My son didn’t need help in the confidence department, however, with Ellie’s help he’s learnt to slow down a bit, sharing and patience!”
“My granddaughter has really enjoyed Number Train. We have just completed our second term and unfortunately she is starting preschool so sadly we’ve had to stop the classes . It has been fun, educational and creative with lots to do in the class… Ellie is a wonderful teacher and the children engage with her very quickly. Give the class a go you won’t be disappointed.”
“We will definitely return to your sessions, as they add a great amount of learning for our children and we have been really impressed with their progress in such a short amount of time.”
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.
“Ellie is such a kind teacher and really does take her time with each and every child that attends. You can really tell all the kids love her! ”
FAQs
Where can I attend classes in Doncaster?
Number Train currently holds classes at the following venues:
St Francis Church
Bessacarr
Nostell Place
Doncaster
DN4 7JA
Brodsworth Pavilion
33-35 Brodsworth Way
Rossington
DN11 0FD
All of our venues have toilet facilities and baby changing areas.
Is parking available?
St Francis of Assisi Church, Nostell Place, Bessacarr, DN4 7JA
The church car park is at the end of Alston Road just past Willow School. Alternatively, there is on-street parking on the streets close by. The class is held in the cafe area, please enter through the fire door marked with a Number Train sign.
Sprotbrough Community Library, Sprotbrough, DN5 8BA
The class is held upstairs in the Melton Room. A lift is available at the library should you need it. There is a car park at the front of the library for you to use, alternatively there is on-street parking close by.
Brodsworth Way Pavilion, Rossington, DN11 0FD
There is a large car park next to the building for you to use.
All of our venues have toilet facilities and baby changing areas.
What days and times do classes run?
Across Doncaster, we run classes on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. A full list of venues and timings for my classes can be seen above, or please visit our Train Timetable for a full list of classes across the region.
Alternatively, other nearby classes take place in Wakefield.
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 Learners Day Nursery
- Making Friends Day Nursery
We also work with local childminder, Vicki Milburn.
Alternatively, if your childcare provider 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 my area, we also run classes in the following nearby locations: Wakefield.
For more information, please visit our Number Train FAQs page
or contact us and we will be happy to answer your questions.