Number Train Stockton-on-Tees
Looking for preschool maths classes in Stockton-on-Tees? 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.
“A perfect mix of learning and play!“
About our Stockton-on-Tees classes
Across Stockton-on-Tees, 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.
Meet the Stockton-on-Tees Number Train Driver
Hi, my name is Louise and I am the Number Train driver for Stockton-on-Tees!
I couldn’t wait to get started with Number Train sessions this September. I have been a qualified teacher for over 16 years in several primary schools in Stockton-on-Tees and Durham, and this year, I made the leap to leave the classroom when I saw just how amazing Number Train sessions are!
I am also a busy mum to three very active children, aged 13, 12 and 6. You will regularly find me on the side of netball and football pitches cheering my children on. This also means that over the years I have tried most parent and toddler classes in our area, and my children would have loved a class like Number Train!
I am originally from Manchester, and came to the North East to study Psychology at Durham University in 2004, later completing my PGCE in Primary Education there in 2008 and I’ve lived here ever since! Living in the North East, I love being within half an hour’s drive of the beach, rain or shine Saltburn is our favourite place, but anywhere with some waves and space to sun suits us!
“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! “
Why local families choose Number Train
Number Train comes highly recommended by parents and carers who quickly see the difference our sessions make. Families love the combination of high-quality learning, creativity and fun. Sessions not only include maths, but develop concentration, independence, perseverance, confidence, and so much more. An action packed one stop shop!
As a teacher and parent in Stockton, I know how important maths is for starting school. However, when I looked around for toddler classes with my youngest, there was nothing that catered for this, or built upon his learning at nursery. We did a lot at home, but he would have flourished with the fantastic themes and activities available every week at Number Train. He would have also loved his chance to be independent and build his own confidence in other areas.
I feel that in our area, maths is under-represented, and many children, including my two eldest children, find it hard to grasp new concepts as they progress through primary school. This is why I chose to bring Number Train to Teesside and aim to reach as many families, nurseries and places as I can!
Our aim is to inspire children to develop a genuine love of maths from an early age. Seeing children become excited by numbers, eager to join in and proud of what they can achieve is exactly what Number Train is all about.
Come along and experience it for yourself, and discover how we make maths exciting, memorable and meaningful through music, movement and making!
What local families say about Number Train
“In 6 months my daughter has flourished by coming to Number Train – we have gone from not being interested in numbers to seeing numbers everywhere and now counting to 50 with no issues.
You can see how far they have come in just a short amount of time, not only in their numeracy ability, but in confidence, and other useful skills to prepare them for school, like doing a register and putting their hands up to answer questions.
I feel like I’m sending my little ones to school with great enthusiasm and a positive association with maths!”
“The children don’t realise they are learning – each session keeps the children engaged with lots of different activities, alternating between physical and mental tasks. They are exploring number, pattern, mathematical language, turn taking, fine and gross motor skills, speaking and listening skills and so much more! There are so many great elements to Number Train that just work together to create a fantastic atmosphere.“
“As an Early Years Teacher, it was amazing to see how Number Train ticks every box for school readiness… What are you waiting for? Get on the train! “
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.
“We treasure our Number Train time together each week.“
FAQs
Where can I attend classes in the Stockton-on-Tees area?
Number Train currently holds classes at the following venues:
The Playground
Pavilion Shopping Centre
Thornaby-on-Tees
Stockton-on-Tees
TS17 9FD
Make Believe Play Cafe
Cromwell Street
Hartlepool
TS24 7LR
Eaglescliffe Village Hall
590 Yarm Road
Eaglescliffe
Stockton-on-Tees
TS16 0DF
Mr Bees Community Hive
Lamb Lane
Inglby Barwick
Stockton-on-Tees
TS17 0QP
Elmwood Youth and Community Centre
53 Darlington Road
Hartburn
Stockton-on-Tees
TS18 5EP
Is parking available?
There is free parking at, or close to, all of our venues, with Elmwood Youth and Community Centre and Eaglescliffe Village Hall both having their own private car parks.
What days and times do classes run?
Across Stockton-on-Tees, we run classes in your area every weekday. 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.
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:
- The Montessori People, Stockton-On-Tees
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 my area, please visit the train timetable for a full list of classes across the region.
For more information, please visit our Number Train FAQs page
or contact us and we will be happy to answer your questions.