21 November 2025
In this episode host Fran Watson chats with associate professor Dr Rachel Oughton, head teacher Sarah Dixon-Jones and nursery lead practitioner Kathryn Nichols, about the collaboration which has blossomed from a 'cheeky email request' sent in 2020.
Download transcriptResources mentioned by Rachel, Sarah and Kathryn in this episode
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Durham University article about the project
Introducing the inception of the Young Minds Big Maths project as a collaboration between the university’s maths department engagement group and a local community nursery school.
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Image © Norbert Peyerimhoff, 2023. Used with permission.
Ramp Play booklet
Through a recently secured ESRC IAA grant Young Minds Big Maths have produced a booklet about exploring maths through ramp play with young children. The booklet is freely available via the link provided and printed copies can be ordered for a small charge.
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Image © Young Minds Big Maths, 2025. Used under Creative Commons licence CC-BY-NC-SA 4.0.
Article from the Mathematical Thinking and Learning Journal
Developing ‘deep mathematical thinking’ in geometry with 3- and 4-year-olds: a collaborative study between early years teachers and university-based mathematicians.
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Image © Sarah Dixon-Jones, 2025. Used with permission.
Article from the Association of Teachers of Mathematics journal ‘Mathematics Teaching’
Going round in circles: Geometry in the early years.
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Image © Sarah Dixon-Jones, 2025. Used with permission.
Young Minds Big Maths website
The homepage of the project; containing information about its funding, publications and on-going work.
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Image © Sarah Dixon-Jones, 2025. Used with permission.