UK coins and notes
1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1, £2 plus £5, £10 and £20 notes.
Money is a KS1 favourite because it's tangible. Year 1 names the coins; Year 2 makes totals and gives simple change. UK currency uses the 1-2-5 pattern: 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1, £2.
Worked examples
20p + 5p + 2p + 1p = 28p.
£1 - 35p = 65p change. Counting up: 35, 40, 50, £1.
Two 50p coins = £1. Five 20p coins = £1.
Frequently asked questions
Are children taught the £ symbol?
Yes — Year 2 introduces both notations: 28p and £0.28. The decimal point can wait for KS2 when fractions and decimals are formalised.
Old vs new pound coin?
The 12-sided £1 (since 2017) is the only one in circulation; the round one was demonetised in 2017. The bimetallic £2 (since 1998) and 50p shapes are unchanged.
Notes in KS1?
Year 2 introduces £5, £10, £20, £50 notes by sight; arithmetic with notes is KS2.