Googling for 'numerate children' actually turns up an optimum hit:

http://www.bera.ac.uk/system/files/520668_num.pdf

Key messages * pre-school children's experience of number is not always built upon when they come to school. * Counting is an effective basis for the early years number curriculum. * Young children can use isiosyncratic symbols to record small numbers but standard numerals are more helpful in solving problems.

Implications * The knowledge that children bring to school needs to be built upon. * Children need experience of counting in a variety of social contexts. * Young children need to feel free to use a variety of ways including conventional numerical symbols to support simple problem solving.