Early Years

Welcome to the LPDS Early Years page.

Brand New Publication

Key Learning in the EYFS

Do your reception teachers feel equipped to plan effectively for every child in their class?
How well do your subject leaders understand the foundations of their subject within the EYFS framework?
Are you ready to supercharge your EYFS planning?
Key Learning in the EYFS is the ultimate resource for Reception teachers and subject leaders who want to design a curriculum that’s ambitious, well-sequenced and rooted in real developmental progress.
Created by expert consultants at LPDS, this go- to- guide sets out the key learning—skills, knowledge, and concepts—across all seven areas of development. It helps staff check whether children are secure in earlier steps, supports confident decision-making, and links directly to Year 1 expectations so you can plan with purpose and precision.
Why you’ll love it:
• Saves time with a clear, easy-to-use layout
• Shows how each subject begins from birth and flows into Key Stage 1
• Supports transition and progression with direct links to the National Curriculum
• Empowers EYFS teams and subject leaders to build a curriculum that truly connects
Whether you're refreshing your provision or leading curriculum design, this is the must-have tool for creating high-quality, joined-up learning from the very start.

Catharine Cummins

Order 'Key Learning in the EYFS'

Brand New Publication

Progression in Play - Sand

Following on from our briefings across the Spring and Summer Terms, you can now purchase 'Progression in Play - Sand' for just £15!

Your ultimate toolkit for playful, purposeful learning in early years!

Support skill progression from ages 2–7
Spark curiosity with open-ended play with carefully chosen resources
Plan, observe, and teach with confidence
Packed with ideas for language, collaboration & creativity
Perfect for continuous provision and joyful learning!

Bring the magic of sand play to life in your setting today!

Order 'Progression in Play - Sand'

Progression in Play - Sand - Free Briefing!

Join a free briefing to learn more!
Details:
17th September 2025, 3.45pm - 4.15pm, Microsoft Teams
Suitable for Early Years Teachers and Teaching Assistants working in Nursery, Reception or Year 1. Bring your team!
(Please note: this is a repeat of the four briefings held in Spring/Summer 2025)

Join the Teams briefing here:

Join the meeting now

Meeting ID: 323 647 991 848 8

Passcode: jG2bZ3Ta

CPD and Consultancy

Welcome to the 2025/2026 Early Years & KS1 Training Offer!

Get ready for an inspiring year of professional development tailored specifically for Early Years and Key Stage 1 educators! Whether you're a seasoned EYFS leader, a teacher new to the phase, a returning practitioner or teaching assistant, we’ve got something exciting just for you.

What’s in Store?

This year, we’re bringing back our most popular and impactful courses, including:

Effective Observations & Curriculum Planning
Indoor & Outdoor Learning Environments
Assessment & Moderation
The Role of the Adult in Early Years
Preparing for Ofsted with Confidence

Brand-New Courses for 2025/26!

We’ve listened to your feedback and responded to the latest developments in Early Years education with a fresh lineup of innovative training:

EAY109: Know Your Children – Master the Observe, Assess, and Plan cycle
EAY201: Planning Outdoor Learning in All Seasons – A three-part online series linking seasonal change and curriculum progression from Nursery to Year 1
EAY206: Embedding SHREC for High-Quality Interactions – Half-day online session
EAY207: Playful Learning in KS1 – Bring joy and purpose to your classroom
EAY197: Supporting Children with SEND in Reception – Practical strategies and inclusive approaches
EAY199: Building Strong Foundations – Based on the latest research and reports
EAY205: Creating Lifelong Learners in KS1 – Inspire curiosity and independence
EAY200: Planning a Carefully Considered Curriculum – Intentional planning for meaningful learning
EAY203: Sing Your Way Through the Day – Make routines memorable and magical through music

Whether you're looking to deepen your expertise, refresh your practice, or explore new ideas, our training offer
is designed to empower and energize your journey in Early Years education.

Special Offer – Buy One, Get One Free!

We’re excited to offer a limited-time BOGOF deal on selected courses – perfect for teams looking to stretch their CPD budget while boosting impact!

Planning a Carefully Considered Curriculum (EAY200)
Explore key considerations when planning, keeping the child at the centre of all that we do.
Getting Ready to Write (EAY143)
Equip children with the foundations for confident, joyful writing starting with Gross and Fine motor skills.
Moving into Year 1 and Effective Transitions (ASS182)
Ensure smooth, supportive transitions that keep learning momentum strong. Perfect for The Receptionand year 1 teacher together

Sustained CPD Package over an academic year – Great Value, Big Impact!

Support two members of your team with this comprehensive professional development offer focused on
deepening understanding of Key Learning across all 7 areas of the EYFS.
What’s included:
Day 1: Full-day training at Fairfield Professional Development Centre
Ongoing Support: Five half-day sessions across the year
3 online (one per term)
2 in-person at Fairfield
Final Term: Half-day consultancy visit to your setting to plan next steps
Recognition: Certificate awarded and celebration upon completion
This package is ideal for settings looking to embed consistent, high-quality practice across their team and at £850
offers great value for money!

Tailored Support Just for You

We also offer bespoke consultancy, INSETs, and twilight sessions for individual staff or whole EYFS teams.
Topics include:
EYFS for Subject Leaders
Curriculum Design
Environment & Provision
And much more – just ask!

Contact our Early Years Lead:

Email: catharine.cummins@lancashire.gov.uk

Phone: 01772532756

Mobile: 07812785985

Top tips from our Lancashire Leading Foundation Stage Teachers (LFSTs)

A tour of Leading foundation stage teacher Nicola Killeen's classroom:

Vocabulary top tips from our Lancashire Leading Foundation Stage Teachers (LFSTs)

Self-regulation top tips from our Lancashire Leading Foundation Stage Teachers (LFSTs)

Publications and Useful Documents

Publications

View our range of Early Years publications to aid your classroom practice.

Assessment

View the Lancashire Assessment page to keep up to date with the EYFS.

Conferences

Move to Thrive: An Early Years Conference with Shonette Bason

Moving Minds: Dance, Gymnastics and Indoor Physical Play in the Early Years (EAY304) Friday 14 November 2025.

A practical day of workshops exploring how movement supports learning in the Early Years.

Keynote and Workshop: Shonette Bason addresses the impact of digital habits and offers movement-based strategies to support wellbeing and learning.
Workshop: Jess Squires shares inclusive ways to use dance, gymnastics, yoga and indoor play to develop coordination, creativity and confidence.
Workshop: Mandy Pedder leads a hands-on art session combining mark-making with physical play to spark creativity and motor skills.