This best-selling and highly rated programme provides essential knowledge to work effectively in early years education and primary learning environments, where Critical Thinking in Young Children is key to confidence, curiosity, and lifelong achievement.

Our comprehensive Critical Thinking in Young Children course equips you with the knowledge, teaching strategies and child-development understanding needed to build stronger thinking skills in EYFS, nursery, reception and Key Stage 1 settings across the UK.

This Critical Thinking course for early years focuses on how children develop reasoning through play, communication, social learning and guided exploration. You will build expert understanding of the five dimensions of critical thinking — consistency, unification, applicability, competence, and communication — and how these skills shape decision-making, independence and classroom confidence.

Through this Critical Thinking in Young Children online course, you will learn how to encourage deeper thinking through questions, discussion, problem-solving and inquiry-based learning. You’ll explore how to introduce unusual challenges, stimulate logical reasoning, and strengthen children’s ability to analyse, explain, compare and justify their ideas in age-appropriate ways.

By enrolling in this CPD-accredited Critical Thinking in Young Children course, you gain the recognised skills, confidence and teaching credibility to nurture reflective learners who can ask better questions, solve problems calmly, and grow into independent thinkers ready for school and beyond.

Course Overview

Career-focused Critical Thinking in Young Children training designed for UK early years and primary education

• Fully online and flexible learning with 365-day access
• A CPD-accredited course to strengthen critical thinking and reasoning in children
• Covers the five dimensions of critical thinking for early development
• Builds skills in logical reasoning, questioning and problem-solving
• Explores how critical thinking forms through play, communication and social development
• Teaches inquiry-based learning strategies to improve engagement and curiosity
• Supports classroom success in EYFS, KS1, home education and tutoring
• Ideal for teachers, teaching assistants, early years staff and parents

By the end of this Critical Thinking in Young Children course, you will be able to:

• Understand what critical thinking means in early childhood learning
• Explain the five dimensions of critical thinking and how they appear in children
• Encourage children to ask better questions and explore ideas confidently
• Strengthen reasoning, decision-making and problem-solving through structured activities
• Use inquiry-based teaching methods to improve attention, engagement and learning outcomes
• Support children’s social and communication development through guided discussion
• Help children think clearly, express ideas, and justify opinions using age-appropriate language
• Promote independent learning habits that support long-term academic progress

• Early years critical thinking development skills
• Questioning techniques to improve reasoning
• Child-centred enquiry and exploration strategies
• Logical thinking and problem-solving support methods
• Communication and explanation-building strategies
• Classroom engagement and curiosity-building techniques
• Confidence-building approaches for independent learning
• Storyline-based learning techniques for deeper understanding

This Critical Thinking in Young Children CPD course is ideal for:

• Early years practitioners (nursery and reception staff)
• Primary school teachers and teaching assistants
• Childminders and homeschool educators
• SEN support staff and learning support assistants
• Parents who want to build thinking skills at home
• Tutors supporting children with confidence and reasoning
• Career changers moving into early years and education roles
• Anyone who wants a recognised course in early childhood learning development

When you enrol with Teachers Training, you benefit from:

• A dedicated platform for UK education and teaching development
• 24/7 tutor and technical support
• Interactive and engaging online learning materials
• Affordable pricing with clear options and support
• Courses aligned with UK learning expectations and classroom needs
• 100% online learning access from any device
• Flexible learning deadlines designed for busy schedules
• Instant access after enrolment

There are no formal entry requirements for this Critical Thinking in Young Children course. To enrol, you should:

• Have a passion for supporting children’s learning and development
• Have a good understanding of the English language
• Be motivated and committed to improving outcomes for children
• No previous qualifications or experience are required
  
  

After completing this Critical Thinking in Young Children CPD course, you can progress into roles such as:

• Early Years Practitioner
• Teaching Assistant (EYFS / KS1)
• Learning Support Assistant
• SEN Teaching Assistant
• Nursery Assistant
• Child Development Support Worker
• Private Tutor / Home Educator
• Parent Support Worker (early learning focus)

The assessment is straightforward; you need to complete the assignment questions that will be provided to you at the end of this  course, you can complete the assignment anytime you want. After you complete and submit your assignment, our tutors will assess your assignment and give you feedback if needed. 

After your assignment has been assessed and you have passed, you will be qualified and will be able to apply for a course completion certificate.

Upon completing the course and passing the final assessment, you will be eligible to receive a CPD QS Accredited Certificate from The Teachers Training, which demonstrates your professional knowledge and career readiness. You can select your preferred certificate option at discounted rates, with the Digital CPD Certificate (PDF) available for only £6.99, the Printed Hardcopy Certificate for only £9.99, or both the Digital and Printed Certificates together for just £11.99. This certification will significantly strengthen your CV and enhance your credibility within the education sector. Please note that discounted certificate pricing is available for a limited time only, so be sure to secure your certificate before the offer ends.