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Early Years Resources

Practical resources to support confident early years practice

Browse our range of downloadable early years resources, created to support leaders and practitioners in real settings.
Each resource can be purchased individually, giving you flexible access to the tools you need, when you need them.

 

Individual Resources

Learning Walk Observations List

A practical observation tool to support learning walks across your setting.

Designed to help leaders and staff focus on what children are experiencing day to day, this resource supports professional discussion around quality, environment and practice without turning learning walks into paperwork-heavy exercises.

Best for: Managers, deputies, room leaders
Format: Downloadable document

Makaton Sign Resource Sheet

A clear, easy-to-use Makaton reference sheet to support inclusive communication.

Ideal for supporting consistency across staff teams and helping practitioners build confidence using key signs within daily routines.

Best for: Practitioners, SENCOs, whole teams

Format: Downloadable document

🗂️ Included in Makaton Course

Next Steps Template

A simple, flexible template to support identifying and planning children’s next steps.

Designed to help practitioners think clearly about children’s learning and development without overcomplicating the process.

Best for: Practitioners, key persons
Format: Downloadable PDF

🗂️ Included in Next Steps and Tracking Course

Ofsted Planning Call Prep Checklist

A supportive checklist to help leaders prepare for the Ofsted planning call.

Designed to help you organise key information, reflect on current practice and feel more confident going into the conversation.

Best for: Managers, deputies, childminders
Format: Downloadable document

🗂️ Included in Ofsted Course

Top 10 Transition Tricks

A practical guide packed with simple, effective ideas to support smooth transitions throughout the day.

Focused on reducing stress, improving flow and supporting children’s emotional wellbeing during change.

Best for: Practitioners, room leaders
Format: Downloadable PDF

Transition Songs & Rhymes Sheet

A ready-to-use collection of songs and rhymes to support transitions in early years settings.

Designed to help make transitions calm, predictable and engaging for children.

Best for: Practitioners, whole teams
Format: Downloadable PDF

Supervision Template

A structured and supportive supervision template designed for early years settings, helping managers regularly review staff wellbeing, safeguarding responsibilities, and professional practice.

It promotes reflective discussions, identifies training needs, and supports continuous improvement in line with EYFS requirements.

 

Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) Template

A clear and supportive performance improvement template for early years staff, designed to address areas of concern through structured targets, guidance, and ongoing support.

It helps ensure consistent practice, accountability, and improved outcomes for children while aligning with EYFS and safeguarding standards. 

EYPP Allocation & Impact Record

This EYPP Allocation & Impact Record is designed to support early years settings in effectively planning, tracking, and evidencing how Early Years Pupil Premium funding is used.

It enables practitioners to clearly identify children’s individual needs, outline targeted support and interventions, and record how funding is allocated, including a breakdown of costs.

Parents Evening Form

Make parents’ evenings clear, professional and meaningful with this easy-to-use Practitioner Record Form. Designed for busy early years practitioners, this resource supports you to confidently share each child’s development, interests and next steps with parents.

This form is completed by practitioners and used as a guide during meetings, helping you structure conversations while ensuring all key areas are covered.

Assessment Form

Support accurate, consistent and confident assessments with this easy-to-use Assessment Form. Designed for early years practitioners, this resource helps you clearly track children’s progress across key areas of development and identify their current stage within age-related expectations.

Perfect for everyday use, observations, and progress reviews, this form ensures assessments are both meaningful and manageable.

FREE - Safer Sleep Resource

Support safe sleep practice in your setting with this clear, easy-to-follow poster.

Designed in line with EYFS expectations and safer sleep guidance, this resource helps practitioners understand what safe sleep looks like in practice — from babies through to toddlers.


What’s included:

✔ Safe sleep spaces for under 1s
✔ Guidance for 1–2 year olds (including sleep mats)
✔ What to avoid and why (linked to SIDS risk)
✔ Sleep supervision reminders
✔ Equipment and environment checks


Perfect for:

  • Nursery sleep areas
  • Baby and toddler rooms
  • Staff rooms and training
  • Supporting consistent team practice

 Safer sleep guidance can sometimes feel confusing or inconsistent. This poster simplifies key messages into a clear, visual format, helping staff feel confident in their day-to-day practice. 

 

safer sleep resource

How to use our resources

Our resources can be used:

  • as part of everyday practice
  • in staff meetings or supervision
  • to support consistency across teams
  • for individual reflection or development

All resources are:

  • available for instant download
  • suitable for digital or printed use
  • designed to support professional judgement, not replace it
resources

✔ Purchase only what you need

✔ Download instantly

✔ Use at your own pace

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Already on a Stepping Stones Training course?

Some of these resources are included within our courses.

This page is ideal if you:

  • want access to a specific resource only
  • need extra copies for staff
  • would like to use a resource independently

Need help choosing a resource?

If you’re unsure which resource is right for you, or you’re looking for wider support, explore our training courses or contact the Stepping Stones Training team.