Creative thinking is a vital aspect of a child’s cognitive, emotional, and social development. Fostering creativity from an early age encourages problem-solving, emotional expression, and adaptability—skills essential for lifelong learning. The OSHAA 30-Hours Diploma in Creative Thinking Skills in Early Childhood is a specialised training programme designed to equip participants with practical techniques and theoretical insights to inspire and support creative thinking in young children.
This diploma offers a focused and practical exploration of how creativity can be nurtured and enhanced during the formative years of childhood. Participants will explore a wide range of approaches that stimulate imagination, critical thinking, and exploration across various early years settings.
The course draws upon current educational theory, child development frameworks, and evidence-based practices to empower participants to create stimulating environments that encourage original thought and creative expression.
Spanning 30 guided hours, this diploma provides an interactive and engaging experience. Participants will learn how to design and implement activities that promote curiosity and independent thinking. The programme also covers the psychological and developmental foundations of creativity, offering a well-rounded understanding of how to support young children’s creative growth in a meaningful and responsive way.
The OSHAA 30-Hours Diploma in Creative Thinking Skills in Early Childhood has been designed with professional standards in mind. Participants benefit from a well-structured curriculum, informed by current research and practical needs within early years education.
The OSHAA 30-Hours Diploma in Creative Thinking Skills in Early Childhood provides a strong foundation for professional growth and excellence in nurturing the creative potential of every child.
OSHAA 30-Hours Diploma in Creative Thinking Skills in Early Childhood
Study Units
Learning Outcomes
Understanding Creativity in Early Childhood Development (3 hours)
- Define creativity within the context of early childhood education
- Identify the developmental stages where creative thinking typically emerges
- Explain the importance of nurturing creativity during the early years
Psychological Foundations of Creative Thinking (5 hours)
- Understand key psychological theories related to creativity and cognition
- Analyse how brain development influences imaginative processes
- Recognise individual differences in creative expression among young children
- Explore the impact of motivation, emotion, and environment on creativity
Planning and Structuring Creative Learning Experiences (4 hours)
- Design age-appropriate, play-based activities that foster creative thinking
- Structure learning opportunities that encourage problem-solving and innovation
- Integrate creative goals into daily routines and early years curricula
Role of Play in Enhancing Imagination and Innovation (5 hours)
- Explain how various forms of play support creativity and learning
- Facilitate open-ended play experiences that stimulate imagination
- Encourage child-led exploration through guided and spontaneous play
Integrating Visual Arts, Music, and Movement (3 hours)
- Incorporate artistic media into learning environments to support self-expression
- Use music and movement to develop sensory awareness and creativity
- Plan activities that combine art, rhythm, and physical expression in meaningful ways
Storytelling, Role-Play, and Language for Creative Expression (4 hours)
- Use storytelling and narrative-based techniques to inspire creative language use
- Facilitate role-play activities that build empathy, communication, and imagination
- Support language development through imaginative dialogue and storytelling
Encouraging Exploration Through Nature and Science (3 hours)
- Create opportunities for discovery-based learning using natural and scientific concepts
- Encourage curiosity through hands-on experiments and outdoor experiences
- Connect exploration activities to children’s interests and questions
Designing Creative and Inclusive Learning Environments (3 hours)
- Develop physical spaces that stimulate creativity and independence
- Ensure learning environments are inclusive and culturally responsive
- Select materials and resources that promote imaginative and open-ended play
The OSHAA 30-Hours Diploma in Creative Thinking Skills in Early Childhood offers a well-rounded blend of theoretical insight and practical strategies, enabling participants to foster creativity as a central component of early learning. This training provides numerous professional and developmental advantages for those working in early childhood education and care.
- Enhanced Understanding of Creative Development
Participants gain a comprehensive insight into how creativity emerges and evolves in early childhood, equipping them to support individual expression and originality across developmental stages. - Practical Strategies for the Classroom
The course delivers hands-on techniques for planning and facilitating creative learning experiences using storytelling, art, music, movement, play, and nature-based exploration. - Stronger Child Engagement and Participation
Participants learn to design activities that captivate children’s attention and encourage them to take initiative in their learning, fostering curiosity, confidence, and communication. - Support for Holistic Child Development
By promoting creative thinking, participants help support a child’s emotional, social, cognitive, and physical development in an integrated and meaningful way. - Improved Observational and Reflective Practice
The course enhances participants’ abilities to observe, assess, and document children’s creative growth, supporting better planning and responsiveness to individual needs. - Inclusive and Culturally Responsive Approaches
Participants are trained to recognise and celebrate diverse forms of creativity, ensuring that learning environments are welcoming, inclusive, and adapted to the needs of all children. - Professional Growth and Career Advancement
The diploma strengthens participants’ professional credentials and provides a foundation for career progression in early years education, curriculum design, or leadership in creative learning. - Greater Confidence in Facilitating Innovation
Through exposure to current theory and best practices, participants develop the confidence to introduce new ideas, tools, and methods that enrich their practice and promote innovation in early years settings. - Contribution to Lifelong Learning
By embedding creativity in early education, participants play a vital role in shaping children’s long-term problem-solving abilities, adaptability, and love of learning.
The OSHAA 30-Hours Diploma in Creative Thinking Skills in Early Childhood is designed for participants who are passionate about fostering imagination, exploration, and innovation in early years education. It is particularly well-suited to those who are committed to creating engaging, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate learning environments for young children.
This course is ideal for:
- Participants working in early years education, such as nursery practitioners and early childhood educators
- Those involved in preschool, kindergarten, or playgroup settings who want to enhance creative learning experiences
- Individuals seeking to deepen their understanding of how creativity supports child development
- Participants interested in using play-based and arts-integrated approaches to early learning
- Professionals aiming to build more inclusive, child-centred environments that nurture curiosity and independent thinking
- Those planning to pursue further qualifications in early childhood education, expressive arts, or curriculum development
The course is accessible to both new and experienced practitioners, offering a clear framework for integrating creative thinking into daily educational practice. It is ideal for anyone who values the role of creativity in shaping confident, capable, and inquisitive learners during the most formative years of life.
