Early Engineers Express
A play-based EYFS and KS1 engineering workshop using LEGO Duplo trains. Children design, build, and test train tracks, bridges, and stations through hands-on construction challenges.
Early Learning Goals
EYFS Framework Alignment
This workshop supports the following Early Learning Goals from the EYFS framework.
Understanding the World (EYFS)
Exploring and using technology; making observations; understanding how things work
Expressive Arts & Design (EYFS)
Creating with materials; building structures and exploring mechanisms
Mathematics (EYFS/KS1)
Counting, patterns, shapes, spatial reasoning and measurement
Physical Development (EYFS)
Fine motor skills through construction and manipulation of small components
Design & Technology (KS1)
Designing and making; building structures; exploring mechanisms
Careers Framework
Gatsby Benchmark Alignment
This workshop supports the following Gatsby Benchmarks for good career guidance, the framework used by schools and Ofsted to evaluate careers provision.
Linking Curriculum Learning to Careers
Introduces young children to engineering and technology concepts through play, building early awareness of STEM careers and what engineers do.
The Gatsby Benchmarks are the national framework for careers guidance in schools, embedded in statutory guidance and used by over 4,700 schools across England.
Learning Outcomes
What Students Will Achieve
- Design and build train tracks with bridges, tunnels, and stations
- Understand basic cause-and-effect relationships through train movement
- Solve simple engineering challenges such as building a bridge that holds weight
- Work collaboratively in small teams to plan and construct
- Develop fine motor skills through Duplo construction
- Explore early concepts of sequencing and spatial reasoning
In the Classroom
Workshop in Action
Inclusivity & SEND
Supporting Every Learner
Our instructors have extensive experience working across different school environments, including mainstream, SEND, SEMH, alternative provision, pupil referral units, and special schools. Every activity is scaffolded and differentiated so that all learners can access the content, experience success, and develop confidence. We use adaptive teaching strategies, manage cognitive load carefully, and provide visual supports and learning mats. Schools can share specific needs in advance so we can plan accordingly. Early Engineers Express activities are play-based and multi-sensory, using familiar Duplo train sets that children naturally engage with. The construction-based approach is naturally accessible to a wide range of learners including those in the earliest stages of development.
Gifted & Talented
Stretch and Challenge for High-Ability Learners
Every workshop includes built-in extension challenges designed to stretch gifted and talented students. Open-ended tasks, advanced programming objectives, and real-world problem-solving scenarios ensure high-ability learners are fully engaged alongside their peers.
- Tiered challenges allow students to progress at their own pace, from guided tasks to independent problem-solving
- Higher-order thinking through debugging, optimisation, and creative design challenges
- Competition pathways — workshops build skills relevant to FIRST LEGO League, Raspberry Pi competitions, Cyber Discovery, and CREST Awards
- Career connections — students discover how workshop skills translate into real engineering, computing, and science careers
Schools can share information about gifted and talented cohorts in advance so our instructors can prepare targeted extension activities.
Session Structure
Typical Workshop Day
Based on a Standard format (3 × 90-minute sessions). Timetables are flexible and adapted to your school day.
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 07:45 – 09:00 | Hyett Education team arrives, sets up all equipment and prepares the workshop space |
| 09:00 – 10:30 | Session 1: First class group (up to 30 students) |
| 10:30 – 10:45 | Changeover and break |
| 10:45 – 12:15 | Session 2: Second class group (up to 30 students) |
| 12:15 – 13:15 | Lunch break (1 hour) |
| 13:15 – 14:45 | Session 3: Third class group (up to 30 students) |
| 14:45 – 15:00 | Session ends |
| 15:00 – 15:30 | Pack down all equipment. Nothing for school to do |
Workshop Formats
Choose Your Format
Choose the format that suits your school timetable. All formats include full setup and packdown by our team.
In-Depth Experience
2 hours per session
Extended exploration for deeper engagement with multiple build challenges
Standard Experience
90 minutes per session
Three sessions reaching more students
Taster Experience
60 minutes per session
Short introductions for maximum reach
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