Key Stage 1
At Money Smart Kids, we recognise the important role teachers play in helping children develop the practical life skills they will need as they grow. Our Key Stage 2 resources (ages 7–11) are designed to support educators in building pupils’ understanding of money through engaging, interactive learning.
Through our Money Quest workshops, pupils take part in a fun, game-inspired learning journey where they complete challenges and progress through different levels while developing essential financial skills.
During the programme, children explore key money concepts such as understanding where money comes from, recognising the difference between needs and wants, learning how saving works, making thoughtful spending decisions, and understanding how money works in today’s digital world.
Our classroom-ready workshops make financial education easy for teachers to deliver. Each session includes structured activities, clear guidance, and engaging resources that encourage discussion, teamwork, and problem-solving.
By supporting teachers with practical tools and interactive lessons, Money Smart Kids helps pupils build confidence with money, develop positive financial habits, and gain the knowledge they need to make smart decisions both now and in the future.
What Schools Receive
Schools booking the Money Detective Squad Workshop Pack receive:
✔ Six structured KS1 financial education workshops
✔ Each workshop lasts approximately 60 minutes
✔ Teacher notes and lesson guidance
✔ Printable activity sheets and classroom resources
✔ Take-home booklets for pupils
✔ Optional homework activities to involve families
✔ Money Detective Squad Certificates of Achievement for pupils
Workshops can be delivered in person across Lincolnshire or accessed as a digital workshop pack for schools nationwide.
Key Stage 1 Financial Education Workshops
Join the Money Detective Squad
Suitable for Years 1–2
The Money Detective Squad Workshop Pack is a fun and engaging six-session programme designed to introduce young children to the basics of money.
Led by the characters Detective Penny, Inspector Pound, Digi Dana, and Savvy the Saving Pig, children become junior detectives as they solve money mysteries, complete challenges, and learn important life skills.
Each workshop builds children’s understanding step-by-step while keeping learning playful, practical, and age-appropriate.
Each session lasts approximately 60 minutes and can be delivered as a standalone workshop or as part of the full six-session programme.
Workshops are available in person across Lincolnshire or as a digital workshop pack for schools nationwide.
At the end of the programme, children receive a Money Detective Squad Certificate of Achievement to celebrate the skills and knowledge they have gained.
The Money Detective Squad Workshop Pack
Workshop 1: The Case of the Missing Money
Understanding the Value of Money
Detective Penny needs help solving her first money mystery. Children learn what money is, where it comes from, and how to recognise different coins.
Activities include:
• Coin recognition games
• Matching coins to their values
• Mini shop role-play
• Sorting items by cost
Children begin to understand that money is used to buy things and that different coins have different values.
Workshop 2: Needs vs Wants
The Smart Choice Challenge
Inspector Pound teaches the squad how to make smart money choices by understanding the difference between things we need and things we want.
Activities include:
• Picture sorting cards (Need or Want?)
• Story-based decision games
• Group discussions about choices
• Creating a “Needs First” poster
Children learn how to prioritise essentials before spending money on treats.
Workshop 3: The Budget Builder Mission
Planning and Spending Wisely
The squad must plan carefully to solve the next challenge. Children learn the basics of budgeting and how to make choices when money is limited.
Activities include:
• Simple “party planning” budget game
• Choosing items with limited coins
• Spending vs saving challenges
• Group decision-making activities
Children begin to understand that money needs to be planned and managed carefully.
Workshop 4: Savvy’s Saving Challenge
Saving for Goals
Savvy the Saving Pig shows the squad how saving small amounts can help achieve bigger goals.
Activities include:
• Designing a personal savings goal sheet
• “Fill the Piggy Bank” counting game
• Story time about saving for something special
• Goal-setting discussion
Children learn that saving helps them reach things they really want.
Workshop 5: The Safe Money Mission
Making Safe Choices
Detective Penny asks the squad to help spot risky choices and learn how to keep money safe.
Activities include:
• Spot the risky choice picture game
• Safe vs unsafe decisions sorting
• Role-play scenarios
• Discussion about asking adults for help
Children learn simple ways to make safe and sensible money decisions.
Workshop 6: Digi Dana’s Digital Money Adventure
Understanding Money in the Modern World
Digi Dana introduces the squad to how money works in today’s digital world.
Activities include:
• What is a bank card?
• Sorting “real money vs digital money” pictures
• Talking about online purchases and games
• Learning when to ask an adult for help
Children begin to understand that money can be physical or digital and that digital spending still uses real money.