All Things Early Years

We’re joined by Megan Jenkins, Third in Charge/Udeskole Lead at our Chester nursery, and Rhiannon Mountain, Head of Outdoor Learning – to dish the dirt on our unique nature-based approach, Udeskole. We look at the benefits of outdoor learning on children, staff and the community, including physical and mental wellbeing, getting outdoors in all weather, and SEND outdoors sessions!

We’re excited to welcome the amazing Cheryl Warren to our podcast, a passionate trainer and consultant from Aperion, for an inspiring dive into Neurodivergence in early years! Join us as we explore how to celebrate differences, create spaces where neurodivergent children can truly thrive, support families, embrace unique ways to play and learn, and so much more.

We’re joined by our wonderful area manager, Kelly Everett, to really dig into the topic of acquisitions and joining and settling into the Kids Planet family from another nursery – from concerns, maintaining the family feel, benefits of being part of a group, and much more!

In this episode, we were joined by the creator of popular Instagram page ‘Major Mum Hacks’. Our guest Casey Major-Bunce was delighted to share her simple, cost-saving parent hacks – from quick breakfasts and car journey go-to’s, to baking and much more – that she’s invented as a busy, fun-loving mum of four.

We’re joined by our CEO Clare Roberts to help us dissect all things current and upcoming funded childcare, including what’s available to eligible families, the funding gap and why it’s ‘funded’ not ‘free’, how Kids Planet is tackling the workforce challenge, and our ‘All-inclusive’ offering which helps families save money.

This month, we’re talking ‘money saving tips for parents’, and to do this we’ve brought in the expert, Gemma Bird AKA Money Mum! Gemma is a money-saving oracle, preaching the power of scrimping and saving. Gemma has turned her obsession with saving into her personal brand, sharing discounts, deals and bargains with her budget-conscious followers. Listen to get her best tips in saving money on mate...

From pregnancy to becoming a new parent, we take a closer look at the unique journey of bonding with your baby. Joined by Ben Yeo, Child and Adolescent Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist from the Parent Infant Foundation, this month’s podcast delves into helpful tips and reassurance around common anxieties, communication issues, and generational and adjustment implications on not just parents but the...

This month, we are exercising our minds and learning some important tips and ideas to help us all get more active in our everyday lives. Join us as we learn all about the importance of physical exercise and wellbeing for adults and children, and hear about the amazing work our Sports Coaches and well-being teams are doing across our settings.

In this month’s podcast, we delve into all things allergies, asthma and eczema, with the women who run local support group Stockport Allergy and Asthma Parents . From symptoms and diagnosis to living with a life-threatening condition, we learn all about their stories and how a group like this can support families in these situations.

In this months episode we’re joined by Raoul Lindsay, a Councillor and CBT Therapist who talks us through the complex subject of parent guilt. From what our children eat (or don’t eat!) to screen time, it seems there’s always something we feel guilty about. Listen as Raoul explains why we experience it as we do, and how we can try to manage it!

We are joined by Linda James, Founder of BulliesOut Charity, who shines a light on the sensitive topic of bullying. Linda is open and honest about her own struggles and experiences, and provides excellent insight into why bullying happens, its impact, what to look out for, and ways for families to combat it.

This month’s podcast is all about speech and language development, and we’re thrilled to be joined by Jennifer Ellison, Makaton Tutor and founder of Little Talkers. We take a closer look at Makaton, a form of sign language which uses gestures and symbols alongside vocabulary, its benefits, and how it can be used by parents and within nursery settings. 

Recruiting men in the early years field has its challenges, yet many benefits. We’re joined by Gill Mason, our Head of Training and Development, and Jeremy Davies, Communications Manager at The Fatherhood Institute, to discuss all things recruiting men into childcare roles and breaking down gender stereotypes.

We are joined by our very own Outdoor Lead, Rhiannon Scott, to dig deeper into the importance of learning and playing outdoors for little ones. From mental health and wellbeing to fostering a culture of change within nursery settings, Rhiannon tells us all about the newly designed Kids Planet Udeskole accreditation.

This Stress Awareness Month, we are joined on the podcast by Founder of training organisation Calmer, Tania Diggory, as we discuss mental health and wellbeing, in lockdown and beyond. From how to manage burnout and stress, to routines and mindfulness in a digital world, we find out more about reasons for and techniques to help both parents and children struggling with their mental health.

We are joined in this months podcast by Jennifer Gordon, Quality Manager for Kids Planet, and Stacy Stewart, Chef at our very own Worsley Nursery, to get a taste for their roles, and chew their brains about all things meal-time and nutrition in early years. From 5-a-day, impact on sleep, and sweet-tooth cravings, to food hygiene and the essential nutrients for children, our guests served up a fant...

In this month’s podcast we are joined by Alex Galbally (father to a brood of five, including three triplet girls), to discuss big families, and more specifically, raising multiples. From conception, recovery, and adapting to a family of seven, to routines, lockdown, date nights, and sibling relationships, Alex brings insight and laughter throughout as he shares his interesting journey so far.

Are you on the journey of getting your baby onto solid foods? In this month’s podcast, we’ve brought in top weaning experts, Sophie Baron, Founder of Mamamade, and Katie Shelton of Scrummy Tummies, to dispel common myths and give their thoughts and tips on the weaning journey. From baby readiness, to gagging vs choking, to allergies and nutrition, we’ve got it covered!

Are you struggling to understand or manage your toddler’s behaviour? We are joined in this month’s podcast by Laura Amies, renowned nanny and childcare expert. Laura shares with us her passion and insight into common behaviour problems in toddlers, a closer look at how behaviour changes when a child begins nursery, as well as key advice on structures and tactics for parents, considering children’s...

In this episode, to coincide with World Mental Health Day, we're chatting to Kids Planet's Wellbeing Manager, Lucie Sweeney and Baby Gro Ltd founder Leanne Angel who runs yoga classes for mums and babies,  about the importance of looking after your own mental health and tips for nurturing your own wellbeing. 

Is your little one about to start big school? Maybe your child is ready to move into preschool? However they (and you!) are feeling about this change, we're chatting to one of our fantastic Quality Manager and Early Years Teacher at Kids Planet. We're dispelling some of the myths about what it actually means to be 'school ready' as well as offering information, advice and tips...

We’re chatting to dad of two, Chris McFadden aka The Daddy Sleep Consultant in our eighth episode of All Things Early Years.  As the UK’s first male certified baby and toddler sleep consultant, Chris shares his advice and ideas about all things sleep. For any sleep deprived parents, this one’s for you!  

In this episode of All Things Early Years, and to coincide with #MensHealthWeek we’re chatting to Chris Whitfield from Miscarriage to Men and Stefan Edwards from Dads In Mind – two fantastic organisations offering practical and emotional advice and support for men.