Early Excellence Podcast

Alison Wain from the National Gallery explores the role of creativity in children’s learning, how young learner engage with art differently than adults, and the gallery’s efforts to make art education accessible. She also shares details about the new family learning centre and the gallery’s 200th anniversary celebrations, including free programs for children and families. Episode Links Explore the...

Re-release: Originally aired on 3 Nov 2023 . Nikki Turner, from the Astrea Multi-Academy Trust, joins us to discuss early literacy, emphasizing storytelling, music, and physical development as key to learning. The discussion highlights the importance of rich language exposure and a holistic teaching approach. Episode Links Book your Place on Early Excellence Training Visit the Early Excellence Stu...

Trisha Lee joins us to explore the power of storytelling and poetry in early childhood education, the role of improvisation, and the importance of a rich story diet. Plus, she shares exciting news about her new program, Story Steps! Episode Links Discover Trisha Lee's Story Steps Programme Support Reading and Storytelling Skills at Home with the NEW Going Home Discovery Bags Join our CPD Course on...

Re-release: Originally aired on 8 Dec 2023 . This episode explores the benefits of outdoor learning in early childhood education, from mental health and development to fostering independence and community. Sarah Watkins discusses the challenges of reclaiming outdoor spaces, balancing risk, and ensuring older students don’t miss out on these vital experiences. Episode Links Order your copy of our E...

Caroline Woodman joins us this week as we explore the impact of premature birth on children’s development. Caroline shares her own story and that of her son, Reuben, who was born prematurely. She emphasizes the importance of early intervention, understanding developmental challenges, and the need for educational professionals to be aware of the unique needs of premature children. Caroline also hig...

Dr Simone Tomaz joins us this week as we explore the importance of physical opportunities for young children and how these experiences support other areas of development. The discussion also covers the balance between sleep, screen time and physical engagement in young children. Episode Links Find Out About the Work of Dr Simone Tomaz Explore How to Provide Big Physical Experiences Outdoors With O...

We welcome Dr Karen Boardman from Edge Hill University to the podcast this week as we discuss all things early literacy. Episode Links Explore Early Excellence Training on Strengthening Early Literacy in the EYFS Find Out More on the Work of Dr Karen Boardman Discover our Range of Literacy Resources

This week, we’re joined by Rhianne Stephens from Ely and Caerau Integrated Children’s Centre in Cardiff. We discuss the setting’s regular visits to the beach throughout the year and the fantastic impact of connecting with nature. Episode Links Join our Upcoming Inspiring Leaders Conference Discover our Range of Outdoor Resources

This week we’re joined by Jayne Hosmer from the charity Pets as Therapy as we explore the impact of pets on our youngest children. Episode Links Find out more about the work of Pets as Therapy

This week we’re joined by Dr. Jools Page as we explore her highly important research on professional love within EYFS settings. Episode Links Watch the Video "Professional Love: The Dance of Reciprocity." Read the Blog "What is Professional Love?" Explore EYFS CPD Training

This week, Sara Adams returns to give us an update on her time as an Early Career Teacher working in Nursery. As part of the episode, we discuss the diverse needs of the children, reflective practice and the wonder of mathematics in the EYFS. Episode Links Join our Free ECT Webinar  Listen to Sara's first ECT Episode New to the EYFS? Join This Key Online Training Package Have you Booked your...

The brilliant Ben Kingston-Hughes joins us this week as we explore the power of joy when working with young children. Episode Links Order Your Copy of Ben’s Book "Why Children Need Joy" Join us for our Inspiring Leaders Conference

Anna Wells joins us this week as we explore inspirational practice from a senior leader's perspective. We discuss observation and monitoring and the key markers in terms of effective EYFS practice. Episode Links Book your place on the Inspiring Leaders Conference Explore Training for Senior Leaders

In this week's episode, we're joined by Rhyannan Porter and Evie Askew from Mayfield School in Cumbria. We discuss how well-planned continuous provision has been developed to help meet the diverse range of children's needs at the school. Episode Links Find out more about Early Excellence support with SEND Book your place on Early Excellence CPD Training Transform your Learning Environment with Ear...

We're joined by drama specialist and author, Sam Marsden, this week as we explore the wonderful possibilities of drama for early years children. We discuss the holistic nature of drama and the great links to communication and language, problem solving and creativity. Sam also shares simple ideas to help you get started with drama in the EYFS. Episode Links Order a copy of Sam Marsden's book - Dram...

This Episode is Available on the Early Excellence Inspirational Hub App Discover the App Today We're joined by Llewella Ivins this week as we explore how to use floorbooks and displays effectively to capture and celebrate learning. Episode Links Discover our EYFS Training Programme Join us at one of our Touring EYFS Roadshow Events Near You

Evan McCormick joins us this week as we explore the key principles of effective practice outdoors. As part of the episode, we discuss the high level of organisation needed outdoors as well as resourcing, planning and the role of the adult. Episode Links Is Outdoor Learning a key area for development at your school or setting? Find Out About our Training Our Team of Curriculum Consultants are avail...

Charlotte Kelly joins us for this week's podcast episode as we reflect on a period of curriculum development at the school. As part of our chat, we explore the changes to the learning environment , well-planned resourcing and a focus on progression in the EYFS.  We're proud to say that Oldfield Brow are now one of our Early Excellence Partner Schools, find out more about your nearest partner...

Louise Herbert and Gareth Shaw join us this week as we offer valuable SEND advice and answer key questions to support practice. Episode Links Access our Free SEND Framework Materials Join us for our New Course on Strengthening SEND Practice

This Episode is Available on the Early Excellence Inspirational Hub App Discover the App Today This week we're joined by Nova Robinson as we explore what we mean by effective enhancements and reflect on how we make this work within a key stage one context. Episode Links Listen to our Podcast Episode - Getting Started with Continuous Provision in Key Stage 1 Access Early Excellence Key Stage 1 trai...

Author and illustrator Pippa Pixley joins us for this week’s episode as we discuss the importance of creative experiences, interactive storytelling and nurturing a love of nature. Episode Links Find Out More about Pippa’s Work Book Your Place on one of our Early Excellence Roadshow Events  

Dr Natalie Canning joins us for this week’s episode of the podcast as we discuss her key research on empowering young learners in the EYFS. Episode Links Find out More on Dr Natalie Canning’s Research on Empowering Young Learners Read our Blog on Nurturing Children’s Self-Confidence and Security in the EYFS Book your Place on an Early Excellence Roadshow Event

We’re joined by Nova Robinson this week as we discuss the challenges but also the benefits of age classes. We explore the importance of a clear understanding of child development and offer key advice for meeting the needs of all of the children. Episode Links Book your place on our Support for Teachers with Mixed Age Classes Webinar Series

This Episode is Available on the Early Excellence Inspirational Hub App Discover the App Today The first few weeks are such a busy yet crucial time in the EYFS year. Llewella Ivins joins us this week as we put together a checklist to make sure we haven’t missed anything! Episode Links Download our EYFS checklist for ECTs Access our Indoor Provision Audit Tool

This week, we’re joined by Anna-Marie Bevan, the Head of Ely and Caerau Integrated Children’s Centre in Cardiff. We discuss the journey of development at the setting, the rich experiences provided and the importance of striking the right balance between child initiated and adult-guided learning. Episode Links Explore our upcoming CPD Join our EYFS Roadshow