Talking Early Years

Welcome back to another episode of our Safeguarding Shorts side series, where we unpack key safeguarding topics and explore their relevance in everyday practice. In this episode, we’re focusing on Breast Cancer Awareness Month, exploring the importance of breast awareness, recognising potential signs and symptoms, and understanding why knowing your own body matters. Ellen shares a personal story a...

Welcome to the next episode of Talking Early Years! This is a special video episode of Talking Early Years! In this episode, Hannah and Ellen are joined by Sam from My Little Explorers Forest School for an open and honest conversation about Forest Schools, outdoor learning and the many ways spending time in nature can support children's development, wellbeing and confidence. Together, we explo...

Welcome back to another episode of our Safeguarding Shorts side series, where we unpack key safeguarding topics and explore their relevance in everyday practice.   In this episode, we're exploring the SEND Code of Practice and what it means for children, families and professionals working across the early years and education sectors.   Together, we discuss the purpose of the SEND Code of Pract...

Welcome to the next episode of Talking Early Years!   In this episode, Hannah and Ellen are joined by Corinne and Char from CC Counselling and Art Therapy for an open and honest conversation about supporting children and young people as they navigate change, growth, and the journey towards adulthood.   Together, we explore the emotional, social and developmental challenges that can arise as childr...

Welcome back to another episode of our Safeguarding Shorts side series, where we unpack key safeguarding topics and explore their relevance in everyday practice.   In this episode, we're discussing Safeguarding in the News and exploring how high-profile news stories can help shape our understanding of safeguarding, professional practice and the wider issues affecting children and young people...

Welcome to the next episode of Talking Early Years!   In this episode, Hannah and Ellen explore one of the biggest milestones in a child's early life: starting school. Together, they discuss what school readiness really means, why it is about so much more than academic ability, and how early years professionals and families can work together to help children feel confident, capable and excited...

Please note: We experienced some internet connectivity issues during recording, which may cause occasional disruption to the audio throughout this episode. We apologise for this and appreciate your understanding - we felt the conversation and content were too important not to share. Welcome back to another episode of our Safeguarding Shorts side series, where we unpack key safeguarding topics and...

Welcome to the next episode of Talking Early Years! In this episode, Gemma and Ellen explore the world of child development theorists and the lasting impact their ideas continue to have on early years practice today. Together, the conversation looks at some of the key figures who have shaped our understanding of how children learn and develop, including theorists such as Piaget, Vygotsky, Bowlby a...

Welcome back to another episode of our Safeguarding Shorts side series, where we unpack key safeguarding topics and explore their relevance in everyday practice. In this episode, we’re exploring the serious and sensitive issue of breast ironing, a harmful practice that can affect children and young people. We take time to understand what breast ironing is, why it happens, and the impact it can hav...

Welcome to the next episode of Talking Early Years! In this episode, Gemma and Ellen explore the different approaches used within nursery settings and how they shape children’s experiences, learning, and development. Together, the conversation looks at a range of early years approaches, considering how environments, routines, and practitioner interactions can vary between settings. We also explore...

Welcome back to another episode of our Safeguarding Shorts side series, where we unpack key safeguarding topics and explore their relevance in everyday practice. In this special extended episode, we’re taking a deeper dive into the complex and often confronting area of Serious Crime and its intersection with safeguarding. Joined by guest speaker Jim Pegler, Director of the Violence Reduction Unit...

Welcome to the next episode of Talking Early Years! In this episode, Gemma and Ellen are joined by guest speaker Hannah to explore the different types of parenting styles and the impact they can have on children’s development, behaviour, and wellbeing. Together, the conversation unpacks a range of approaches, including authoritative, permissive, authoritarian, and gentle parenting. We reflect on h...

Welcome back to another episode of our Safeguarding Shorts side series, where we unpack key safeguarding topics and explore their relevance in everyday practice. In this episode, we’re exploring Fabricated or Induced Illness (FII) , a complex and often misunderstood form of abuse that places children at significant risk of harm. Sometimes referred to as Perplexing Presentations or medically fabric...

Welcome to the next episode of Talking Early Years! In this episode, Gemma, Ellen, and guest speakers Nicky and Sophie explore the wide range of career opportunities within the early years sector and the important role the workforce plays in shaping children’s earliest experiences. Together, the conversation looks at the different pathways into and out of early years, from apprenticeships and qual...

Welcome back to another episode of our Safeguarding Shorts side series, where we unpack key safeguarding topics and explore their relevance in everyday practice. In this episode, we’re focusing on the Mandatory Reporting Duty and what it means for professionals working with children and young people. With recent developments and increased national attention on strengthening safeguarding systems, u...

Welcome to the next episode of Talking Early Years! In this episode, Gemma and Ellen are joined by guest James Sproat, Director of Sales at Showcase and a dad himself, to explore an important and sometimes overlooked topic in early childhood practice: the father’s role. Together, the conversation looks at how fathers and male caregivers can support children’s learning, development, and wellbeing f...

Welcome back to another episode of our Safeguarding Shorts side series, where we unpack key safeguarding topics and explore their relevance in everyday practice. In this episode, we’re focusing on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and Honour-Based Violence (HBV) - complex, sensitive forms of abuse that can affect children and young people across all communities. We explore what FGM and HBV are, why...

Welcome to the next episode of Talking Early Years! In this episode, Gemma and Ellen are joined by guest and colleague Lauren, and together they explore the increasingly relevant and often debated topic of technology in the early years. They reflect on what meaningful, developmentally appropriate use of technology looks like for young children, and challenge some common misconceptions around scree...

Welcome back to another episode of our Safeguarding Shorts side series, where we unpack key safeguarding topics and explore their relevance in everyday practice. In this episode, we’re focusing on Consent and Healthy Relationships: what they really mean, why they matter, and how we can support children and young people to understand them with clarity and confidence. Consent is far more than a one-...

Welcome to the 12th episode of Talking Early Years! In this episode, Gemma and Ellen dive into the vital and often misunderstood topic of sex education in the early years. They unpack what developmentally appropriate sex education really looks like for young children, and why it’s far less about “sex” and far more about safeguarding, body autonomy, healthy relationships, and understanding the worl...

Welcome back to another episode of our Safeguarding Shorts side series, where we explore key safeguarding topics and their importance in everyday practice. In this episode, we’re delving into Child Safeguarding Practice Reviews (CSPRs): what they are, why they happen, and what we can learn from them. These reviews play a vital role in improving safeguarding systems by examining serious incidents a...

Welcome to the 11th episode of Talking Early Years! In this episode, Gemma and Ellen turn their focus to the essential topic of food and nutrition in the early years. They explore how what children eat and how they experience food plays a crucial role in their growth, wellbeing, and ability to learn. Together, they discuss what balanced and nutritious meals look like in early years settings, how t...

Welcome back to another episode of our Safeguarding Shorts side series, where we explore key safeguarding themes and their real-world impact. In this episode, we’re focusing on Safeguarding Legislation: the vital laws and frameworks that protect children and vulnerable adults across the UK. We’ll unpack what these laws mean in practice, how they guide safeguarding policies, and why understanding t...

Welcome to the 10th episode of Talking Early Years! In this episode, Gemma and Ellen turn their attention to the vital topic of speech, language and communication in the early years. We explore why these skills are so foundational for children’s learning, relationships and overall development, and consider the wide-ranging impact they have on wellbeing and future outcomes. Together, we unpack what...

Welcome back to another episode of our Safeguarding Shorts side series, where we dive into important safeguarding topics and their impact on everyday life. This episode focuses on the vital contacts, advice, and support available for those in need. We’ll explore who to reach out to, how to access help, and practical steps to take when faced with safeguarding concerns. Whether it’s for yourself or...