Early Excellence Podcast

Re-release: Originally aired on 18 Nov 2022 As one of the prime areas of learning, physical development underpins children’s overall learning and development. Yet how often do we consider children’s physical development in real depth? In this week’s episode, we talk with Helen Hawes about her support work in schools and how small changes to our practice can have a big impact for our children. Epis...

The team from San Silvestre School in Lima, Peru, shares their journey in early years education, exploring continuous provision, fostering independence, and creating nurturing environments that inspire inquiry, collaboration, and lifelong learning. Episode Links Explore what International Services we can offer Read San Silvestre's Case Study from the Visit

In this episode, Andy Burt and Helen Quincey discuss the value of outdoor learning and creating educational outdoor spaces. Helen shares her early years experience and passion for designing environments that support children’s development. They explore the process of building these spaces, their impact on engagement and learning, and the role of collaboration and community. Helen also reflects on...

Re-release: Originally aired on 7 Oct 2022 This week, we’re joined by Professor Sam Wass from The University of East London. Sam is a child psychologist and neuroscientist specialising in concentration and stress in young children. You will probably remember Sam as the on-screen child psychologist in the popular Channel 4 programmes The Secret Lives of 4 Year Olds and The Secret Lives of 5 Year Ol...

In this podcast episode, Andy Burt speaks with Gemma Stanton and Kate Kelly from Dulwich College Shanghai about their experiences and insights into two-year-old practice in early years education. They discuss the challenges faced in establishing a nurturing environment for toddlers, the importance of understanding child development, and the role of parents in the learning process. The conversation...

Summer Re-release: Originally aired on 13 Sep 2024 Judith Ish-Horowicz, the co-founder and director of the UK’s first intergenerational nursery, joins us for our first episode of the new school year. As part of our chat, Judith tells us all about the inspirational multi-generational work at Apples and Honey Nightingale and the benefits for all involved. Episode Links Watch Judith Ish-Horowicz...

Summer Re-release: Originally aired on 17 Jan 2025 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

Summer Re-release: Originally aired on 31 Jan 2025 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

Summer Re-release: Originally aired on 21 Feb 2025 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

Summer Re-release: Originally aired on 7 Mar 2025 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 uni...

In this episode, Andy Burt talks with Karen Snook and Mienna Jones about the Unplugged Early Years movement, exploring how to reconnect children with real-world experiences amid growing tech use. They discuss early childhood development, the effects of technology on parenting, and the importance of meaningful, present learning in nurseries. Episode Links Explore the Unplugged Early Years Website S...

Re-release: Originally aired on 20 Oct 2023 Does your practice reflect the value of self-regulation? In this week’s episode, we’re joined by members of the senior team from Rawmarsh Nursery School in Rotherham as we explore the vital importance of nurturing self-regulation skills.  Episode Links Explore Continuous Provision Inside Out Shop our Complete Classroom Solutions

In this episode, Kirsty Page, deputy head at Gampton CofE Primary, shares insights from her early years experience - exploring the characteristics of effective learning, the importance of character development, supportive environments, smooth transitions to Key Stage 1, and evolving assessment practices at ACE Academy. Episode links Explore our Blog on the Importance of the Characteristics of Effe...

Re-release: Originally aired on 1 Nov 2024 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

In this conversation, Hayley Peacock, founder of Little Barn Owls Nurseries, shares her transformative journey in early years education, inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach. She discusses the importance of play, the role of educators, and the need for a shift in perspective regarding children's capabilities. Hayley reflects on her experiences, the challenges of implementing change, and her aspi...

Re-release: Originally aired on 4 Nov 2022 Mixing the Mathematical Milkshake! In this week’s episode, we’re joined by Kate Gingles and the EYFS team at Newcastle High School for Girls. As part of our chat, we talk about the team’s key focus on developing enjoyable and rich mathematical learning opportunities for their Nursery and Reception children. Episode Links Find out more about our Devel...

Andy Burt, Lizzie Battersby, and Nova Robinson discuss Discovery Bags - open-ended resources designed to boost early childhood language and communication through play. They highlight the importance of parental involvement, the impact of technology on language skills, and strategies to build trust and confidence in families to support children's learning. Episode Links Shop the Going Home Disc...

Re-release: Originally aired on 26 Jan 2024 Emma Hudson, Early Years Lead at Willerby Carr Lane Primary School, discusses the impact of the redesigned EYFS environment on children and staff. She highlights the importance of stripping back and refining provision to focus on core continuous provision and interactions. Emma also shares the school's approach to peer coaching and the ongoing process of...

Andy Burt and Sarah Carey explore the challenges of assessment in early years education, highlighting the importance of child development and effective practices. Sarah introduces EExREC, a new tool designed to support educators and improve understanding of young children’s needs. Episode Links Explore the EExREC Baseline Assessment Tool

Re-release: Originally aired on 11 Nov 2022 In this episode, we talk to Trisha Lee all about the importance of nurturing and celebrating children’s storytelling. Trisha tells us all about her work in schools and also about her new book, The Growth of a Storyteller, which explores the practice of using helicopter stories to value, nurture and inspire young learners. Episode Links Order your copy of...

This week we chat with Rachel Stephenson and Sue Lonsdale from Holme Valley Primary School in Scunthorpe. We discuss their recent Ofsted inspection and the development of their inspirational learning environments. Episode Links Find out more about our Room Planning Service Shop our Complete Classroom Solutions

Gemma Shadid joins us this week to explore the power of child-centred creative practice in the EYFS. We discuss the Reggio Emilia approach, the role of quality materials in art, and how sensory experiences and cultural diversity shape children’s learning and identity. Episode Links  Transform your Learning Environment with our Room Planning Service . Shop our NEW Range of Sensory Resources Ex...

Re-release: Originally aired on 6 May 2022. This week, Andy interviews Kerry Murphy, Early Years Lecturer and Consultant, about her new book A Guide to SEND in the Early Years. Andy and Kerry discuss and reflect on EYFS practice, how best to support children with SEND and also challenge some common misconceptions. Episode Links Order Kerry’s book: A Guide to SEND in the Early Years Explore our ded...

Georgina Durrant shares her journey from teacher to SEN advocate, stressing the need for better training, play in learning, and strong parent-teacher collaboration. She discusses supporting speech and language needs, highlighting communication, sensory experiences, and understanding behaviour as communication. Episode Links Explore our dedicated SEND page with Training, Resources and Guidance Disc...

Re-release: Originally aired on 5 May 2023. We talk to Alison Clark about her recent book  Slow Knowledge and the Unhurried Child . As part of the conversation, Alison discusses the pressures within Early Childhood Education and makes the case for slow pedagogies when working with young children. Episode Links Watch the low Pedagogy-Making Time for Children’s Learning and Development Video Cl...