Early Excellence Podcast

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...

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...