Early Excellence Podcast

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

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 presenting a TEDx Talk about her work Find out mor...

This Episode is Available on the Early Excellence Inspirational Hub App Discover the App Today 2024 Summer Break Re-Release - Episode 85 This week we’re joined by Clare King, one of our Curriculum Consultants at Early Excellence. We discuss the key principles of effective continuous provision and how to put these principles into practice. Take a virtual classroom tour of the Early Excellence learn...

This Episode is Available on the Early Excellence Inspirational Hub App Discover the App Today 2024 Summer Break Re-Release - Episode 52 In this week’s episode, Andy and Llewella explore the increasing popularity of tuff spot trays in early years settings. They discuss how Tuff Spot trays are used, look closely at some of the potential drawbacks of being over reliant on tray based activities and a...

2024 Summer Break Re-Release - Episode 90 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.  Access training on Child Development including Self-Regulation Become an Early Excellence Partner School Explore C...

2024 Summer Break Re-Release - Episode 112 Catherine Laing, Senior Lecturer in Developmental Linguistics, rejoins us this week for a close look at speech and language research.  Book your Place on our Let’s Get Talking Training Course Listen to our Earlier Episode with Catherine Laing "Exploring Early Speech and Language Development" Explore our Free Continuous Provision Guides and Audits

2024 Summer Break Re-Release - Episode 92 Nicky Turner, from the Astrea Multi-Academy Trust, joins us in our new Early Excellence studio as we explore the vital importance of supporting early literacy and phonics skills effectively. Book your Place on Early Excellence Training Visit our New Early Excellence Studio Listen to our Podcast Episode on Brilliant Books and Poems to Inspire Young Writers

2024 Summer Break Re-Release - Episode 105 This week, we visit Whitefield Primary School in Liverpool and take a tour of their inspirational EYFS learning environments Watch our Free Planning your Environment Webinar Shop our Inspirational Resources Download our free Audits and Planning Guides  

This Episode is Available on the Early Excellence Inspirational Hub App Discover the App Today 2024 Summer Break Re-Release - Episode 106 With more schools recognising the growing interest in continuous provision for Key Stage 1 education, Andy Burt and Nova Robinson delve into its implementation. From understanding the needs of Key Stage 1 children to navigating transitions from early years, this...

In our last new episode of the school year, we find out about a great project! The 50 Things to Do Before You’re 5 Project aims to provide a list of experiences for young children which are not to be missed. Christian Bunting and Frank Norris join us as we explore the beginnings of the project, the range of experiences and the impact on young children. Explore our CPD Training for you an...

Dora Rackham from City Academy, Whitehawk, near Brighton joins us for this week’s episode as we explore the progression of writing skills. Dora has developed a tool to track the small steps involved in developing writing skills and joins us to share how it is used and the impact on the practice. Explore our Mark Making to Writing Course  Listen to our Podcast "Exploring Early Literacy and Pho...

We welcome Evan McCormick to the studio for this week’s podcast as we explore key strategies to support children’s communication and language skills. As part of the conversation, we discuss our use of routines, plan-do-review cycles and effective adult interactions. We also consider the specific needs of some children including those with English as an additional language and also children who hav...

Nova Robinson catches up with the team at Quinton Primary School in Birmingham for this week’s episode. They discuss the implementation of an effective approach to Key Stage One practice based on an enabling learning environment, strong adult-child learning relationships and smoother transitions from the EYFS. Watch our Free Plan Your Learning Environment KS1 webinar Last Chance to attend the KS1...

This week, we’re joined by Natalie Bignell from Kidstart Nursery in Manchester. We discuss the key transition procedures in place at the nursery and the positive impact for children, the families and staff team.  Listen to our recent episode "Effective Transition with Phil Armstrong" Read our Blog on "Exploring Powerful Learning Through Domestic Role Play" Watch our Free Room Planning Webinar...

This Episode is Available on the Early Excellence Inspirational Hub App Discover the App Today Outdoor storage is the focus this week as we’re joined by our very own Matthew Sayer. We discuss the importance of high levels of organisation outdoors and offer key advice on storage sheds, labelling and the role of the adult.   Download our Free Outdoor Audit Download a Free Outdoor Planning Guide...