Tapestry Talks

Child psychologist and neuroscientist Professor Sam Wass answers questions on how screen time can affect young children.

Amber Ogunsanya-William joins Ben for a discussion on her role as a play consultant and worker.

Technology in Early Years education, digital literacy, and online safety - what do educators need to know now? On this month's Tapestry Talks, Ben and Kat sit down with Princess Souassou Tsiagbe for a practical conversation on using technology to enhance learning in the early years. This episode explores technology in early childhood education, building digital skills safely, and how educators can...

For Tapestry's 200th podcast, directors Helen and Steve sat down to highlight a few of their favourite previous episodes and reflect on where they see the podcast going over the next year, as well as some big moments that happened for Tapestry over the last year! Episodes mentioned in this podcast are linked below: Neil Leitch on Childcare Deserts, School Based Nurseries and Workforce Sustainabili...

What to consider to ensure child-centred transition from Reception to Year 1, with Michelle Windridge, National Education Lead for School-based EYFS at Twinkl.

Becca and Stephen are joined by Dr Ben Levy who is and Educational Psychologist and magician who has developed a framework to enhance pupil engagement and performance. They discuss the 5 aspects of the framework and how it can be applied in early years environments.

Neurodiversity affirming practice for autistic girls and a glimpse into the ethos behind Ashley’s House – a new centre where a life-skills programme is central to the curriculum. With Dipaley Patel, Speech and Language Associate Practitioner and mother to Ashley.

Stephen chats with Simon Airey, who is a neurodivergent teacher and advocate for Inclusion. They discuss what inclusion means to Simon, his top tips for inclusive learning spaces and the importance of 'connection over correction'.

EYA CEO Neil Leitch discusses current issues and challenges confronting the sector.

Join us for a memorable conversation with trumpeter and teacher Sean Chandler, and BSL interpreter Lizzie Wharton. Sean explains the words and terms about deafness and shares his own experiences of his deaf identity. He tells us about BSL and Lizzie tells us about being a BSL interpreter. You can find the video version of this podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5iFUdxEMmg

Stephen chats with educator, author and neurodiversity champion Frances Akinde about her book 'Be an Ally not a Bystander'. They discuss the benefits of teaching young children about allyship, how bias can show up in educators and how we can turn allyship into a practical part of whole school life.

Support and advice for parents with an autistic child, learning about children through observation, connection and communication, and what to consider if you are an educator working with autistic children. With Zynab Al Bahrani, mum to two autistic sons, Autism Consultant, and speech and language practitioner.

Supporting the early years workforce – what staff and leaders struggle with, what they might need, and how Twinkl’s experienced educators can help. With Tracie Butterfill, National Education Lead EYFS for Twinkl Educational Publishing.

Jules chats with education consultant in nurturing teachers and children, Joanne Lo. They discuss how to develop mindfulness in a learning community, and techniques that educators can start using right now in the day to day of their classrooms.

Jules chats with Glenda Tinney and Natalie MacDonald, both academics in Childhood Youth and Education at University of Wales Trinity St David. They discuss the qualities and knowledge that are embedded in being an early years professional, how to raise the status of the sector, and how they prepare students for the important work they do with children and families.

Stephen chats with Andrew Cartwright and Ben Carr who are the Co-Directors of the North East Coaching Company. They discuss the importance of children being engaged and enjoying physical activity as well as why teaching PE in primary schools can cause anxiety.

Ben and Jules chat with Curtly Ania, nursery owner and mentor for others who are on the journey to opening their own early years setting. Curtly shares practical advice and inspiration, including some of the key things to consider if you are thinking about running a nursery.

Feeling a bit lost with the current Ofsted consultation (deadline April 28th)? Listen in for a friendly chat with Wendy Ratcliff and Caroline Hearn from Ofsted, where we break down the main points to help you feel clearer and ready to share your views. You can give your feedback on the consultation here: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/ofsted2025/

Stephen and Jules chat with Adam Marycz, about his own changing roles and about the changes in the sector, and how we can get back to what we are all striving for – positive outcomes for children, families, and the educators who work with them.

Stephen and Jules chat with Julie Robinson and Charlotte Thornton from Mini Minds Matter. They discuss what mindfulness looks like for very young children, how this supports emotional regulation and resilience, and they share some ideas you can implement in your settings today. https://mini-minds-matter.mykajabi.com/

Jules and Ben chat with Dr Leanne Jaye about fundamental motor skills – what they are, the role educators play in developing them, and how to support families in realistic ways to encourage movement with their children.

Ben and Jules chat with Laura Henry-Allain MBE about her latest children’s book Maya and Marley and the Great Big Tidy Up. They discuss the important themes in the book, how the story can be used in settings, and Laura shares where she finds inspiration for her stories.

Peter Moss is Emeritus Professor of Early Childhood Provision at the Thomas Coram Research Unit, UCL Institute of Education. Professor Moss discusses the failings of the current early years education system and how a radical transformation is required. His recent book is available free to download here: https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10191508/

Jules chats with Naomi Wilkinson and Nigel Clarke, familiar faces and voices from CBBC. They talk about their BBC Teach series Let’s Move with Naomi and Nigel and share ways to help teachers and children to feel confident about dance. https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/school-radio/articles/zhtkxg8

Jules chats with Tapestry SEND Advisor Stephen Kilgour, and Doncaster Early Years Inclusion Officer Ann Lowe, about some of the key themes in their book The Inclusive Early Years Educator.