The Voice of Early Childhood

What if children's attention isn't a skill to train, but a response to their environment, emotions and engagement? Dr Gemma Goldenberg and Professor Sam Wass encourage us to think about attention in this newer, different way. In the article and podcast episode they discuss shifting our understanding of attention from a 'mental muscle' to a holistic, responsive process—one that educators can meanin...

Exploring how physical development, physical activity, physical education, and physical literacy contribute to a child's holistic development. This article and podcast episode highlight the importance of creating engaging, inclusive environments, empowering practitioners, and fostering a lifelong love of movement through early exposure and meaningful physical experiences. Read Josh Candy's article...

This episode is sponsored by Mini Minds Matter. Find out more here: https://www.minimindsmatter.org.uk/ Neuroscience plays such a crucial role in understanding child development, principally in regard to brain growth, mental health, and emotional wellbeing. As children navigate their formative years, knowledge of brain function and neuroplasticity can inform practices that promote healthy developm...

This episode is sponsored by Funding Loop: Funding Loop automates the process for nurseries of collecting funding forms from parents and typing that information into council portals. Funding Loop is used by over 2000 nurseries including over 80% of the top 25 nursery chains in the UK including Busy Bees. To find out more visit: https://www.fundingloop.co.uk/home There is no 'bad' behaviour. Behavi...

This episode is in partnership with T150 Energy. To submit an enquiry on your energy savings and receiving a donation visit: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/the-payback-scheme/   With rising costs impacting education settings, the Payback Scheme offers a practical solution to ease financial pressures. By negotiating competitive contracts for gas, electricity, and water, the Payback Scheme hel...

This episode is sponsored by Funding Loop: Funding Loop automates the process for nurseries of collecting funding forms from parents and typing that information into council portals. Funding Loop is used by over 2000 nurseries including over 80% of the top 25 nursery chains in the UK including Busy Bees. To find out more visit: https://www.fundingloop.co.uk/home   Incorporating STEAM into the prov...

A warning for all viewers and listeners: This episode can be distressing as the topic is around domestic abuse.    This episode is sponsored by Funding Loop: Funding Loop automates the process for nurseries of collecting funding forms from parents and typing that information into council portals. Funding Loop is used by over 2000 nurseries including over 80% of the top 25 nursery chains in the UK...

This episode is sponsored by Funding Loop: Funding Loop automates the process for nurseries of collecting funding forms from parents and typing that information into council portals. Funding Loop is used by over 2000 nurseries including over 80% of the top 25 nursery chains in the UK including Busy Bees. To find out more visit: https://www.fundingloop.co.uk/home     Rachael Webster problematises t...

Let's discuss the challenges around speech, language and communication, and how these can be overcome. Julie Kent and Dr Tanya Richardson discuss their professional and academic insights, including aspects explored in their new book. They unpick why language development is currently considered a public health problem and suggest approaches educators and parents/carers can take to reduce this conce...

To celebrate 100 episodes of The Voice of Early Childhood podcast we have a very special guest with us...the pioneering Professor Alison Clark . Best known for  advocating for the voice of the child through her pioneering research with Professor Peter Moss on the Mosaic Approach: A participatory, multimethod approach of listening to young children's voices within qualitative research. Professor Al...

This episode is sponsored by Mini Minds Matter. Find out more here: https://www.minimindsmatter.org.uk/   In recent years, there has been a shift in how we approach children's emotional development, moving away from measures such as "time out" towards a more holistic, supportive approach that helps children navigate and manage their emotions. This podcast episode and article explores the importanc...

This episode is sponsored by The Little Coach House and Jane Todd Nursery Business Support. Find out more here: The Little Coach House: http://www.littlecoachhouse.co.uk/ Jane Todd Nursery Business Support: http://www.janetodd.co.uk/   Working in early years is incredibly rewarding, but is it always viable? Jane Todd, an experienced early years business owner has had 5 early years related business...

A reflective piece on experiencing burnout as a Black nursery manager; recognising its signs, overcoming challenges, and fostering inclusivity and equity while prioritising mental health and sharing strategies for recovery, inclusivity, and equitable leadership practices.   Read Lorraine's article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/ my-experience-with-burnout-as-a-black-manager/ If you enj...

As more children need some form of augmentative and alternative communication, the use of Makaton is increasing. Rachel Makepeace, a Makaton tutor and Special Educational Needs (SEN) teacher, shares her experience of using Makaton to support children with speech, language and communication needs, as well as how Makaton has the potential to aid language development for all children.   Read Rachel's...

In this episode and article, Olivia Corbin-Phillip encourages us to see all conversations as stories, as we are all storytellers… Olivia explains that giving children the gift of becoming storytellers is incredibly valuable; from exploring emotions in the safe space of stories, to giving children agency, choice and voice through, there is so much incredible value in building a lifelong love of sto...

Mattie talks about transitioning from one career to another and the challenges of working in both a male dominated as well as a female dominated workplace. The ups and downs are discussed, including prejudices and stereotypes, as well as making a positive impact through valuing differences, and Mattie's current work around supporting his setting in becoming a centre of excellence. Read Mattie's ar...

Yinka Ogunnusi encourages us to be critical educators and view our practice through an anti-racist lens. From code switching, tackling the feeling of guilt and the politics of early childhood, to 'I don't see colour'…Olayinka shares both the practical and reflective ways in which we can create racially just spaces.  Read Yinka's article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/promoting-racially...

Dr Mona Sakr shares insight into ongoing research around baby room provision, aiming to bring together evidence on what quality provision looks like for 0-2-year-olds. The article introduces a small-scale study which sparked the current wider research, and the podcast episode expands on the current research.  Read Mona's article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/experiences-of-baby-room-l...

When creating their own curriculum Rosemary Lane Nursery School identified the need to highly focus on co- and self-regulation. Headteacher Jill Jones and Deputy Head Rebecca Martin discuss the need to constantly refine what they offer their children, planning for what they know, termly reviewing the curriculum and keeping it flexible. As such they are a dapting their curriculum constantly. They s...

In education, particularly in early years settings, male educators often face gender stereotypes that impact their professional and emotional wellbeing. These expectations not only shape how male teachers are perceived but also affect their ability to express their authentic selves, nurture students, and create truly inclusive learning environments. This article and podcast episode explore the emo...

There are still too many uninspiring classrooms, staffrooms and learning spaces, with little thought around user experience. The Rocket Approach challenges this by seeking to truly redefine early years education through creativity, innovation, and design. Winsy Flores shares Rocket Production's mission of nurturing tomorrow's creators and thinkers, and how this is brought to life.  Read Winsy's ar...

Leanne Galloway gives us insight into working in international schools, including challenges and opportunities, accountability measures in Dubai, Bangkok and England and cultural impacts on pedagogy, as well as her previous experience as an Ofsted inspector.   Read Leanne's article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/what-is-it-like-to-work-in-international-schools Listen to more: If you en...

This podcast episode and article take a critical look at independence in Montessori practice, discussing Montessori materials, the dichotomy between work and play, an asset-based approach, the role of the adult and more. Sole Scuderi shares his experience of working in Montessori settings and explains that blended practice is considered best practice – merging different approaches and pedagogies w...

Knowing when to step back, good quality conversations, space for both talking and listening, interacting with the environment around you…Gillian Craig shares her expertise as a language teacher and consultant, as well as a parent herself. We problematise when is the right time to stop babbling back to a child, how much choice we give to children, should we use 'big' words with children, whether wa...

This episode is in partnership with the Nursery Management Show Innovate, Educate, Elevate: Leading nursery management into tomorrow Experience an event that can help you, your business, and your career flourish. Located at ExCeL, London, it includes two days of insightful content, CPD training, networking, plus industry leaders and 150+ exhibitors. Register for your free ticket here: https://eu1....