TTS Talking Early Years

In today’s episode, Alice Sharp is joined by Liz Ludden and Sue Egersdorff again to explore the benefits of an intergenerational approach in the early years.   From the key benefits such as improving children's vocabulary and communication skills to forming new relationships and combating social isolation, Liz and Sue explore the multitude of benefits associated with intergenerational practice. Fr...

In this episode, Alice Sharp is joined by Liz Ludden and Sue Egersdorff again, but this time, they’re switching their focus to the learning opportunities available through intergenerational care and practice.  Alice asks Liz and Sue to explain what techniques and activities (or invitations as Liz and Sue refer to in this podcast) best support this practice and how easy is it to incorporate this st...

In this episode, Liz Ludden and Sue Egersdorff, founders of Ready Generations, a charity that supports intergenerational practice and care in the early years, join Alice Sharp to introduce the concept of intergenerational learning and practice.  Passionate about this approach to learning, Liz and Sue discuss why they believe this approach is so important for child development in the early years. ...

Mariana Carazo, a play-based learning advocate, joins Alice Sharp for one final time. In this episode, Mariana and Alice discuss the role of executive functions, what they are and what strategies can be used to support children’s executive functioning in the early years.  Executive functions EXPLODE through the different types of open-ended play Mariana discusses in previous podcast episodes. When...

Alice Sharp is joined again by play-based learning advocate, Mariana Carazo to discuss learning environments. How do we enrich, entice and elevate the thinking of our children in the spaces they learn within?  Alice asks Mariana to share her guidance on how practitioners can make the environments engaging and exciting. How do we refresh the home corners, the construction areas or art stations to i...

Alice Sharp is joined again by play-based learning advocate, Mariana Carazo to discuss the impact play-based learning has on developing key foundation skills in the early years. Mariana explains the vital role educators play in opening the door to new opportunities across all areas of learning in the early years. This episode encourages practitioners to follow the relevant frameworks (also referre...

Mariana Carazo, a play-based learning advocate, joins Alice Sharp to explore what play-based learning is and why she believes it is so crucial to develop children’s key skills in the Early Years.  Mariana defines play as a universal language. She explains that play evolves over time and never ends. It is an approach that should be interpreted differently with each child, learning environment and s...

In this episode of the TTS Talking Early Years Podcast, Alice Sharp is re-joined by Kate Freeman to inspire you with practical ways to extend children’s vocabulary in the Early Years.  Kate explains the reasons why interaction is so key in the early stages of child development. She talks about this not only from a learning perspective but also from a social and emotional perspective, helping child...

In this episode of the TTS Talking Early Years Podcast, Alice Sharp is rejoined by Kate Freeman, Speech and Language therapist, to discuss the different type of speech and language support and resources that are available for educators and parents when supporting young children.   Knowing what training is available, how to pick what is most appropriate and where to access it can be extremely daunt...

In this episode of the TTS Talking Early Years Podcast, Alice Sharp welcomes back Speech and Language Therapist, Kate Freeman to shares some of the ways that educators can identify gaps in children’s early speech development.     Throughout this episode, Kate shares:  The different types of speech, language and communication – what are they and when should we be’ worried’?   What might some of the...

In this episode of the TTS Talking Early Years Podcast, Alice Sharp is joined by Kate Freeman, Speech and Language therapist, to discuss the impact of the pandemic on children’s speech and language.  Kate explains how the word gap has become increasingly wider since the outbreak of COVID-19 due to factors such as mask-wearing, limited interaction, increased screen-time and social isolation.  Touch...

Alice is joined by Simon Airey for the final time to talk all things continuous provision, also referenced to as continuous play. Simon begins by explaining what continuous play is, why it’s so important in the Early Years, but also the benefits of taking this approach beyond the EYFS too.  Throughout the episode Simon shares best examples of continuous play and experiences that have shaped his ap...

In episode 7 of the TTS Talking Early Years Podcast, Alice Sharp is joined by Simon Airey to explore how a play-based approach to learning in the Early Years enriches and extends a child’s vocabulary.   Simon and Alice touch on the impact the pandemic has had on children’s language and how there is a greater need for additional support in settings across the UK and internationally. Sharing their o...

Alice Sharp is joined by Simon Airey, an educator with over 20 years’ experience of teaching, working in specialist provision and the EYFS. In this episode, Alice and Simon explore the language opportunities beyond the setting and how educators can tap into the children’s unique experiences to enhance language development.  Simon explains the power of forging strong relationships with all parties,...

Alice Sharp is joined by Simon Airey, an educator with over 20 years’ experience of teaching, working in specialist provision and the EYFS. Simon is passionate about facilitating open-ended play-based learning to develop key skills and shares his thoughts on why role play is essential to language development in the Early Years.  Alice and Simon strip the conversation right back to the basics, look...

During this episode of the TTS Talking Early Years Podcast, Alice Sharp and Olivia Kirkby talk all things resources. Olivia shares the importance of open-ended resources in the Early Years and the learning opportunities these physical resources support.  Providing open-ended, cross-curricular resources can enhance cognitive skills, language, self-regulation and self-discovery. Olivia explains that...

During this episode of the TTS Talking Early Years Podcast, Alice Sharp and Olivia Kirkby explore the importance of quality interactions in the Early Years and the role practitioners must play in encouraging these interactions.   From open-ended questions, positive reinforcement to practitioners self-evaluating and reflecting on their own communication, Olivia and Alice suggest various practical w...

During this episode of the TTS Talking Early Years Podcast, Alice Sharp and Olivia Kirkby continue the conversation on creating enticing, language-rich learning environments. This week, Alice and Olivia focus on exploring the emotional environment.  How do we create safe, secure and cosy places for play-based learning? And why is the emotional environment so integral to children’s learning and dev...

Welcome to Series 2 of the TTS Talking Early Years Podcast! In this very first episode Alice Sharp (podcast host) is joined by TTS’ very own Early Years Consultant, Olivia Kirkby, to talk all things Early Years.  Alice and Olivia explore the role of the physical environment and why creating an enticing physical space is so important. Olivia explains that reflective practice is key in creating an e...

This episode of the TTS Talking Early Years podcast wraps up what has been a jam-packed series 1; discovering the wonderful world of outdoor learning. In this final episode of series 1, Alistair and guests, Mel Mcree and Sarah Lawfull, jump right back into the topic of Forest School and why it’s so important.  Alistair Bryce-Clegg asks Mel and Sarah the million-dollar question; in an Instagram and...

Episode 19 of the TTS Talking Early Years podcast continues the conversation about all things Forest School. Alistair Bryce-Clegg is joined again by renowned Forest School experts and advocates, Mel McCree and Sarah d Sarah Lawfull.  Research and evidence show that the Forest School approach actively develops children’s risk awareness and confidence in managing their own risk-taking abilities. Alt...

In this TTS Talking podcast episode, Alistair Bryce-Clegg is joined by renowned Forest School experts, Mel McCree and Sarah Lawfull.  Sharing their knowledge and passion for everything Forest School, Sarah and Mel share their tips and guidance to help practitioners develop their confidence when taking children’s learning outdoors and why the Forest School approach is an integral part of early chil...

 In this TTS Talking podcast episode, Alistair Bryce-Clegg is joined by renowned Forest School experts, Mel McCree and Sarah Lawfull. Sharing their passion for the Forest School approach, Sarah and Mel explain to Alistair the 6 key principles and how this ethos benefits child development. The Forest School ethos offers children a play-based approach to learning in the great outdoors. The approach...

With many Early Years settings looking for ways to implement more sustainable practices in their settings and outdoor areas, Cheryl Hadland, Managing Director at Tops Day Nurseries, joins our latest podcast episode to share her thoughts on creating a more sustainable learning environment.  From top tips on fostering a love for environmentally friendly activities, resources, and practices, to pract...

Cheryl Hadland, Founder, and Managing Director at Tops Day Nurseries, joins Alistair Bryce-Clegg in this episode to talk about climate action plans in the Early Years.  A climate action plan aims to address climate challenges, relevant to the individual setting based on factors such as the environment, financial impact, society and the community, plus so much more.  Throughout this episode Cheryl...