Twinkl Talks: EYFS

Twinkl Private Early Years answers your early years practitioners problems! In this episode, we’re exploring sensory play for all and discussing how sensory experiences can support every child’s learning, development and wellbeing. This episode covers: What sensory play is and why it’s so important in the early years The benefits of sensory play for children’s development and wellbeing How to crea...

Join Shána Walker and Kate Ball from Mini First Aid as they discuss the importance of teaching first aid skills from a young age. In this episode, they chat about: Why first aid education is valuable for children of all ages The different classes and programmes available for children How first aid can be taught in an engaging, age-appropriate way Building children’s confidence to respond in an eme...

Join Shána Walker and Kate Ball from Mini First Aid as they discuss everything early years practitioners need to know about first aid in childcare settings. In this episode, they chat about: The differences between nursery-based first aid and school-based first aid Understanding Ofsted and HSE guidance and what it means for your setting Practical hints and tips for managing accidents and incidents...

Join Shána Walker and Kate Ball from Mini First Aid as they discuss the importance of allergy awareness and management in early years settings. In this episode, they chat about: Kate's story and how Mini First Aid came to support families and childcare professionals What early years practitioners need to know about managing allergies on a day-to-day basis Recent allergy updates, including Bene...

Join Shána Walker and Mienna Jones from HappyCrew Childcare as they discuss the realities of starting and running a childcare business. In this episode, they chat about: Where to begin, from Ofsted registration and safeguarding to qualifications, first aid, and setting fees Understanding planning permissions and the processes involved Navigating Food Standards Agency requirements Balancing caring...

Twinkl Private Early Years answers your early years practitioners problems! This episode covers: What are the benefits of sensory play? Favourite sensory play activities from the team Tips and advice for creating engaging sensory play experiences Simple ways to support sensory exploration in your setting and at home We’ll also be sharing helpful blogs, resources, and activity ideas to support you...

Join us for an open and thoughtful conversation on supporting neurodiversity in leadership, and why it matters now more than ever in early years and education settings. This episode includes discussion of personal experiences and sensitive topics that some listeners may find difficult. In this episode, we explore how embracing neurodiverse perspectives can strengthen leadership, enrich school cult...

Join Shána, Matt and Lucy as they explore the vital role leadership plays in driving success in early years education. In this engaging and reflective conversation, they share their personal journeys and professional insights, unpacking what strong leadership looks like in practice and how it can shape outcomes for children in the early years. This episode offers honest reflections, practical idea...

In this episode, Shána is joined by Lucy and Matt from Stoke Primary School to explore the journey of opening a dedicated provision for two-year-olds within the school setting. They discuss the motivation behind creating the provision and why it was seen as an important step for both children and families in the community. In this friendly and insightful conversation, they take you behind the scen...

Twinkl Private Early Years answers your early years practitioners problems! This episode covers:   Should we be teaching preschool children phonics? Or leave it up to the school? What kind of things could we spend our EYPP on? What should a good staff meeting include?   Check out our resources below 👇 🖥️ https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/15amrx 🗣️ https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/16282s 📄 https://www.twinkl....

🎙️🎧 Episode 107 IS NOW LIVE!!! 🎧🎙️ Join Shána as she chats with Laura and Celia from Everyday Play about the power of outdoor learning in early years settings.   In this episode, we explore the key differences between an outdoor classroom and a simple outdoor area, and why that distinction matters for children’s development. Laura and Celia share what makes outdoor environments so unique, suppor...

Twinkl Private Early Years answers your early years practitioners problems! This episode covers:   It's parents' evening soon, and I'm terrified, as I've never done one before. Any tips? Opinions on screen time within nurseries? Should staff have to come in on a weekend to take part in stay-and-plays?   Want to see more from the Twinkl Private Early Years team? You can find us on F...

Join Shána and Hana as they discuss how to support bilingualism in the early years. In this episode, they explore the science of bilingualism and language acquisition, challenge common misconceptions, and share what educators need to know to support bilingual children effectively. They also discuss what this looks like in practice within early years settings, highlight a helpful app that supports...

Twinkl Private Early Years answers your early years practitioners problems! This episode covers: How do you come up with next steps for children? How can I make my return to work after maternity leave go well? What tips do you have for self-registration? Want to see more from the Twinkl Private Early Years team? You can find us on Facebook and Instagram . Don't forget to check out our lovely T...

🎧🎙️ Episode 103 IS NOW LIVE!!! 🎙️🎧   In this episode, we’re joined by Shána Walker and Georgina Young as we dive into the world of schemas and why they matter so much in children’s learning — especially outdoors 🌱 We talk about: ✨ What schemas are and how they show up in children’s play ✨ How the setting and environment influence learning ✨ Why outdoor schemas are so powerful ✨ Real example...

Twinkl Private Early Years answers your early years practitioners problems! This episode covers: How long should circle time be for toddlers and preschoolers? What tips do you have for staff who seem withdrawn and reluctant to join in? What are some effective ways to structure peer observations?  Explore our EYFS Resources: 👉 https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1gkf05 👉 https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/x2xni...

🎙️🎧 Episode 101 IS NOW LIVE!!! 🎧🎙️ Join Shána, Michelle and Samantha as they explore what it really means to support toddlers, both at home and in early years settings. Drawing on professional insight and real-world experience, the team discusses how toddlers’ needs differ from younger children, and how adults can respond with confidence, consistency and compassion. In this episode, we cover: Su...

Twinkl Private Early Years answers your early years practitioners problems! This episode covers: Should nappies be changed by the key person or is a rota best? What advice do you have for covering at a different nursery? Can I say no to moving rooms?  Want to see more from the Twinkl Private Early Years team? You can find us on Facebook and Instagram . Don't forget to check out our lovely Twi...

In this episode, Shána is joined by Laura Brogan, our NEL Phonics Lead, for a deep dive into how children build the foundations for reading through Phase 1 (Level 1) phonics. Together, they unpack: 🔹 Why pre-phonics skills matter 🔹 The key aspects of Level 1 and how they underpin later phonics success 🔹 What it can look like when Level 1 isn’t fully secured 🔹 How early gaps can affect a child’...

🎄 Our Christmas Special is LIVE! 🎄 Join Shána, Laura, Lou, and Georgia for a festive edition packed with holiday cheer, hilarious games, and plenty of laughs. Whether you’re wrapping presents, sipping cocoa, or just getting into the Christmas spirit, this episode is the perfect companion. Tune in now and celebrate the season with us! ✨🎁

Join Shána and Lorna as they dive into the world of setting up your perfect creative craft area! In this episode, they explore what a creative area truly is, not just painting, but role-play, messy play, small world setups, music corners, malleable play and more.

Twinkl Private Early Years answers your early years practitioners problems! This episode covers: How do you keep coming up with Christmas planning ideas for early years? What do you think about making Christmas cards and gifts for the children? Does your early years setting open between Christmas and New Years? Want to see more from the Twinkl Private Early Years team? You can find us on Facebook...

Shána is joined by Michelle Elliot, Early Years Parents ECL at Twinkl, to explore the vital role of effective communication between educators, parents, and carers. Michelle shares practical insights on how strong partnerships can positively impact a child’s learning and development - from creating open channels of communication to supporting families with the right resources. We discuss: Why clear...

Twinkl Private Early Years answers your early years practitioners problems! This episode covers: What should we do with a staff member who is refusing to change nappies? I haven’t interviewed for years, what should I expect? Should we ban Halloween in early years settings? Want to see more from the Twinkl Private Early Years team? You can find us on Facebook and Instagram . Don't forget to che...

Join Shána, Julia and Lou as they dive into nutrition in the Early Years. They’ll be chatting through recent changes, what this means for your setting, and practical ways to support parents, carers and children with healthy choices. Whether you’re looking for ideas to share with families or guidance on mealtimes in your provision, this episode is full of useful insights and tips.