In this episode of the Best Practice Network Apprenticeship Podcast, hosts Emma Minchella and Tatia Singleton come together for a festive special dedicated to apprentice well-being!

As the year draws to a close, they explore the unique pressures apprentices face during the holiday season and share practical, uplifting strategies for staying balanced, motivated, and mindful.

Learn how to take control of your time with practical strategies you can apply straight away: The Eisenhower Matrix, MITs and The 4D Model.

You will explore time blocking, the 80% rule and ways to reduce interruptions and task switching - helping you focus, protect your energy and work more effectively as a busy leader or team member.

Time Tactics - PowerPoint

In this episode of the Best Practice Network Apprenticeship Podcast, hosts Emma Minchella, Tatia Singleton, and Supriya Menon are joined by Kym Lewis, Partnership Manager at the Association of Apprentices (AoA). Together, they discuss how the AoA supports apprentices throughout their journey — from helping them make the most of off-the-job training opportunities to building professional networks, developing key employability skills, and fostering a strong sense of community.

Tune in to discover how apprentices can access valuable resources and connections through the AoA to enhance both their learning experience and career development.

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In this episode of the Best Practice Network Apprenticeship Podcast, hosts Emma Minchella, Tatia Singleton, and Supriya Menon are joined by Jamel Carly, an inspiring advocate for equality and diversity in early years and education. Together, they explore what true inclusion means, why diversity matters at every level of education, and how we can all take practical steps to create more inclusive environments.

Explore how emotional intelligence (EQ) shapes effective leadership. You will reflect on the balance between empathy and expectations, uncover personal bias and learn practical strategies to develop your EQ.

From self-awareness to active listening, this episode helps you strengthen workplace relationships and lead with authenticity and emotional clarity.

Emotional intelligence (EQ) - participant PowerPoint

Emotional intelligence (EQ) - participant resource pack

Discover how to strengthen your problem-solving behaviours by exploring practical models like the ‘5 Whys’ and ‘Fishbone Diagram’. Reflect on root cause analysis, future focus and positive approaches to challenges, helping you find sustainable solutions in your work, your leadership and your everyday life.

Problem-solving behaviours - participant PowerPoint

Problem-solving behaviours - participant resource pack

In this episode of the Best Practice Network Apprenticeship Podcast Host Emma Minchella, Ant Welch and Supriya Menon are joined by the co-owner of paints pots nurseries, Chair of Early Years Academy and longtime advocate for increasing male representation in the early years David Wright. Together we discuss the importance of male representation in early years and education and how to consciously support males joining the sector.

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In this episode of the Best Practice Network Apprenticeship Podcast, host Emma Minchella is joined by Deborah Brown, Director of Grief Information for Teachers and Services, to explore the sensitive but vital topic of grief in early years and education. Together, they discuss how bereavement, separation, loss, and change impact children, and the role educators play in supporting them through these experiences.

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The third episode of our leadership and education mini-series features Franzie Mueller, A Level 3 EYE Room Lead at Kido where she discusses her apprenticeship journey into leadership.

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The second episode of our leadership and education mini-series features Iona Taylor, A level 5 EYLP Room Lead at Snapdragon’s, as she discusses her apprenticeship journey into leadership!

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