This episode of the Best Practice Network Apprenticeship Podcast dives into one of the biggest challenges facing early years leaders today: leading change in an ever-evolving sector. Host Tatia Singleton is joined by Deanne Cook, Manager of Northumbria University Nursery, to explore how effective leaders navigate uncertainty, adapt to new information, and confidently guide their teams through change. Through honest reflections and real-life examples, they discuss the mindset, skills, and strategies needed to turn challenges into opportunities for growth.

Packed with practical leadership insights, the conversation highlights the importance of adaptability, collaboration, and future-proofing teams to ensure change is not only implemented but sustained. From building strong professional networks to developing leadership potential at every level, Tatia and Deanne share valuable advice for creating a culture where continuous improvement thrives. A must-listen for current and aspiring early years leaders looking to lead change with confidence and impact.

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In this thought‑provoking new episode of the Best Practice Network Apprenticeship Podcast, hosts Emma Minchella and Tatia Singleton sit down with Karen McGuigan, founder of Maths for Life, to explore how maths education can be reimagined to better support learners of all ages and abilities.

Together, they unpack the mission behind Maths for Life — a movement dedicated to making maths meaningful, accessible, and empowering for every learner. Karen shares her powerful vision for a curriculum that prioritises real‑life numeracy, confidence‑building, and practical problem‑solving, ensuring maths becomes a tool for independence rather than a barrier to progress.

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People are your greatest asset - but leading people is rarely straightforward. You will explore the hidden side of human resources, from trust, culture and social capital to talent hoarding, difficult conversations and discretionary effort, helping you lead people with greater confidence, fairness and authenticity.

Matthew Smith MBE is School Business Manager at Sheringham Woodfields School in Norfolk, for pupils with complex learning and health needs. The school’s specialised therapy centre is one of his most recent fundraising achievements he is most proud of. With over 17 years’ experience, Matthew is always happy to support fellow colleagues in the education sector. Outside of work, Matthew enjoys spending time with his family, supporting within his local community and getting his hands dirty in the garden.

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Human resources - participant PowerPoint

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In this inspiring new episode of the Best Practice Network Apprenticeship Podcast, hosts Emma Minchella and Tatia Singleton sit down with two passionate Early Years leaders: Jane Cockedge, owner and manager of Jane’s Nature Nurseries, and Sonia Chesmer, to explore how sustainability can be meaningfully embedded into Early Years practice.

Together, they discuss the vital role Early Years settings play in protecting our planet and nurturing children’s connection to the natural world. The conversation highlights practical, achievable ways practitioners can champion environmental responsibility — from nature‑rich learning environments to everyday sustainable habits that empower children to become thoughtful stewards of the future.

Jane and Sonia share real examples from their work, reflecting on the impact of outdoor learning, the importance of modelling eco‑conscious behaviours, and how small changes within settings can create long‑lasting ripples across families and communities. They also explore how sustainability aligns with Early Years pedagogy, wellbeing, and the development of curiosity, care and respect.

This episode offers grounded insights, inspiring practice, and a clear message: when we embed sustainability into Early Years education, we’re not just teaching children about the world — we’re helping them protect it.

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In this episode of the Best Practice Network Apprenticeship Podcast, co-hosts Tatia Singleton and Emma Minchella are joined by Tim Hopkins, Strategic Development Manager at Humpty Dumpty Nurseries Limited, to explore how strong HR practices underpin successful early years settings. Drawing on more than 20 years of experience in the sector, Tim shares practical insights into safer recruitment, effective staff induction, professional development, and creating a workplace culture where people feel valued, supported, and motivated to thrive.

The conversation also explores the secrets behind Humpty Dumpty's exceptional staff retention and its commitment to developing future leaders from within. Tim explains why investing in people is just as important as investing in children's learning, offering valuable advice for early years leaders looking to build resilient teams, strengthen their culture, and ultimately deliver the highest quality care and education.

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Finance, workforce planning and procurement can feel daunting, but strategic leadership is not about being an accountant. You will explore how to make informed decisions, weigh risks and trade-offs, communicate change effectively and focus resources where they have the greatest impact on people, learning and organisational priorities.

Matthew Smith MBE is School Business Manager at Sheringham Woodfields School in Norfolk, for pupils with complex learning and health needs. The school’s specialised therapy centre is one of his most recent fundraising achievements he is most proud of. With over 17 years’ experience, Matthew is always happy to support fellow colleagues in the education sector. Outside of work, Matthew enjoys spending time with his family, supporting within his local community and getting his hands dirty in the garden.

Resources

​​Finance, workforce, planning and procurement PowerPoint

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In this episode, we challenge the idea that budgeting is just about balancing the books and making difficult cuts. Joined by operations leader and nursery director Benjamin Wire, we explore how budgets can become a strategic tool for innovation, sustainability, and long-term impact.

Can profit and purpose coexist? Should leaders prioritise people, experiences, or resources? And what happens when you stop treating budgets as limitations and start seeing them as opportunities?

Whether you're a nursery manager, aspiring leader, or business owner, this episode will transform the way you think about money, leadership, and creating meaningful outcomes for children, families, and teams.

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Corporate social responsibility is not just for large organisations. You will explore how leadership decisions affect people, communities and the environment and consider what responsible practice looks like in everyday settings. This episode encourages you to move beyond good intentions and reflect on the impact others actually experience.

Our special guest this week is Steph Larner-Pickin; who is an Assistant Headteacher in an Alternative Provision Academy and PRU in the north west of England. She has a particular interest in ethical leadership and what drives us as school leaders to make the decisions we do, including balancing accountability with compassion and the wellbeing of everyone within the organisation. Steph holds values-based practice close to her heart and believes that strong schools are built upon inclusion, justice, transparency, aspiration and trust.

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Corporate social responsibility PowerPoint

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What does Corporate Social Responsibility really look like in an early years setting? In this inspiring episode, we speak with Jayne Cocksedge and Sonya Cheesmur from Jane's Nature Nursery about how sustainability, community engagement, and ethical leadership can transform children's learning experiences.

Discover how a nature-based approach is helping children become more resilient, independent, and environmentally conscious, while also strengthening family engagement, staff wellbeing, and community connections. From cloth nappies and recycling initiatives to intergenerational partnerships with local care homes, Jayne and Sonya share practical examples of how small, everyday actions can create lasting positive change.

This conversation challenges the idea that Corporate Social Responsibility is only for large organisations and demonstrates how early years leaders can make a meaningful impact on people, communities, and the planet—one child, one family, and one small step at a time.

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Emma Minchella and Tatia Singleton are joined by guest Bethanie Wiltshire, Employer Partnership Manager and Co-Chair of the SEG Pride Network, to mark Pride Month and explore the importance of supporting the LGBTQ+ community in education and the workplace.

Together, they discuss the significance of Pride Month, the importance of creating inclusive and supportive environments, and how organisations can champion diversity, equality and belonging throughout the year. They also explore the value of representation, the impact of allyship, and why open conversations around identity and inclusion are so important for both learners and colleagues alike.

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