Early Excellence Podcast

By Early Excellence

What's Early Excellence Podcast about?

Join us as we discuss a diverse range of EYFS and KS1 best practice and provision, resourcing your Early Years environment and keep you up to date news and reviews from Ofsted & the DfE

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Early Excellence Podcast episodes:

06.21.2024
Nursery Transition - Getting it Right from the Start with Natalie Bignell
This week, we’re joined by Natalie Bignell from Kidstart Nursery in Manchester. We discuss the key transition procedures in place at the nursery and the positive impact for children, the families and staff team. Listen to our recent episode "Effective Transition...
06.14.2024
Effective Organisation Outdoors
Outdoor storage is the focus this week as we’re joined by our very own Matthew Sayer. We discuss the importance of high levels of organisation outdoors and offer key advice on storage sheds, labelling and the role of the adult....
06.07.2024
The Impact of Continuous Provision in Key Stage 1
This week, Nova Robinson interviews Jude Arkwright and Jane Godfrey from St Michael's School in Wiltshire. They discuss the school's approach to continuous provision in Key Stage 1 and the impact it has on children's learning and well-being.Explore our FREE...
05.31.2024
Mud, Glorious Mud! Exploring Muddy Play with Matthew Sayer
Early Excellence Curriculum Consultant, Matthew Sayer, joins us for this week’s episode of the podcast as we explore the wonderful possibilities of muddy play. As part of our chat, we discuss how to get the most out of your mud...
05.24.2024
Effective Transition with Phil Armstrong
This week, we’re joined by Phil Armstrong from the Early Excellence Curriculum Team as we explore effective transition processes within the EYFS. Read our Blog all About Effective Transition to Year 1Listen to The Podcast Episode "5 Things to Remember in...
05.17.2024
Continuous Provision Throughout the School! Interview with Gillian Jones and Jayne Richardson
In this inspiring discussion, Gillian Jones and Jayne Richardson reflect on their school’s journey of implementing continuous provision from Pre School through to Year 2. They discuss the process of developing well- planned learning environments and how this has had...
05.10.2024
Let’s Get Baking! Interview with Gillian Hewitt
Gillian Hewitt, the Deputy Headteacher at Dyce Primary School, joins us this week to discuss the fantastic possibilities of baking in the EYFS.Explore our CPD Opportunities for EYFSListen to our Gardening and Growing Episode
05.03.2024
Exploring Early Speech and Language Research with Catherine Laing
Catherine Laing, Senior Lecturer in Developmental Linguistics, rejoins us this week for a close look at speech and language research. Book your Place on our Let’s Get Talking Training CourseListen to our Earlier Episode with Catherine Laing "Exploring Early Speech and...
04.26.2024
Building on Children’s Interests: A Project on Bees
We catch up with our very own Clare King for this week’s episode of the podcast. As part of our chat, we explore the powerful impact of building on children’s interests and Clare tells us all about a very successful...
04.19.2024
Exploring International Education and Early Years Practice: Interview with Janette Quinn
In this episode of the Early Excellence podcast, Andy Burt interviews Janette Quinn, Director of Education and Professional Learning at COBIS (Council of British International Schools). They explore her global education experience, passion for early years education, and COBIS's role...
04.12.2024
A Focus on SEND in the EYFS
How do you meet the needs of all of your children? In this week’s episode, we talk to Alex Sutcliffe from Ravenshead Church of England School in Nottinghamshire as we reflect on meeting the needs of children with SEND. As...
03.22.2024
Exploring Researchful Practice: Interview with Dr. Frances Giampapa
Join us for this week’s podcast as we explore the link between EYFS practice and research and find out how teachers and practitioners can get involved in their own research projects.Discover more about Dr. Frances GiampapaExplore our CPD Training
03.15.2024
Get Gardening & Growing! with Clare King
This week, we’re joined by Clare King, one of our Curriculum Consultants at early Excellence, as we talk about the importance of gardening and growing with young children. We offer practical advice on getting started, what you’ll need, and how...
03.08.2024
Getting Started with Continuous Provision in Key Stage One: Interview with Nova Robinson
With more schools recognising the growing interest in continuous provision for Key Stage 1 education, Andy Burt and Nova Robinson delve into its implementation. From understanding the needs of Key Stage 1 children to navigating transitions from early years, this...
03.01.2024
Inspirational Learning Environments: A Tour of the EYFS at Whitefield Primary School
This week, we visit Whitefield Primary School in Liverpool and take a tour of their inspirational EYFS learning environmentsWatch our Free Planning your Environment WebinarShop our Inspirational ResourcesDownload our free Audits and Planning Guides
02.23.2024
A Focus on The Characteristics of Effective Learning: Interview with Sayeh Mariner
Are the Characteristics of Effective Learning central to your EYFS practice? Are you confident in supporting children’s learning skills and attributes? In this episode of the podcast, we chat to Sayeh Mariner from the Co-Op Academies Trust about developing inspirational...
02.16.2024
Making Mixed-Age Classes Work: Interview with Rachel Yeung
For the podcast this week, we’re joined by Rachel Yeung from Hawkshead Primary School in Cumbria, as we discuss the benefits and challenges of teaching in a mixed-age class. Rachel highlights the importance of understanding each child's needs and planning...
02.09.2024
Reflections of an Early Career Teacher: Interview with Sara Adams
This week, we’re joined by Sara Adams as we discuss her experiences and reflections as an early career teacher. As part of the conversation, we explore the importance of an effective learning environment, building meaningful relationships with children and peer...
02.02.2024
Unleashing Creativity: Interview with The Herd Theatre
We’re joined by Sam Caseley and Ruby Thompson from the Herd Theatre for this week’s episode as we hear all about their transformative Replay Project. We discuss the vital importance of nurturing creative thinking and the wonderful impact of immersive...
01.26.2024
Redesigning EYFS Environments: Interview with Emma Hudson
Emma Hudson, Early Years Lead at Willerby Carr Lane Primary School, discusses the impact of the redesigned EYFS environment on children and staff. She highlights the importance of stripping back and refining provision to focus on core continuous provision and...
01.19.2024
The Early Excellence Roadshow: Interview with Sarah Carey
This week, we’re joined by Sarah Carey, School Improvement Lead at Early Excellence, as we explore the impactful Early Excellence Roadshow, a full-day training event for school leaders, EYFS leads and early years teams. Discover key insights on effective practices,...
01.12.2024
The Magic of Puppets: Interview with Nigel Plaskitt
Nigel Plaskitt discusses his career in film and television, including his work on Labyrinth and Muppet Christmas Carol. He also talks about the magic of puppets and their use with young children, highlighting the educational and emotional benefits. Nigel tells...
12.08.2023
Celebrating Outdoor Learning: Interview with Sarah Watkins
In our last episode before Christmas, we’re joined by Sarah Watkins as we celebrate the fantastic learning possibilities of the outdoors. Order your copy of our Early Excellence Guide to Outdoor ProvisionRead our Early Excellence Blog - The Fantastic Possibilities...
12.01.2023
Going International! Interview with Jess Gosling
Jess Gosling joins us as our guest for this week’s episode. As an experienced early years teacher working in settings across the world, Jess has lots of key advice and experiences to share.Explore our International Support ServicesFind out more about...
11.24.2023
The Impact of Effective Room Planning: Interview with the Team at Willerby Carr Lane Primary School
This week, we visit Willerby Carr Lane Primary School in Hull to hear about the Early Excellence room planning process and the impact that their new learning environment has had on the children’s learning.Find out more about our Free Room...
11.17.2023
Wonderfully Creative and Playful! A Visit to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park
We leave the Early Excellence Studio and head to the beautiful setting of the Yorkshire Sculpture Park for this week’s episode. As part of our visit, we meet Emma Spencer and Kathryn Brame, two of the learning managers at the...
11.10.2023
Following an Inspiring Journey of Development: Interview with the team at Quinton Church Primary School, Birmingham
This week, we visit Quinton Church Primary School in Birmingham to hear how their work with Early Excellence has helped the team to put continuous provision at the heart of their practice.Find out more about our Free Room Planning ServiceTake...
11.03.2023
Exploring Early Literacy and Phonics Skills: Interview with Nicky Turner
Nicky Turner, from the Astrea Multi-Academy Trust, joins us in our new Early Excellence studio as we explore the vital importance of supporting early literacy and phonics skills effectively.Book your Place on Early Excellence TrainingVisit our New Early Excellence StudioListen...
10.27.2023
Gaining an Outstanding Judgement in the EYFS: Interview with Hayley Coupe
Hayley Coupe, from Holmgate Primary School in Derbyshire, joins us for this week’s podcast episode. As part of our conversation, Hayley shares her recent experience of the inspection process.Stay up to date with our Senior Leader Termly BriefingJoin us at...
10.20.2023
Self-Regulation at the Heart of Effective Practice
Does your practice reflect the value of self-regulation? In this week’s episode, we’re joined by members of the senior team from Rawmarsh Nursery School in Rotherham as we explore the vital importance of nurturing self-regulation skills. Access training on Child Development...
10.13.2023
A Loving Pedagogy with Tamsin Grimmer
Tamsin Grimmer joins us for this week’s episode as we discuss the importance of a loving pedagogy and explore how schools and settings can implement this approach.Find out more about Tamsin’s workAccess Continuous Provision Inside OutJoin us for one of...
10.06.2023
Rethinking Dough Play
How effective is your dough area? In this week’s episode, we’re joined by our very own Llewella Ivins as we explore some key considerations.Find out more about our Inside Out suite of materialsExplore our curated resources for your Dough AreaDiscover...
09.29.2023
The Fantastic Possibilities of Sand Play
This week we’re joined by Llewella Ivins, Early Excellence Curriculum Consultant, as we discuss the benefits that sand play provides for young children and also how to create an inspirational sand area in your setting.Read our Blog "The Importance of...
09.22.2023
Exploring Creative, Child-Centred Approaches at Manor Wood Foundation Stage (Part 2)
In this week’s episode, we revisit Manor Wood Foundation Stage in Leeds to hear all about their wonderfully creative, child-centred approaches in the EYFS.Listen to part 1 of our interview with the Manor Wood teamRead our blog on Building on...
09.15.2023
Exploring the Key Principles of Effective Continuous Provision
This week we’re joined by Clare King, one of our Curriculum Consultants at Early Excellence. We discuss the key principles of effective continuous provision and how to put these principles into practice.Take a virtual classroom tour of the Early Excellence...
09.08.2023
Five Things to Remember in September
Summer Re-Release Episode - September is a crucial time for your practice, so for this week’s episode, Andy & Llewella explore the key things for you to remember at the start of this school year. Recorded for September 2022Join our Free...
09.01.2023
Exploring Cultural Capital in the EYFS: Interview with Nicky Turner
Summer Re-Release Episode - We’re joined by Nicky Turner the Early Years Lead for the Astrea Academy Trust. As part of our conversation, we explore what we mean by cultural capital in the early years.Read our Blog "All About Building on...
08.25.2023
Enhancement Overload?
Summer Re-Release Episode - This week, Andy and Llewella explore how too many weekly enhancements can be an unhelpful part of practice and consider what the alternatives are.Explore our webinar "Too Much Provision, Not Enough Teaching"Order a copy of our Guide...
08.18.2023
Slow Knowledge and the Unhurried Child: Interview with Alison Clark
Summer Re-Release Episode - This week, we talk to Alison Clark about her recent book Slow Knowledge and the Unhurried Child. As part of the conversation, Alison discusses the pressures within Early Childhood Education and makes the case for slow pedagogies when...
08.11.2023
Exploring Inspirational Learning Environments at the British School of Brussels
Summer Re-Release Episode - In this week’s podcast episode, Andy is joined by Esther O’Connor, the EYFS Leader at the British School of Brussels. Esther opens the doors to the inspirational EYFS learning environments at the school and describes how children’s...
08.04.2023
New to Teaching in the EYFS
Summer Re-Release Episode - Welcome to our podcast series for new EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) teachers! Starting a new teaching job is an exciting journey filled with endless possibilities, and we're here to help you navigate it successfully. In Part...
07.28.2023
The Classroom Environment: Setting Up Your New Classroom
Summer Re-Release Episode - Whether you’re setting up your new classroom for the first time, or changing your existing layout, it is vitally important to get it right. The actions you take and the decisions that you make at this...
07.21.2023
All Set? Getting Ready for the New School Year
Summer Re-Release Episode - With lots to get ready for the new school year, it can be difficult to know where to start. In this week’s bonus podcast episode, Andy and Llewella offer lots of advice and also discuss which...
07.14.2023
Getting Started with Woodwork
In this week’s episode, Andy is joined by Early Excellence colleague, Clare King, as we discuss the wonderful possibilities of woodwork in the EYFS. We explore how to introduce resources, teach key skills and get the most out of your...
07.07.2023
Using Stories to Support Children’s Emotional Wellbeing: Interview with Children’s Author, Allie Mary
Children’s author, Allie Mary, joins us for this week’s episode of the podcast. Allie has written a series of books with the aim of helping children to talk about their feelings and also issues which affect them.Find out more about...
06.30.2023
A Whole Team Approach to Developing Inspirational Practice
Alison Heale and Anne-Marie Jones from Ysgol Yr Hafod in Wrexham join us for this week’s podcast episode. They talk with passion about the school’s inspirational journey in developing rich, well-planned and meaningful learning experiences for their children.Read our blog...
06.23.2023
What Comes Next? Effective Transitions and Inspirational Key Stage One Practice
This week, we’re joined by Hannah and Ruth from Discovery Bay International School in Hong Kong. We discuss the team’s approach to building on effective Early Years practice as the children move into Key Stage One.Find out more about Discovery...
06.16.2023
Exploring Spaces of Fascination at Manor Wood Foundation Stage Unit
Jasmine Priestley and Lucy Gill, from Manor Wood Primary School in Leeds, join us for this week’s episode of the podcast. They share their child centred and creative ethos and introduce us to the spaces of fascination which have been...
06.09.2023
Prime Time?
Does your timetable reflect the vital importance of the prime areas of learning? This week, we’re joined by our own Matthew Sayer as we discuss the positive impact of giving children more time.Read our Blog on Nurturing Children’s Self Confidence...
05.26.2023
Sharing the School Development Journey: Interview with Lee Dunn
This week, we’re joined by Lee Dunn who is the Acting Head of School at Oldbury on Severn CofE VC Primary School in Gloucestershire. Lee shares the school’s journey of improvement and the positive impact on the whole school community.Transform...

What's Early Excellence Podcast about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Early Excellence Podcast episodes:

Nursery Transition - Getting it Right from the Start with Natalie Bignell

Effective Organisation Outdoors

The Impact of Continuous Provision in Key Stage 1

Mud, Glorious Mud! Exploring Muddy Play with Matthew Sayer

Effective Transition with Phil Armstrong

Continuous Provision Throughout the School! Interview with Gillian Jones and Jayne Richardson

Let’s Get Baking! Interview with Gillian Hewitt

Exploring Early Speech and Language Research with Catherine Laing

Building on Children’s Interests: A Project on Bees

Exploring International Education and Early Years Practice: Interview with Janette Quinn

A Focus on SEND in the EYFS

Exploring Researchful Practice: Interview with Dr. Frances Giampapa

Get Gardening & Growing! with Clare King

Getting Started with Continuous Provision in Key Stage One: Interview with Nova Robinson

Inspirational Learning Environments: A Tour of the EYFS at Whitefield Primary School

A Focus on The Characteristics of Effective Learning: Interview with Sayeh Mariner

Making Mixed-Age Classes Work: Interview with Rachel Yeung

Reflections of an Early Career Teacher: Interview with Sara Adams

Unleashing Creativity: Interview with The Herd Theatre

Redesigning EYFS Environments: Interview with Emma Hudson

The Early Excellence Roadshow: Interview with Sarah Carey

The Magic of Puppets: Interview with Nigel Plaskitt

Celebrating Outdoor Learning: Interview with Sarah Watkins

Going International! Interview with Jess Gosling

The Impact of Effective Room Planning: Interview with the Team at Willerby Carr Lane Primary School

Wonderfully Creative and Playful! A Visit to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park

Following an Inspiring Journey of Development: Interview with the team at Quinton Church Primary School, Birmingham

Exploring Early Literacy and Phonics Skills: Interview with Nicky Turner

Gaining an Outstanding Judgement in the EYFS: Interview with Hayley Coupe

Self-Regulation at the Heart of Effective Practice

A Loving Pedagogy with Tamsin Grimmer

Rethinking Dough Play

The Fantastic Possibilities of Sand Play

Exploring Creative, Child-Centred Approaches at Manor Wood Foundation Stage (Part 2)

Exploring the Key Principles of Effective Continuous Provision

Five Things to Remember in September

Exploring Cultural Capital in the EYFS: Interview with Nicky Turner

Enhancement Overload?

Slow Knowledge and the Unhurried Child: Interview with Alison Clark

Exploring Inspirational Learning Environments at the British School of Brussels

New to Teaching in the EYFS

The Classroom Environment: Setting Up Your New Classroom

All Set? Getting Ready for the New School Year

Getting Started with Woodwork

Using Stories to Support Children’s Emotional Wellbeing: Interview with Children’s Author, Allie Mary

A Whole Team Approach to Developing Inspirational Practice

What Comes Next? Effective Transitions and Inspirational Key Stage One Practice

Exploring Spaces of Fascination at Manor Wood Foundation Stage Unit

Prime Time?

Sharing the School Development Journey: Interview with Lee Dunn