This week, we’re joined by Leanne Foster as we discuss her experience of a pilot Ofsted inspection at her school. We discuss the focus on the EYFS and the conversations that Leanne and her team had with the inspectors as part of the process.

Episode Links

1. Explore more from Ofsted at our Senior Leader Briefing
2. Stay up to date with our Early Years Update Blogs

In this week’s episode we meet with Charlotte Knight- Benjafield and Rob Spillane from Wellington College in Shanghai. We discuss their bilingual and immersive curriculum and how they use project based learning to fully embed effective learning characteristics.

Episode Links

1. Discover our support for International Schools and Settings
2. Explore more about Wellington College

In this episode, we explore the key features of effective practice outdoors with the inspirational Kathryn Solly. As part of the conversation, we discuss the importance of creating a positive culture towards outdoor learning and explore a broad range of rich outdoor experiences.

Episode Links

1. Discover our brand new Outdoor Range
2. Watch the Outdoor Range launch video
3. Explore the Outdoor Roadshow
4. Order Kathryn's Book "Leading Learning Outdoors from Birth to Seven"

In this episode, Lana Webster shares her experience of Forest School and outdoor learning, exploring how child-led experiences in nature support wellbeing, skill development, and meaningful learning. Lana reflects on creating safe, magical outdoor environments, working with families, and the positive impact outdoor provision has on both children and staff.

Episode Links

1. Discover our brand new Outdoor Range
2. Watch the Outdoor Range launch video
3. Explore the Outdoor Roadshow
4. Learn more about Lana’s Forest School approach

In this week’s episode, we’re joined by children’s Nurse and potty training expert Rebecca Mottram. Rebecca discusses the different stages of the potty training process and offers key advice for Teachers, Practitioners and parents.

Episode Links

1. Explore Rebecca's Website to Find Out More
2. Download the FREE Supporting Children’s Toileting Needs in Early Years Settings Guidance for Preschools and Nurseries guide
3. Order Rebecca's book "Positively Potty" from Bloomsbury

Ruth Lue-Quee joins us this week to discuss her campaign to make play and continuous provision statutory in England’s Key Stage One Curriculum. As part of the conversation, we explore how learning through play is vital for young children’s learning beyond the EYFS.

Episode Links

• Find out More and Sign the Petition To Make Play and Continuous Provision statutory in England's Key Stage 1 Curriculum
• Explore our Complete Provision Areas and Resources for KS1
• Invest in the Early Excellence Guide to Continuous Provision 5-7yrs

Discover how outdoor learning can transform teaching and inspire young minds.

In this episode, Sarah Seaman, also known as The Muddy Puddle Teacher, shares her journey from traditional classroom teaching to pioneering outdoor learning. With over 17 years of experience, Sarah discusses the benefits of nature-based education, offers practical tips for teachers, and introduces her new Key Stage 1 book published by Bloomsbury, inspiring schools across the UK and beyond.

Episode Links

• Explore Sarah’s book "The Muddy Puddle KS1 Teacher" from Bloomsbury
• Shop our Outdoor Learning Resources

Practical ways to enrich learning and meaningful talk through home corner role play in the early years.

Re-release: Originally aired on 1 Apr 2022

In this episode, Andy chats with Amanda Belbin from Bincombe Valley Primary School in Weymouth. Amanda shares how purposeful enhancements and high-quality interactions have made Home Corner Role Play a central part of their early years practice — inspiring creativity, communication, and confidence in young learners.

Episode Links

• Shop our Home Corner Role Play Resources
• Follow Bincombe Valley on X
• Read Amanda’s Home Corner Role Play Blog

In this engaging conversation, Karen Faux, the editor of Nursery World, discusses the magazine's significant role in early childhood education over the past 100 years. She reflects on the evolution of the publication, the societal changes it has witnessed, and the influential figures who have contributed to its content. The discussion also highlights the upcoming anniversary edition, which aims to celebrate the past while looking forward to the future of early childhood education.

Episode Links

• Explore Nursery World's Website
• Join the Early Excellence Inspiration Hub App

Practical ways to recognise and build on every child’s cultural capital in the EYFS.

Re-release: Originally aired on 3 Mar 2023

What does ‘cultural capital’ really mean in the early years? Nicky Turner from Astrea Multi-Academy Trust joins us to discuss how educators can celebrate children’s experiences, backgrounds, and interests — and use them to shape meaningful learning every day.

Episode Links

• Read our Blog "All About Building on Children’s Interests"
• Access Training on How to Explore and Develop Children’s Interests
• Explore Continuous Provision Inside Out and make the most of your provision.