Early Excellence Podcast

Gemma Wales and Sarah Gaughan from Patana School in Bangkok join us for this week’s episode. We discuss how their early years practice has been inspired by Anji Play and discuss key aspects such as the theory, resources, the practice and the impact on the young learners.

Episode Links

• Discover our support for International Schools and Settings
• Explore more on Anji Play

What does child-centred creative practice really look like in the early years?

Re-release: Originally aired on 9 May 2025

In this episode, Gemma Shadid joins us to explore the power of child-centred creative practice in the EYFS. We discuss the Reggio Emilia approach, the role of quality materials in art, and how sensory experiences and cultural diversity shape children's learning and identity.

Episode Links

• Transform your Learning Environment with our Room Planning Service.
• Shop our Range of Sensory Resources
• Explore the EYFS Framework and its Guidance for Early Years Practice.

Speech Therapist and online educator Joanne Jones joins us on the podcast this week. We discuss positive approaches to supporting speech, language and communication skills in young children.

Episode Links

• Explore language-rich environment resources on the Inspiration Hub App
• Develop your understanding of language and communication with Let's Get Talking in the EYFS
• Read the Blog Navigating the Sea of Talk – why language-rich environments go beyond labels and key words
• Invest in The EExREC Assessment Suite

Listen in as we’re joined by Jess Watson and Claire Curtis from the Charnwood Nursery and Preschool Group and discuss all things forest schools. We explore the development of their forest school site, the wonderfully rich experiences provided and the impact on their children.

Episode Links

• Find out more about the forest school on their instagram pages @_beyondtheforest @charnwood_nursery_preschool
• Discover our new range of outdoor resources
• Invest in The EExREC Assessment Suite

What does a transformative learning environment actually look like when a room plan really comes together?

Re-release: Originally aired on 16 May 2025

In this episode, we chat with Rachel Stephenson and Sue Lonsdale from Holme Valley Primary School in Scunthorpe. They share their experience of developing inspirational learning environments and reflect on the impact this had during their recent Ofsted inspection.

Episode Links

• Find out more about our Room Planning Service
• Explore our Free Room Planning Webinar
• Shop our Complete Classroom Solutions

This week, we’re joined by Rachel Shearer and Martin Cumming as we discuss a citywide initiative in York aimed at closing the communication and language gap in young children.

Episode Links

• Explore the Early Talk for York Initiative
• Read about Developing Language in the Early Years
• Discover our Communication and Language CPD

What does truly high-quality education for two year olds actually look like in practice?

Re-release: Originally aired on 5 Sep 2025

In this episode, Andy Burt speaks with Gemma Stanton and Kate Kelly from Dulwich College Shanghai about their experiences and insights into two-year-old practice in early years education. They discuss the challenges of establishing a nurturing environment for toddlers, the importance of understanding child development, and the role of parents in the learning process. The conversation also explores the significance of creating a child-centred space and the impact of schematic play.

Episode Links

• Explore our Dedicated 2-4yrs Page
• Discover Expert-Curated Resources for 2-3yrs

What does creating an inspiring outdoor space actually look like in early years settings?

Re-release: Originally aired on 16 Jan 2026

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

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

Dr Gai Lindsay joins us this week on the podcast as we explore the rich learning opportunities provided by visual art experiences. We discuss the wonderful nature of creative experiences for young children and offer practical guidance for teachers and practitioners.

Episode Links

• Explore Dr Gai Lindsay’s website
• Order a copy of her book on Amazon
• Discover Early Excellence resources to facilitate creativity

In this episode, Jonathan Tremewan and Jess Denning from the BBC Bitesize team join us as we explore their recent projects and resources to inspire young learners.

Episode Links

1. Explore BBC Bitesize
2. Discover Early Excellences Free Learning Resources