Re-release: Originally aired on 26 Jan 2024

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 interactions. Emma also shares the school's approach to peer coaching and the ongoing process of skill progression within each area of provision.

Episode Links

• Discover our Room Planning Service
• Explore our Free Audit for your Indoor Areas
• Watch the Free Planning your Environment Webinar

Andy Burt and Sarah Carey explore the challenges of assessment in early years education, highlighting the importance of child development and effective practices. Sarah introduces EExREC, a new tool designed to support educators and improve understanding of young children’s needs.

Episode Links

• Explore the EExREC Baseline Assessment Tool

Re-release: Originally aired on 11 Nov 2022

In this episode, we talk to Trisha Lee all about the importance of nurturing and celebrating children’s storytelling. Trisha tells us all about her work in schools and also about her new book, The Growth of a Storyteller, which explores the practice of using helicopter stories to value, nurture and inspire young learners.

Episode Links

• Order your copy of The Growth of a Storyteller
• Explore our Themed Role Play Resources

This week we chat with Rachel Stephenson and Sue Lonsdale from Holme Valley Primary School in Scunthorpe. We discuss their recent Ofsted inspection and the development of their inspirational learning environments.

Episode Links

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

Gemma Shadid joins us this week 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 NEW Range of Sensory Resources
• Explore the EYFS Framework and its Guidance for Early Years Practice.

Re-release: Originally aired on 6 May 2022.

This week, Andy interviews Kerry Murphy, Early Years Lecturer and Consultant, about her new book A Guide to SEND in the Early Years. Andy and Kerry discuss and reflect on EYFS practice, how best to support children with SEND and also challenge some common misconceptions.

Episode Links

• Order Kerry’s book: A Guide to SEND in the Early Years
• Explore our dedicated page all about SEND in the Early Years
• Shop our Sensory Learning Resource Collections

Georgina Durrant shares her journey from teacher to SEN advocate, stressing the need for better training, play in learning, and strong parent-teacher collaboration. She discusses supporting speech and language needs, highlighting communication, sensory experiences, and understanding behaviour as communication.

Episode Links

• Explore our dedicated SEND page with Training, Resources and Guidance
• Discover Georgina's SEN Blog page
• Shop Georgina's SEND Books

Re-release: Originally aired on 5 May 2023.

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 working with young children.

Episode Links

• Watch the low Pedagogy-Making Time for Children’s Learning and Development Video Clip
• Order a copy of Slow Knowledge and the Unhurried Child
• Book your Place on Early Excellence Training
• Visit the Early Excellence Studio

Alison Wain from the National Gallery explores the role of creativity in children’s learning, how young learner engage with art differently than adults, and the gallery’s efforts to make art education accessible. She also shares details about the new family learning centre and the gallery’s 200th anniversary celebrations, including free programs for children and families.

Episode Links

• Explore the National Gallery’s exhibitions, events, and educational programs
• Learn more about the National Gallery’s 200th anniversary celebrations
• Find art resources and guidance from Early Excellence

Re-release: Originally aired on 3 Nov 2023.

Nikki Turner, from the Astrea Multi-Academy Trust, joins us to discuss early literacy, emphasizing storytelling, music, and physical development as key to learning. The discussion highlights the importance of rich language exposure and a holistic teaching approach.

Episode Links

• Book your Place on Early Excellence Training
• Visit the Early Excellence Studio
• Listen to our Podcast Episode on Brilliant Books and Poems to Inspire Young Writers