Early Excellence Podcast

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.

Claire Underwood shares her journey in early years education, from teaching in affluent areas to leading outdoor learning at Hopping Hill School. She introduces Wonderwood, a nature-based space that inspires creativity and connection, and reflects on the importance of adult engagement, teacher wellbeing, and belonging in early education.

Episode Links

• Join the New Outdoor Roadshow at a Location Near You
• Explore our Complete Outdoor Learning Solutions

Re-release: Originally aired on 17 Feb 2023

This week, we’re joined on the podcast by Ben Kingston-Hughes. Ben is an author, trainer, keynote speaker and also the Managing Director of Inspired Children. Our conversation takes many twists and turns but focuses on the vital importance of early childhood.

Episode Links

• Join our "The Child in Mind" Conference
• Order a copy of Ben's Book
• Explore our Training & Events
• Listen to our interview with Prof. Sam Wass "The Secret Lives of Young Learners"

This week we talk to Jenny Nechvatal about her experience as a parent of children with autism. She shares key advice for effective practice when working with children with SEND.

Episode Links

• Discover SEND Training and Support to Guide You
• Explore the Innovative Disability Solutions Website
• Order Embracing Disability in Early Childhood on Amazon

Re-release: Originally aired on 18 Nov 2022

As one of the prime areas of learning, physical development underpins children’s overall learning and development. Yet how often do we consider children’s physical development in real depth? In this week’s episode, we talk with Helen Hawes about her support work in schools and how small changes to our practice can have a big impact for our children.

Episode Links

• Explore our CPD courses
• Explore our Outdoor Resource Collections
• Contact Helen to find out more about her work in schools. Helen is on Twitter @futuressporty. You’ll also find her on Facebook @sportyfuturesuk