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 accordingly. She also emphasizes the role of the learning environment in facilitating learning and the positive impact it has on children's development.

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 learning. 

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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 open-ended environments on young children.

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• Watch a trailer about the Replay project
• Find out more about the Replay project

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.

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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, learning environments, and the roadshow's focus on professional dialogue. 

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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 us all about his recent work on the children's show Monty and Co., which aims to teach children about differences and resolving conflicts in a gentle and humorous way. 

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• Explore our Books and Puppets Resource Collections

In our last episode before Christmas, we’re joined by Sarah Watkins as we celebrate the fantastic learning possibilities of the outdoors.

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• Read our Early Excellence Blog - The Fantastic Possibilities of Learning Outdoors in Cold, Wet and Windy Weather
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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.

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• Find out more about Jess' work on her website https://jessgoslingearlyyearsteacher.com/

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.

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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 park. In a wide ranging discussion, Emma and Kathryn discuss their roles in working with young children on the site and also the importance of creative and playful experiences. 

Interview was recorded in July 2023

• Find out more about Trap of the Truth, the Erwin Wurm exhibition at Yorkshire Sculpture Park
• Book a place on our Early Excellence Structures and Spaces training
• Listen to our podcast episode with Emma Bairstow as we take a close look at expressive art and design
• Explore YSP's School Staff CPD: Light, Sleep and Wellbeing Connection
• Discover YSP'd Teacher CPD: Patterns in Poetry with Poet Keisha Thompson