In this energising and thought-provoking episode, we explore what it really means to lead with intention in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). At a time when the role of early years leadership is becoming increasingly visible in both research and practice, we ask: what does great leadership actually look like through the lens of early childhood?

We consider the idea of the leader as connector - not just managing provision, but weaving together people, pedagogy and purpose. From shaping school-wide culture to nurturing the professional growth of early years teams, intentional leadership is more than a role - it's a responsibility rooted in relationships.

As the field of early childhood leadership research begins to expand, we're seeing just how essential this kind of thoughtful, responsive leadership is to high-quality provision. Whether you're a headteacher, EYFS lead or passionate classroom practitioner, this episode invites you to reflect, reconnect, and lead with clarity and care.

In This Episode, You’ll Discover:

• Why intentional leadership is a game-changer for early years settings and what it looks like in real life

• The vital role of leaders as connectors: linking children, teams, families and the wider school vision

• How early years leadership is emerging as a distinct and powerful field of research

• What research tells us about the link between early childhood leadership and whole-school outcomes

• Why leadership in early years must be shaped by a child development lens, not borrowed from other phases

• How to navigate the complexity of early childhood with confidence, flexibility and purpose

• What’s shaping and influencing the people leading our youngest learners and who’s leading them?

• The impact of targeted, intentional leadership on team growth, staff wellbeing and child outcomes

• How to move from managing to meaning-making: leading with vision, values and voice.

This episode is a reminder that in early childhood, leadership isn't about hierarchy - it’s about connection, influence and intention. And when we lead well, with the right mindset and methods, everyone in our setting thrives from the tiniest learners to the most experienced educators.

I’m Michelle Hague, founder of HEYD (Early Years School Improvement Specialists) and host of the Early Years Impact Podcast. Got thoughts, questions, or want to connect? Drop me a message: [email protected] or visit heyd.co.uk.

Dr Amie Fabry has multifaceted experience as an early childhood educator, academic, researcher, policy consultant and professional development facilitator. Her PhD research revealed the critical role early childhood leaders play in school settings to support educators to embed quality practices for children as they transition into and through the early years of school. As Director of Early Childhood at The Learning future, Amie uses a strengths-based approach to build the confidence, knowledge and skills of early childhood educators, teachers and leaders to create responsive and trusting cultures in which educators and children can thrive. She is the author of Lead with Intention, the first framework for leading the early years of school.

Linked In- Amie Fabry PhD

Instagram- amiefabry_earlyyears

Website thelearningfuture.com

In this inspiring episode, we explore what it really means to honour the natural rhythm of child development in early years. From the atmosphere of the classroom to the cadence of children’s days, we ask: what happens when we give ourselves permission to start trusting what we know about how children actually grow?

We reflect on the truth that underpins so much of quality early years and child development - that children don't develop on a fixed timetable. They don’t all crawl in March, walk in April, or read by July!

What we come back to, time and time again, is this: respecting the authenticity of child development, grounded in current science and research, is not just ideal - it's essential.

In This Episode, You’ll Discover:

• Your call to action: shift from delivering curriculums to creating the conditions where authentic development can unfold (fabulously flourishing children!)

• Why the rhythm of a child’s day matters more than rigid schedules and how to honour it in real classrooms

• What developmental science really tells us about learning timelines – hope you’re not expecting a straight line!

• How to tune into the feel of the classroom, give great value to 'noticing' and use simple tools for reflection and change

• Practical ways to resist a one-size-fits-all model and reclaim responsive, respectful, authentic early years practice: yes to being a Teacher, not a 'deliverer!'

…and why respecting real child development might be the most radical (and research-informed) thing you can do.

I'm Michelle Hague, founder of HEYD (Early Years School Improvement Specialists) and the Early Years Impact podcast. You can contact me directly: [email protected], or visit heyd.co.uk.

I know this episode will inspire you to know more and to connect further with Dr. Alistair Bryce-Clegg, EY consultant, author, trainer and a passionate advocate for play.

Check out Alistair's website - abcdoes.com head to ‘contact us’ and you will find social media links plus Alistair’s direct email address. What are you waiting for?

In this uplifting episode, we explore why music isn’t just a 'nice extra' in early years - it’s a neuroscientific powerhouse that builds the brain, boosts learning and supports development in ways no other activity can.

Joined by the brilliant Sue Newman from Boogie Mites, we dive into how music and movement light up young children’s brains, laying the groundwork for language, self-regulation, memory and even maths. You’ll hear how musical play isn't about perfection – but, what is it about? Press play to find out :)

This is your invitation to put music at the heart of your EYFS practice - not as a Friday treat, but as a daily, brain-building essential.

This episode will leave you dancing away with inspiration, backed by science and full of practical ideas.

In This Episode, You’ll Discover:

• How music shapes the developing brain – and why it’s so closely linked to language, memory, motor skills and executive function

• Why music is more than a 'creative area' – it’s a tool for self-regulation, belonging, emotional regulation and learning across the EYFS curriculum

• The power of rhythm, repetition and movement – how Boogie Mites programmes use neuroscience-backed techniques to strengthen neural pathways

• How music supports early literacy and phonological awareness – laying strong foundations for reading before formal instruction even begins

• Why music is calming for the brain – and how it helps co-regulation for both children and adults

• How to build musical confidence as a practitioner – even if you don’t see yourself as ‘musical’

• Practical ways to embed music across your day, including whether to play background music as children play – or not.

And that’s just an overview!

I’m Michelle Hague, founder of HEYD (Early Years School Improvement Specialists) and host of the Early Years Impact podcast.

I’m Michelle Hague, founder of HEYD (Early Years School Improvement Specialists) and host of the Early Years Impact podcast.

You can contact me directly: [email protected]

Visit heyd.co.uk for more on our early years school improvement consultancy offers

Sponsored by outdoor.classrooms and their SENDCO Nature Initiative, which is proudly supported by HEYD.

I know this episode will inspire you to connect more with Sue Newman, who you can also find at boogiemites.co.uk:

After a giving up a business career to look after my children, Sue returned to my childhood love of music and set up Boogie Mites as co-founder with Harriet Thomas in 2007. She is delighted to spend every day leading our passionate team of teachers at Boogie Mites as we share the joy and learning power of music every day. Our mission is to equip early educators and parents with the knowledge, confidence and resources to make active, creative music making part of each and every day.

Sue still does some teaching, she presents at conferences, write articles, manages business strategy planning, programme compilation, training provision, local authority contracts, team and customer relationships. She has many partners/ collaborators, including Neuromuscial Educator Dr Anita Collins, Dr Kathryn Murray and children’s author Michael Rosen.

We have a vision of making a real difference to early years education globally through the power of music, starting children on a lifelong love of music, language and literacy, with all the associated wellness and cognitive benefits, wellbeing and health benefits.

In this insightful episode, we unpack what it really means to lay the foundations for maths in the early years - not through worksheets or rushed number goals, but by building deep, confident mathematical thinking through language, connection and play.

Joined by Twinkl’s National Primary Maths Lead Jon Cripwell, we explore the marvel of maths, from the importance of using precise vocabulary, to the role of the adult as the ultimate connector between children and mathematical ideas: this conversation reframes early maths as something every child can access and enjoy - with the right foundations in place.

We also explore the hotly debated question: should your classroom have a designated maths area? Spoiler alert - it depends on how you use it.

This is your invitation to reimagine maths in Reception - not as a checklist of objectives, but as a living, breathing part of everyday learning. Parents included!

This episode will leave you thinking differently about what early maths is, how we talk about it, and the kind of experiences that truly prepare children for lifelong success.

In This Episode, You’ll Discover:

• Why maths in Reception is one of the biggest predictors of later success – and what that tells us about where to focus our time and energy

• The case for being fussy about maths vocabulary – how precise language builds real understanding

• How Reception teachers (and families) are the ultimate connectors – why the magic isn’t in the resources, but in the way you bring maths to life through conversation and curiosity

• Whether a maths area is worth it – what a truly purposeful maths space looks like, and why maths needs to be visible across the whole provision

• What ‘early maths’ really looks like – including how routines rock.

…and that’s just the start!

I’m Michelle Hague, founder of HEYD (Early Years School Improvement Specialists) and host of the Early Years Impact podcast. FREE resources to re-connect children with nature are being launched by outdoor.classrooms on Insta - be sure to connect with Richard and the team to be in the first round of giveaways.

You can contact me directly: [email protected]

Visit heyd.co.uk for more info on our early years school improvement offers, including on-site visits, coaching and training.

Sponsored by outdoor.classrooms and their SENDCO Nature Initiative, which is proudly supported by HEYD.

Whether you’re new to Reception or deep in your early years journey, this episode will empower you to see maths not as a subject, but as a way of seeing the world and as something every child deserves to feel confident in.

I know this episode will inspire you to connect more with Jon Cripwell, Twinkl’s Maths Lead , [email protected], who you can also find at:

LinkedIn: Jon Cripwell

Instagram: @joncripwellmaths

And as the Host of The Primary Maths Podcast (YouTube and all major podcast platforms).

In this eye-opening episode, we dive into what it really means to support attention and focus in the early years, not by demanding silence or stillness, but by understanding the science behind how young children’s brains actually work.

Joined by leading neuroscientist Professor Sam Wass, we explore key ideas from his brilliant book Take Action on Distraction. Together, we unpack what’s really going on when children ‘lose focus,’ how stress (yours and theirs!) plays a surprising role, and how we can move away from blame and into strategies that build regulation, connection and resilience for both children and adults.

This is your invitation to step into your role with awareness, empathy and intention, not as someone who manages behaviour, but as someone who shapes the conditions for deep, joyful, sustained engagement.

This conversation will leave you feeling informed, empowered, and ready to take action on distraction.

In This Episode, You’ll Discover:

• Your call to action: shift from managing distraction to creating the conditions where deep focus and joyful learning can thrive
• How attention actually works and how to strengthen it in everyday practice
• Whether we can truly ‘train’ children to concentrate (the answer might surprise you!)
• The role of stress, co-regulation, and adult presence in supporting attention
• Why predictability, rhythm and routines are essential – and what really matters most
• How to ‘notice more and intervene less’ to grow autonomy and resilience
• What research really says about screen time, overstimulation and attention overload

…and that’s just the start!

I'm Michelle Hague, founder of HEYD (Early Years School Improvement Specialists) and the Early Years Impact podcast. You can contact me directly: [email protected], or visit heyd.co.uk where you will find more details about our coaching offer plus our sponsors KCS.co.uk.

I know this episode will inspire you to know more and to connect further with Prof. Sam Wass, Director, Institute for the Science of Early Years.

Web: www.profsamwass.com / www.isey.org/ www.nestkids.co.uk / www.mee.dev

Instagram @profsamwass/@isey_uel

Twitter: @profsamwass/@ISEY_uel

Bluesky: @profsamwass.bsky.social

LinkedIn - personal: www.linkedin.com/in/sam-wass-987513202/;

ISEY: https://www.linkedin.com/company/107254666/

NEW BOOK: Take Action on Distraction - The definitive guide to improving attention and focus in the Early Years and Key Stage

In this liberating episode, we dive into what it really means to cultivate creativity in the early years – not just for children, but for the adults who lead them. We explore powerful ideas from Bill Lucas’ research and Collaborative Projects with Early Years Wales discussing and deepening understanding about how to move beyond ‘arts and crafts’ to foster creative thinking, problem-solving, curiosity and confidence in every corner of your setting, together with tools to help you enable, grow and embrace creativity. If you love to measure, there are analytical tools discussed too!

This is your invitation to step into your role creatively - someone who doesn’t just deliver a curriculum, but brings it to life with gusto! Whether you’re a teacher, a TA, a childminder, or a school leader, this episode is here to fire up your imagination and remind you: creativity is not a luxury - it’s a necessity.

In This Episode, You’ll Discover:

• What it really means to be creative (hint: it’s not about being good at drawing)

• The five Creative Habits of Mind: spot the one missing from this list – imaginative, disciplined, collaborative, persistent and…

• How creativity links directly to resilience, independence, and innovation

• How to create an environment where everyone, including adults, feels safe to experiment

• Why leaders must model risk-taking, playfulness, and curiosity – don’t pop the bubble of creativity!

• Simple ways to make creativity visible in your planning, language, and classroom culture

Why creativity is the engine of lifelong learning and how to fuel it for all!

I'm Michelle Hague, founder of HEYD and the Early Years Impact podcast. You can contact me directly: [email protected], or visit heyd.co.uk where you will find more details about our coaching offer plus our sponsors KCS.co.uk.

My guest today, David Goodger is the Chief Executive Officer for Early Years Wales and an absolute advocate for creativity in education. His active voice on LinkedIn champions early years, leading with vision and intention. During the podcast, David makes reference to many creative, educational links you will want to explore further, including:

Early Years Wales: Creative Learning

Early Years Wales: Creative Learning Project

Sir Ken Robinson: Do Schools Kill Creativity?

Professor Bill Lucas: Biography, Research and More

Creative Thinking in Schools: A Leadership Playbook – Bill Lucas

Professor Alison Clark – Slow Pedagogy

Anna Ephgrave – Planning in the Moment

Connect with David Goodger on LinkedIn to continue to be inspired!

In this essential episode, we dive headfirst into what it really means to get the start of school right - and spoiler alert: it’s not about zone boards, rain clouds or storms!

Instead, we celebrate the power of relationships, routines and respect as the cornerstones of a successful school transition. Together, we explore how schools can shift from behaviour management systems to relationship-led cultures that uplift, connect and truly support every child from day one.

This episode is a rallying cry to banish the behaviour zones, say goodbye to gold stars, and embrace something far more powerful: connection. We unpack how thoughtful transitions and emotionally rich environments lay the foundation for a joyful, safe and thriving start to the school year - for children and the adults around them.

Expect big ideas, gentle challenges and lots of insightful moments about what schools feel like when relationships lead the way.

In This Episode, You’ll Discover:

• Value in predictability: a stable start for a stunning start

• How to create emotional safety from the very first moment of the school day

• What routines really offer children beyond structure - think safety, identity and calm: sorry zone boards – you’re out!

• Why consistency is kinder than control

• The hidden power of welcome rituals, connection check-ins and joyful hellos

• How to support children and staff through transitions with warmth and humanity

• Why a relationship-led culture is the ultimate behaviour support system

• All aboard from the start! Parents, families, community – it really does take a village to raise a child.

Whether you’re a classroom teacher, school leader, support staff or just someone who believes children deserve more than token praise and traffic lights, this episode will leave you inspired to reframe school transitions – with heart, humanity and a whole lot of hope.

I'm Michelle Hague, founder of HEYD and the Early Years Impact podcast. You can contact me directly: [email protected], or visit heyd.co.uk where you will find more details about our coaching offer plus our sponsors KCS.co.uk.

My guest today, Michelle Windridge, Twinkl’s National Education Lead for School EYFS Settings and TES Columnist. Having written many pieces on school transitions and starting school, Michelle brings schools to life through the warm of positive relationships and routines that rock!

I know you will want to connect with Michelle Windridge after this episode as she is inspirational!

Website: MrsPrimary_EYFS

Instagram: @mrsprimary_eyfs

Facebook: @mrs.primary.eyfs

Linkedin: Michelle Windridge

The power of loose parts comes alive in this episode! In this energising episode, Greg Bottrill and I journey deep into the playful world of loose parts play, but with a twist!

We explore how re-branding, jackets of joy and football socks can transform learning  - turning a "carpet area" into a Carpet Kingdom and the ordinary water tray into a land of possibilities with underwater unicorns! 

With inspiration from Simon Nicholson’s Loose Parts Theory, we unpack how everyday objects can build more than just imagination - they build open-ended, limitless creativity, emotional connection, and joyful learning. As for the role of the adult…step  inside this episode and see where it takes you! 

From bags of joy to sand-filled socks and storytelling spaces, this episode will leave you smiling, inspired, and ready to rebrand your entire learning environment into a world of wonder.

In This Episode, You’ll Discover:

• Why the adult’s inner child is the true guide to magical play
• How to transform environments with imagination and language
• The power of rebranding: from “carpet space” to Carpet Kingdom
• How loose parts spark creativity, storytelling, physical development and more!
• Why sand-filled socks can support upper body strength in young children
• How to use the metaphorical “bag of joy” to enrich your setting
• Plus unlock a deeper understanding of Simon Nicholson’s Loose Parts Theory

Whether you're a parent curious about how to embrace loose parts, or a professional wanting to unleash the joy of play in your classroom, this episode offers grounded insights you will want to know about and act upon.

I'm Michelle Hague, founder of HEYD and the Early Years Impact podcast. You can contact me directly: [email protected], or visit heyd.co.uk where you will find more details about our coaching offer plus our sponsors KCS.co.uk.

My guest today, Greg is the author of the bestselling ’Can I Go And Play Now?’, ‘School of the Magic of Children’ and ‘Love Letters To Play’. A passionate advocate of childhood and education done with children not to them, he is also the creator of Drawing Club, The Message Centre, Play Projects and Adventure Island. His work and thinking is deeply embedded in joy, adventure, marvel and play, four things that he believes are equally as important for adults.

 I know you will want to connect with Greg after this episode as he is inspirational!

Website: www.canigoandplaynow.com

Instagram: canigoandplaynow

Facebook: Can I Go And Play Now

What is metacognition? And what does metacognition look like in Early Years?. Why does it matter more than we realise? And how can YOU help metacognitive thinking as a parent or professional?

In this episode, we explore the powerful, often invisible force that shapes how children learn, solve problems and build a sense of self: metacognition.

We dive into:

• Unlocking Metacognition – What it really is and how we can build a shared understanding for parents and professionals

• Flip the Script! – Discover what happens when we invite feedback from the children themselves. Top tips included!

• Modelling magnified – Fuel metacognitive growth through everyday modelling, storytelling and playful curiosity

• Ask Smarter Questions – Going beyond “why” with powerful, evaluative prompts that deepen thinking

• Tiny Thinkers, Big Strategies – Be fascinated by how even the youngest children plan, reflect and problem-solve, long before they can explain it

• Make It Stick – Easy, practical ways to nurture metacognitive skills at home and in the classroom, starting today!

Whether you're a parent, teacher, or professional supporting young children, this episode will give you a fresh lens on what’s happening under the surface and practical ideas to help children grow into reflective, empowered thinkers.

I’m Michelle Hague, Founder of HEYD and the Early Years Impact podcast. You can contact me directly or visit heyd.co.uk where you will find more details of our coaching offer and our sponsor kcs.co.uk As Early Years School Specialists we offer a diverse range of face-to-face and online opportunities, unleashing the power of your early years – together.

If you have found Nathan Burns fascinating, simply search Mr Metacognition and you’ll see his range of books, metacognition training and more on his fabulous website: mrmetacognition.com

Thank you for listening. Please do remember to follow, subscribe and connect with me, Michelle Hague, on Linkedin or HEYD.co.uk

Why is crunching an apple, processing sound, nose breathing and being barefoot so important? Is it true that sitting upright helps your ears to drain better? By slowing down are we really speeding up? And why does motor-sensory integration really matter?

In this episode, we dive into the often overlooked foundations of human development – from slurred speech and sound therapy through to primitive reflexes and holding a sharp visual focus.

Join us for a lively, insightful conversation where we explore:

• The central role of sound processing (yes – it’s different to hearing!)
• How motor skills aren’t just physical milestones: they shape learning and emotional regulation
• The link between visual processing and cognitive function
• How do our eyes and ears calibrate to our brains: brain and body working together
• Why nose breathing is critical and what to do if you’re a mouth-breather
• Pattern and concepts in context: flexible higher level thinking.
• Practical strategies for parents, educators and professionals to identify and address developmental gaps - and support whole-child growth

Whether you're a parent curious about what’s going on under the surface or a professional supporting children’s learning and well-being, this episode offers grounded insights you will want to know about and act upon.

I'm Michelle Hague, founder of HEYD and the Early Years Impact podcast. You can contact me directly: [email protected], or visit heyd.co.uk where you will find more details about our coaching offer plus our sponsors KCS.co.uk.

If you have found Charlotte fascinating, please do connect further: www.fit-2-learn.com email: [email protected] or view Charlotte's many YouTube Videos.