Get a Grip - Evidence-Based Conversations for Parents and Educators

In this interview, Professor Claire Hughes, a developmental psychologist at Cambridge University, talks to Dr Weston about her forthcoming book, The Psychology of Starting School. Learn more about school readiness, early friendships and what parents and teachers can do to impact positively on this period of transition.

Does it matter if your toddler plays games on the iPad? Should very young children be using digital devices at all? What impact does parents' screen use have on our young children? How much screen time is too much for babies and young children? Dr Andy Ribner joins us to bust some myths and focus on what the available research evidence really shows.

Discover the science behind the sticks as Dr Marie-Stephanie Cahart talks about her fascinating work which explores the amazing impact that learning to drum has on brain structures and behaviours, particularly for autistic young people.

In this must listen interview for any early years educators, Dr Gillian West chats to Dr Cassie Rhodes about a fantastic new oral language enrichment and intervention programme for children delivered the year before they enter formal education. NELI Preschool is designed around the principles of shared book reading and guided play, and aims to improve vocabulary, develop narrative skills, encourage active listening and build confidence in speaking. Find out about extremely promising results from a randomised control trial which assessed the programme's efficacy, learn more about the importance of language development for children's attainment and wellbeing, and get some top tips on supporting children optimally.

This inspiring conversation between Dr Weston and five time karate world champion, Professor Geoff Thompson, takes us from Geoff's childhood and sporting career, to his work at major sporting games. He explains his desire for every community and organisation to sign up to the Youth Charter, an organisation, founded by Geoff, which aims to provide sport, art, cultural and digital activity to all young people.

Our latest Researcher of the Month, Dr Julie Moote, chats to Dr Cassie Rhodes about her newly published paper, 'More is More: Exploring the Relationship Between Young People’s Experiences of School-Based Career Education, Information, Advice and Guidance at Age 14–16 and Wider Adult Outcomes at Age 21–22 in England'. Dr Moote's findings will be of great interest to any school wanting to understand more about the benefits of careers education and the best ways to embed great practice. The conversation ends with some fantastic tips for parents to use at home when talking about careers with children.

In this episode, Dr Meinou Simmons provides some tips for both parents and educators and answers some parent questions on children's mental health, focusing on the importance of sleep, connection and support networks.

Dr Kumar chats to Dr Cassie Rhodes about her recent recent research, which examined whether there are differences in the messages that preschool teachers send girls and boys about science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM). Listen for lots of tips on fostering scientific curiosity and interest for ALL young children.

Researcher of the Month, Dr Mariya Stoilova, joins Dr Cassie Rhodes to talk about the efficacy of parental control tools, why families use them and whether they achieve what they claim to. This interview is packed with practical tips and food for thought for parents with children of all ages.

Charles Fadel, founder and chairman of the Center for Curriculum Redesign, and global education thought leader, chats with Dr Weston about his new book: 'Education for the Age of AI: Why, What and How should students learn for the age of Artificial Intelligence?'. Charles talks us through the positive role that AI can play in education and the holistic changes that are needed in the system over the coming years.