Ready to try baby massage at home? In this hands-on episode, Alice and internationally respected expert Peter Walker guide you through exactly how to begin, safely, confidently, and without overthinking it.

Peter shares everything parents need to know, including:• When to start baby massage• How much oil to use and the best types to choose• The ideal environment (and how to make it work in real life)• How to read your baby’s cues and know when they’re ready• Peter’s recommended rhythms, sequences, and touch techniques• How to use breath, pace, and gentle pressure to help your baby relax• Signs your child is enjoying the massage (and when they’ve had enough)• How massage can become part of your daily routine, from bath time to bedtime

Whether you’re a first-time parent, practitioner or simply curious, this episode is full of practical, reassuring advice from one of the most experienced baby-massage teachers in the world.

Baby massage isn’t just soothing, it’s science. In this episode, Alice is joined by world-leading expert Peter Walker, author and founder of Developmental Baby Massage, whose techniques are now taught by over 25,000 teachers worldwide. With more than 50 years of experience, Peter breaks down why gentle touch is one of the most powerful ways to support your child’s emotional and physical development.

Discover:• The science behind baby massage and how it supports the brain and nervous system• How touch helps with emotional regulation, motor development, and early bonding• Why Peter’s motto — “relax the belly, relax the baby” — is rooted in real physiology• How massage can support children after a traumatic birth• Long-term developmental benefits, from building key muscles to supporting tummy time• Answers to the top FAQs parents ask at Happy Days Nurseries

If you’re curious about the real, research-backed impact of baby massage, this episode is the perfect place to start.

To wrap up our childcare funding series, Alice and Karen answer your most frequently asked questions, from splitting hours between providers to self-employed eligibility and support for families on Universal Credit.

They also cover extra help like Tax-Free Childcare, Disability Access Funding, and Early Years Pupil Premium, because there’s often more support available than you might realise.

Ever wondered what your childcare funding actually covers and what it doesn’t? Alice and Karen unpack the details of how funding works in nurseries, including what’s included in your 15 or 30 free hours, and what parents may still pay for (like meals, nappies, or enrichment activities).

They also explain how the SHINE package at Happy Days makes things simpler for families, and how you can combine Tax-Free Childcare with funded hours.

Ready to apply for your childcare funding? In this step-by-step guide, Alice and Karen explain exactly how to apply for your funded childcare hours, where to go, and what deadlines you need to know. Find out how to get your 30 hours code, when to apply, and why reconfirming your details matters.

They also share tips on what to do if your circumstances change, plus key advice on grace periods and additional support.

Confused about who qualifies for childcare funding? You’re not alone! In this episode, Alice and Karen break down everything parents in England need to know about free childcare hours, from 9 months to school age. Learn the differences between 15 hours and 30 hours funding, what “working parent” eligibility means, and how nurseries can “stretch” your hours across the year.

Perfect for parents exploring early years education funding for the first time.

Teaching your baby or child to swim doesn’t require special equipment or a big pool, it begins with simple, playful steps you can take at home.

In this final episode of the Happy Days Nursery Podcast – Learn to Swim from Birth mini-series, Alice is joined by Jemma, Territory Manager at Water Babies, to share practical tips on how to teach babies and children to swim with confidence.

From bath-time splashes to those exciting first pool sessions, you’ll discover how to make water a safe, fun, and positive experience. Jemma explains essential safety techniques, strategies for nervous or hesitant children, and how songs, games, and play can build swimming skills. You’ll also find out what kit really matters and what you don’t need to buy.

Whether you’re introducing your child to swimming yourself or considering formal lessons, this episode gives you the tools, reassurance and know-how to start your swimming journey together.

🎧 Listen now and discover how to make swimming safe, fun, and confidence-building for your child!

Swimming is more than a life skill, it’s a powerful way to support your baby or child’s growth from day one.

In this episode of the Happy Days Nursery Podcast, Alice is joined by Jemma, Territory Manager at Water Babies, to uncover the wide-ranging benefits of learning to swim from birth. Discover how swimming can boost physical strength, coordination, brain development, emotional confidence, resilience and even sleep and mood regulation.

You’ll also hear how swimming strengthens parent-child bonding and creates an inclusive, supportive environment for children with additional needs.

Whether your child is a natural water baby or feels a little hesitant around water, this conversation will show you how swimming can help them thrive in ways you might not expect.

🎧 Tune in now and learn why early swimming is one of the best gifts you can give your child!

Water safety for babies and children goes far beyond swimming lessons, it’s about creating awareness and building lifesaving habits from the very beginning.

In this episode of the Happy Days Nursery Podcast, Alice is joined by Jemma, Territory Manager at Water Babies, to share expert advice on why teaching water safety from birth is so important.

From bath time routines and paddling pools to holidays at the beach and swimming pools, you’ll discover practical tips to help keep your baby or child safe around water. We’ll explore how to build confidence, prevent accidents, and encourage positive water experiences that last a lifetime.

Whether your child is splashing in the bath, starting toddler swim sessions, or simply playing near water, this episode offers water safety tips every parent needs to know.

🎧 Tune in now to learn how to protect your child and make water play safe and fun.

Men in Childcare: Breaking the Stereotypes

Why are there still so few men in childcare? And how can we challenge the outdated stereotypes that stand in the way?

In this episode of the Happy Days Nursery Podcast, Alice is joined by Jay, a Senior Nursery Manager at Happy Days and passionate advocate for diversity in early years. Together, they explore Jay’s personal journey into childcare, the myths men in the sector still face, and why children benefit from having both male and female role models.

From breaking stereotypes to celebrating the unique impact of male practitioners, this conversation is all about showing that passion, skill, and connection with children matter far more than gender.

If you’ve ever considered a career in early years, or simply want to understand why diversity in childcare makes such a difference, this episode is for you.