Podcasts from the Foundation Stage Forum Limited

By The FSF Team

What's Podcasts from the Foundation Stage Forum Limited about?

The Foundation Stage Forum Limited, creators of 'Tapestry', the online learning journal, publish podcasts on a wide variety of hot topics within the areas of early years education and technology. Visit us at eyfs.info for more information and to join in our lively professional forum for teachers and everyone involved in early years.

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Podcasts from the Foundation Stage Forum Limited episodes:

06.13.2024
What does AI mean for teachers?
Ben and Jules chat with teacher, podcast host and bestselling author Lee Parkinson about how teachers can use AI to support them and their children, what are the benefits, what to look out for, and why we need to work...
05.30.2024
Extending our use of creativity to focus on children's well-being
Jules and Anya chat with Sonia Mainstone-Cotton about how we can extend our concepts of creativity to focus on children's well-being and understanding of themselves. They discuss how the language we use and the environments we develop in these creative...
05.16.2024
Supporting positive nutrition in the early years
Jack and Jules chat with Hannah Dolan, food development specialist, about the importance of early years nutrition, the role early years settings play, the many challenges for families, and tips to support parents and carers to encourage children to learn...
05.02.2024
The role of grandparents
Ben and Jules chat with Manny Joss Cambridge-Simmons about the role of grandparents in the lives of children. They discuss the importance of intergenerational learning, how to navigate relationships and share knowledge, and the love and joy that can be...
04.23.2024
Helping to make music accessible for all children with Musical Storyland
This week on the FSF Tapestry Podcast Jules chatted with producer Jen Redmond, trumpeter Sean Chandler, and BSL interpreter Lizzie Wharton, who have all been part of the CBeebies Musical Storyland series. They discussed the ideas behind the series and...
04.04.2024
The impact of animal assisted therapy for neurodivergent and disabled children
Jules and Anya talk to Lotte Skinner, chief operating officer of Corey’s Farm, a setting which offers animal assisted therapy to neurodivergent and disabled children. They discuss the incredible impact nature and animals (including Elliot the bearded dragon!) have on...
03.21.2024
Talking a closer look at how we build meaningful relationships with families
Stephen and Jules chat with advisory teacher and anti-racism trainer Jaziea Farag, taking a deep dive into the words and phrases we use when we’re talking about building relationships with families – what do they really mean, and what do...
03.07.2024
The importance of school libraries: creating a culture of reading
Jules chats with primary school librarian Rumena Aktar about what libraries bring to children’s reading experiences, creating inclusive spaces so children have ownership over their reading, and Rumena shares advice for schools to improve or set up their libraries.
02.22.2024
Hearing the voices of young Black authors
Ben and Jules chat with best-selling author and publisher Winsome Duncan about the work she does, including the Look Like Me Book Challenge enabling young Black authors to publish their writing. They discuss the writing and publication process, some of...
02.08.2024
There is no one way to be a family: building an LGBTQIA+ inclusive learning community
Ben and Jules chat with teacher and trainer Caprice Fox about talking with children about LGBTQIA+, the importance of belonging, and the language and resources to support you to create an inclusive learning community. Useful resources mentioned in this episode...
01.25.2024
The Power of Storytelling
Stephen chats with storyteller, author and playwright Richard O'Neill about his early memories of storytelling, growing up in a fully nomadic Romani Gypsy family, and why storytelling is such a powerful tool.
01.11.2024
Policies for Early Childhood: advice for the next government
Helen and Anya talk to Ben Cooper, Research Manager at Fabian Society, about the current state of the early years sector and what needs to change to ensure all children access the very best early education and care.
12.14.2023
Giving children a voice
Jules chats with teacher Varinder Kaur about the things children think about and the questions they ask; helping all children find their voice; and what educators need to be mindful of to make sure their classrooms are spaces where children...
11.30.2023
Finding flexibility in education and school – what is possible?
Ben and Jules chat with Sarah Sudea, founder of Finding the Flex, about flexischooling, what this can look like in a school, and what the benefits are for children, families and educators of learning in flexible ways. You can find Sarah's...
11.16.2023
Being and becoming – reflecting on the present and the future of Early Childhood Education and Care
Ben and Jules are joined by Beatrice Merrick, Chief Executive of Early Education, in a conversation to recognise the centenary year of the organisation. They discuss child-centred pedagogy, practice and policy in the sector now and in the future.
11.02.2023
Where to start your antiracism work
Jules talks with consultant and author Orlene Badu about racial literacy, what schools and individual educators need to consider, and how to start to make change happen.
10.19.2023
How can we support children to live in an ever-changing digital world?
Ben and Jules chatted with Hannah Clifford, founder of Seren Kids, which provides children and adults with digital skills and e-safety knowledge. Hannah shares ideas about how to talk with children about e-safety, how to teach children to have a...
10.09.2023
An Intersectional approach to cultivating wellbeing
Warda Farah, Professor Eunice Lumsden and Kate Moxley joined Stephen and Jules for a special edition of the Tapestry and Foundation Stage Forum podcast for Early Years Wellbeing Week. Their discussion centred on an intersectional approach to cultivating wellbeing. https://www.blackhistorymonth.org.uk/article/section/bhm-intros/celebrating-our-sisters-saluting-our-sisters-matriarchs-of-movements-wematter/ https://www.tapestry.info/a-beginners-guide-to-intersectionality.html https://www.tapestry.info/the-mandela-model-workbook-2.html https://www.tapestry.info/a-beginners-guide-to-educator-wellbeing-2.html
09.25.2023
Decolonising Baby Massage
Stephen chats with baby massage specialist and hypnobirthing instructor Josette Sticher about the many benefits associated with baby massage, and the importance of representation when it comes to massage for babies.
09.07.2023
A child-centered approach to PE
Ben and Jules chat with teacher and PE lead Omar Green about what to consider when developing your PE curriculum, building on the strengths of children and teachers, and getting children’s input.
08.01.2023
Telling the stories from the Early Years
Jules chats with Elly Roberts, Editor of Early Years Educator, about the importance of creating a community of practice, raising the status of the early years, and finding and telling the stories from the sector. (edited)
07.27.2023
Telling the stories from the Early Years
Jules chats with Elly Roberts, Editor of Early Years Educator, about the importance of creating a community of practice, raising the status of the early years, and finding and telling the stories from the sector.
07.13.2023
Who are we doing it for?
Stephen is joined by Jordan Tully who is the Head of Operations at Ashbourne Day Nurseries. They discuss current challenges facing the sector, as well as the influence of social media on educators. Jordan also explains how larger...
06.29.2023
The Black SEND Index
Stephen chats with Emma Pinnock and Marguerite Haye about a new resource that they have created which aims to promote a more diverse range of voices and improve representation in the SEND sector. You can find a link to the Black...
06.15.2023
A place to start for trauma informed practice
Anya and Jules talk with specialist educational psychologist Jemma Carter about what trauma informed practice can look like in settings and schools, how trauma informed adaptations to learning environments will benefit all children, and the opportunities we have as educators...
06.01.2023
Teaching a love of Maths from Early Years to Secondary
Ben and Jules chat with Maths and Robotics tutor Zan Nadeem about the importance of strong mathematical foundations in the early years and how they link to children’s learning and confidence in maths as they move through primary and secondary...
05.18.2023
Tools to support conversations and reflexive practice in your settings
Stephen and Jules chat with Dr Prospera Tedam who developed the Mandela Model, and Professor Eunice Lumsden who designed the Unique Childhoods Workbook. They discuss these tools and how they can be used to support connection and build trust, deepening...
05.04.2023
Teaching in a British International School
Anya and Ben are joined by Charlotte Rands, Head of Primary at the British International School of Stockholm. They discuss the joys and challenges of working in a British International School and tips on making the most of working abroad. If...
04.20.2023
Why we need to value early childhood and the educators within it
Helen talks to Claire Kenyon, owner of The Children's Garden in Norwich and co-founder of Early Years Equality. They discuss Claire's experiences working in the early years for over 20 years and how the sector needs respect and recognition, ditching...
03.23.2023
The role of a nanny
Stephen and Jules are joined by expert nanny Shada Lambert to discuss how nannies become part of the ‘parenting team’, supporting families to develop routines, and the importance of a knowledge of child development in a child-centred approach. If you enjoy...
03.09.2023
The importance of community-based centres
Jules chats with Suma Din about the support community-based centres offer families: from signposting them to services such as health or library and IT support, to involving parents/carers in their child’s learning and development, and providing new mothers with community...
02.23.2023
All about Metacognition
Jules chats with teacher, consultant and author, Anoara Mughal, about Metacognition. Anoara explains the connections between self-regulation, growth mindset and metacognition, the role motivation plays in learning, and why we need to explicitly teach metacognition. If you enjoy these podcasts...
02.09.2023
A Reading for Pleasure pedagogy
Jules and Jack are joined by Kiran Satti to talk about a whole school approach to reading for pleasure, the importance of educators reading aloud to children, social reading environments, and the role of fluency. If you enjoy these podcasts from...
01.26.2023
Neurodiversity affirming practice in Speech and Language Therapy
In this week's podcast, Stephen chats to Ruth Jones who is a Speech and Language Therapist based in Wiltshere. They discuss how Ruth's core practice has developed over time, how we can start addressing ableism in our schools and...
01.12.2023
The joy and challenges of becoming a parent
Jamel Carly Campbell chats with Ben about becoming a parent, and all that a child brings to the family. If you enjoy these podcasts from the Education Team at Tapestry, make sure to subscribe to be notified when we post new...
12.12.2022
Unpacking the new NPQEYL qualification
Helen and Jules chat with Gareth Conyard, Director of Education at the Teacher Development Trust. They discuss the new NPQEYL qualification, including how the course is delivered and funded, as well as the importance of high quality CPD in the...
11.24.2022
STEM in the early years
Jules chats with Natalie Bent and Denhue Harris about STEM in the early years. They discuss the importance of introducing STEM at an early age, how educators and families can nourish STEM in their little learners, and how much creativity...
11.10.2022
Reflecting on the SEND Green Paper
Helen and Stephen chat with Dame Christine Lenehan about her role as the Director of the Council for Disabled Children, the SEND Green Paper and the current challenges facing the SEND sector. If you enjoy these podcasts from the Education Team...
10.27.2022
The revised EYFS: one year on
Helen talks to HMIs Phil Minns and Wendy Ratcliff about the revised EYFS curriculum, observations, and monitoring children's progress. If you enjoy these podcasts from the Education Team at Tapestry, make sure to subscribe to be notified when we post new...
10.13.2022
Embedding a culture of wellbeing in the Early Years workplace
Stephen and Jules talk with consultant and author Kate Moxley about Mental Health in the Early Years workplace. Kate shares the origins of Early Years Wellbeing Week, and discusses the importance of mental health literacy, and what we can do...
09.29.2022
Supporting children and families who are English Learners
Anya and Jules chat with Ana Elisa Miranda, who shares her own experience of learning new languages, what educators can do to welcome children and families who are learning English, and how being bi/multilingual/literate enriches a child’s experience of the...
09.15.2022
A closer look at phonics and pre-phonics
Ben and Jules chat with early years and phonics specialist Emma Spiers about the important developmental steps that support children’s phonics, looking at the progression in the stories and songs you use with early years children, and making the most...
09.01.2022
Reflecting on the first year at school
Ben and Jules chat with Jannah Hayah, looking back at the first year of school for her son, Musa, who has Down Syndrome. Jannah shares how it felt during those early days last September watching Musa get on the school...
07.21.2022
Developmental play with babies and young children
Stephen and Jules chat with developmental play specialist Carly Budd about what early play looks like, the link between physical development and social and emotional development, and the importance of playfulness. If you enjoy these podcasts from the Education Team at...
07.07.2022
Writing stories for children
Jules chats with children’s author Maisie Chan about where she starts with a new story, the intergenerational relationships in her books Danny Chung Does Not Do Maths and Keep Dancing, Lizzie Chu, how stories can be a way into other...
06.23.2022
Reflecting on representation and language about disability
Ben and Jules chat with disability lifestyle blogger Gem Hubbard about her lived experience as a disabled person, the impact of representation and the power of the language used to talk about disability. If you enjoy these podcasts from the Education...
06.09.2022
Developing a loving pedagogy in early years settings
Jules is joined by Tamsin Grimmer to discuss love in early years practice. They chat about why we sometimes hold back from using the word ‘love’ in relation to our practice, and about noticing children’s ‘love languages’ and the importance...
05.26.2022
The importance of an oracy rich learning environment
Jules and Ben chat with education consultant Sejal Payne about oracy: its link with literacy, how it supports children’s learning across their development and curriculum, and what educators need to consider for children who are bi/multilingual. For further reading and resources...
05.12.2022
A look at the bigger picture for SEND
Jules and Stephen are joined by teacher, senior leader, and consultant Audrey Pantelis to talk about some of the challenges for children, families and educators living and learning with SEND, and putting the child at the centre of our practice. If...
04.28.2022
The Reflection Toolkit
This week Stephen chats to Ann Lowe, an EY Inclusion Officer at Doncaster Council. They discuss the new Reflection Toolkit they have worked on together and how they hope it will lead to more child-centred assessment of children with...

What's Podcasts from the Foundation Stage Forum Limited about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Podcasts from the Foundation Stage Forum Limited episodes:

What does AI mean for teachers?

Extending our use of creativity to focus on children's well-being

Supporting positive nutrition in the early years

The role of grandparents

Helping to make music accessible for all children with Musical Storyland

The impact of animal assisted therapy for neurodivergent and disabled children

Talking a closer look at how we build meaningful relationships with families

The importance of school libraries: creating a culture of reading

Hearing the voices of young Black authors

There is no one way to be a family: building an LGBTQIA+ inclusive learning community

The Power of Storytelling

Policies for Early Childhood: advice for the next government

Giving children a voice

Finding flexibility in education and school – what is possible?

Being and becoming – reflecting on the present and the future of Early Childhood Education and Care

Where to start your antiracism work

How can we support children to live in an ever-changing digital world?

An Intersectional approach to cultivating wellbeing

Decolonising Baby Massage

A child-centered approach to PE

Telling the stories from the Early Years

Telling the stories from the Early Years

Who are we doing it for?

The Black SEND Index

A place to start for trauma informed practice

Teaching a love of Maths from Early Years to Secondary

Tools to support conversations and reflexive practice in your settings

Teaching in a British International School

Why we need to value early childhood and the educators within it

The role of a nanny

The importance of community-based centres

All about Metacognition

A Reading for Pleasure pedagogy

Neurodiversity affirming practice in Speech and Language Therapy

The joy and challenges of becoming a parent

Unpacking the new NPQEYL qualification

STEM in the early years

Reflecting on the SEND Green Paper

The revised EYFS: one year on

Embedding a culture of wellbeing in the Early Years workplace

Supporting children and families who are English Learners

A closer look at phonics and pre-phonics

Reflecting on the first year at school

Developmental play with babies and young children

Writing stories for children

Reflecting on representation and language about disability

Developing a loving pedagogy in early years settings

The importance of an oracy rich learning environment

A look at the bigger picture for SEND

The Reflection Toolkit

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