Explore what really matters in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) - from those first days in Reception to supporting children as they transition into Year One.

What does school readiness actually mean? Should children be ready for school - or should schools be ready for children

Drawing on classroom experience and leadership insight, the panel discusses:

• What school readiness really means (and common misconceptions)
• Why play is essential for learning - not just a “nice extra”
• The importance of oracy and language-rich environments
• Supporting children’s transition from Reception into Year One
• Practical advice for EYFS teachers and school leaders

Featuring:

• Sophie Pickles – Education Consultant and Early Years specialist
• George Simmonds – Cluster Lead, Kapow Primary
• Yvette Zinger-Gothelf – Content Creator, Kapow Primary

🎧 Primary Focus is a podcast for primary teachers and school leaders. New episodes released fortnightly!

Never miss an episode — subscribe:

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Content in this video:

00.00 - 2.25 Introduction and big question

2.25 - 5.24 The challenges of Reception

5.24 - 8.16 What is school readiness?

8.16 - 14.58 Transitioning from EYFS to Year One

14.48 - 17.46 Creating a welcome and inclusive EYFS classroom

17.46 - 22.03 Advice for new EYFS teachers and educators

21.39 - 23.12 What is key to giving children the best start?

Conversations about diversity in primary education can feel daunting - especially when teachers want to do the right thing but aren’t sure where to start.

In this episode of Primary Focus, we explore one big question:
What does diversity, equity and inclusion look like in primary schools?

Drawing on classroom experience and specialist expertise, the conversation focuses on taking the fear out of DEI and grounding it in everyday practice. You’ll hear practical ideas for embedding inclusive approaches across the curriculum, handling sensitive conversations, and reflecting the communities children belong to - and those they don’t yet see.

Featuring:

• Khatija Shakir – Kapow Primary

• Rosa Legeno-Bell – Director, Diverse History UK

• Kaytie Holdstock – Primary Art Specialist, University of Worcester

🎧 Primary Focus is a podcast for primary teachers and school leaders. New episodes released fortnightly during term time.

📩 Never miss an episode - sign up to the Kapow Primary newsletter:https://kapowprimary.com/#:~:text=sign%20up%20to%20our%20newsletter

In this video:

00:00 – Introduction

01:28 – Why teachers can feel unsure about DEI

05:36 – What do diversity, equity and inclusion really mean?

08:05 – Practical ways to embed DEI across the curriculum

14:45 – Teaching DEI in less diverse school communities

18:16 – Moving beyond DEI to anti-racism

20:24 – Handling sensitive or challenging conversations in the classroom

26:26 – Top tips for building confident, inclusive practice

29:19 – Decolonising the curriculum: what it looks like in practice

30:41 – Final reflections and key takeaways

AI is showing up more and more in schools - but many teachers are still unsure what it actually means for teaching and learning.

In this episode, we explore one big question: Where does AI belong in primary education?

The conversation looks at:

• why AI has become such a big topic in education
• the concerns and hesitations many teachers are feeling
• how AI is already being used in schools
• what pupils need to learn about AI and digital literacy
• realistic ways teachers can start exploring AI

The episode explores AI in education in the UK and what it means in practice for primary schools.

Featuring:

• Miles Berry (Professor of Computing Education, University of Roehampton)
• Sophia Elhamid (Computing Content Creator, Kapow Primary)
• Adam Sumner (Curriculum Designer, Kapow Primary)

Have your say! How is your school using AI?

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⁠X/Twitter⁠

⁠Instagram⁠

⁠LinkedIn⁠

🎧 Primary Focus is a podcast for primary teachers and school leaders. New episodes released fortnightly.

Never miss an episode - subscribe:🔔 Join the Kapow Primary newsletter for updates, tips and resourceshttps://kapowprimary.com/#:~:text=sign%20up%20to%20our%20newsletter

Content in this video -

00:00 - Introduction

01:26 - Why is AI a huge discussion point

03:36 - Three dimensions of AI in schools

05:47 - The problem of hallucination and critical thinking

10:24 - Teacher concerns and professional development

13:02 - Practical strategies for getting started with AI

16:00 - Accountability, safety and AI in the classroom

17:50 - AI education for children

26:35 - Progression and embedding AI across the curriculum

30:15 - Getting started with AI

32.22 - Final thoughts and key takeaways

Oracy is more than speaking - it’s about helping pupils communicate with clarity, confidence and purpose. In this episode, our panel unpack what oracy really means, why it matters, and how teachers can build oracy into everyday classroom practice.

Meet the panel:

• Neil Mercer - Director, Oracy Cambridge
• Caroline Hall - Head of Curriculum Design, Kapow Primary
• Marie Thornby - Pedagogy Lead, Kapow Primary

Have your say! How does your school teach oracy?

Facebook

X/Twitter

Instagram

LinkedIn

Explore more:

📘 Neil's new book: Oracy

🎓 New course from Oracy Cambridge: Implementing Oracy 2026

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