Welcome back to another episode of our Safeguarding Shorts side series, where we unpack key safeguarding topics and explore their relevance in everyday practice.

In this episode, we’re focusing on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and Honour-Based Violence (HBV) - complex, sensitive forms of abuse that can affect children and young people across all communities. We explore what FGM and HBV are, why they are safeguarding issues, and the crucial role professionals play in recognising risk, responding appropriately, and supporting those affected.

We discuss key indicators and warning signs, common myths and misconceptions, and the legal and safeguarding frameworks that underpin practice in the UK. The episode also considers how these forms of abuse can intersect with culture, identity, gender and control, and why a trauma-informed, culturally sensitive approach is essential, without losing sight of the child’s right to safety.

Throughout the conversation, we share practical guidance on how practitioners can create safe spaces for disclosure, ask difficult questions with confidence, and work effectively with other agencies when concerns arise. We also highlight the importance of professional curiosity, clear recording, and understanding when and how to escalate concerns.

Join us as we break down this challenging topic with clarity and care, drawing on national safeguarding guidance and real-world practice to help you feel more confident in identifying, responding to and preventing harm related to FGM and Honour-Based Violence.

Supporting Links:
Showcase Monthly Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠https://mailchi.mp/showcasetraining/subscribe-to-showcase-training⁠⁠⁠
Showcase Safeguarding Newsfeed: ⁠⁠⁠https://showcasetraining.co.uk/safeguarding/⁠⁠⁠
NSPCC CASPAR Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/newsletter/caspar⁠⁠⁠
Hampshire Safeguarding Children Partnership Webinars: ⁠⁠⁠https://hampshirescp.event-booking.org.uk/⁠⁠⁠

Showcase Training are an Early Years-specialist training provider based on the south coast of the UK. Meet our hosts, Gemma and Ellen!⁠⁠⁠https://showcasetraining.co.uk/2025/01/09/podcast-meet-the-hosts/⁠⁠⁠

We’d love your feedback on the episode, including comments and ideas for future discussions. Email us at ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ and visit our website for more safeguarding guidance and resources: ⁠www.showcasetraining.co.uk⁠.

Welcome to the next episode of Talking Early Years!

In this episode, Gemma and Ellen are joined by guest and colleague Lauren, and together they explore the increasingly relevant and often debated topic of technology in the early years. They reflect on what meaningful, developmentally appropriate use of technology looks like for young children, and challenge some common misconceptions around screen time, digital play, and learning.

Together, the conversation considers how technology can both support and hinder children’s development, depending on how it is used. Key themes include balancing digital and real-world experiences, supporting communication and creativity, modelling healthy technology habits, and understanding the role of adults in guiding children’s digital experiences. The discussion also touches on safeguarding, inclusion, and preparing children for a world where technology is part of everyday life.

Whether you are an early years professional, a parent, or simply curious about how technology fits within high-quality early childhood practice, this episode offers thoughtful discussion, evidence-informed perspectives, and practical reflections to support confident decision-making in your setting or home.

Showcase Training are an Early Years-specialist training provider based on the south coast of the UK.

Meet our hosts, Gemma and Ellen:
https://showcasetraining.co.uk/2025/01/09/podcast-meet-the-hosts/

We would love your feedback on the episode, including comments and ideas for future discussions.

Email us at [email protected] and visit our website for further resources and reading, including guidance on safeguarding and digital practice: www.showcasetraining.co.uk.

Welcome back to another episode of our Safeguarding Shorts side series, where we unpack key safeguarding topics and explore their relevance in everyday practice.

In this episode, we’re focusing on Consent and Healthy Relationships: what they really mean, why they matter, and how we can support children and young people to understand them with clarity and confidence. Consent is far more than a one-off conversation; it’s a fundamental part of respecting boundaries, promoting autonomy, and helping young people navigate relationships safely.

We’ll explore practical ways to talk about consent in age-appropriate, empowering ways, and examine how early education around healthy relationships can foster emotional wellbeing, resilience, and respectful behaviour. We also discuss common misconceptions, links to safeguarding concerns such as exploitation and harmful sexual behaviour, and how practitioners can create environments where children feel safe to express their boundaries.

Join us as we break down real-world examples, highlight current themes from national safeguarding guidance, and share actionable strategies to strengthen your practice and support children in developing positive, respectful relationships.

Supporting Links:
Showcase Monthly Newsletter: ⁠⁠https://mailchi.mp/showcasetraining/subscribe-to-showcase-training⁠⁠
Showcase Safeguarding Newsfeed: ⁠⁠https://showcasetraining.co.uk/safeguarding/⁠⁠
NSPCC CASPAR Newsletter: ⁠⁠https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/newsletter/caspar⁠⁠
Hampshire Safeguarding Children Partnership Webinars: ⁠⁠https://hampshirescp.event-booking.org.uk/⁠⁠

Showcase Training are an Early Years-specialist training provider based on the south coast of the UK. Meet our hosts, Gemma and Ellen! ⁠⁠https://showcasetraining.co.uk/2025/01/09/podcast-meet-the-hosts/⁠⁠

We’d love your feedback on the episode, including comments and ideas for future discussions! Email us at ⁠[email protected]⁠ and visit our website for more safeguarding guidance and resources: ⁠www.showcasetraining.co.uk⁠.

Welcome to the 12th episode of Talking Early Years!

In this episode, Gemma and Ellen dive into the vital and often misunderstood topic of sex education in the early years. They unpack what developmentally appropriate sex education really looks like for young children, and why it’s far less about “sex” and far more about safeguarding, body autonomy, healthy relationships, and understanding the world.

Together, we explore how early, age-appropriate conversations help children build confidence, stay safe, and develop the language they need to express themselves and seek help when needed. The discussion covers key themes such as using correct terminology, teaching consent and boundaries, responding to children’s questions, and creating inclusive, supportive environments for all families.

Whether you’re an early years professional, parent, or simply curious about how these foundations shape lifelong wellbeing, this episode offers evidence-informed guidance, reflective dialogue, and practical strategies to embed high-quality relationships and sex education into your everyday practice.

Showcase Training are an Early Years-specialist training provider based on the south coast of the UK.
Meet our hosts, Gemma and Ellen!
https://showcasetraining.co.uk/2025/01/09/podcast-meet-the-hosts/

We’d love your feedback on the episode, including comments and ideas for future discussions!
Email us at [email protected] and visit our website for further resources and reading, especially on the subject of Safeguarding: www.showcasetraining.co.uk.

Welcome back to another episode of our Safeguarding Shorts side series, where we explore key safeguarding topics and their importance in everyday practice.

In this episode, we’re delving into Child Safeguarding Practice Reviews (CSPRs): what they are, why they happen, and what we can learn from them. These reviews play a vital role in improving safeguarding systems by examining serious incidents and identifying lessons to help protect children more effectively in the future.

We’ll look at how CSPRs are carried out, who’s involved, and how the findings influence policy, training, and professional practice across different sectors. Most importantly, we’ll discuss how practitioners can engage with learning from reviews to strengthen their own safeguarding confidence and awareness.

Join us as we break down real-world implications, highlight recent themes from national reviews, and share practical advice on using these insights to make a positive difference in your setting.

Supporting Links:
Showcase Monthly Newsletter: ⁠https://mailchi.mp/showcasetraining/subscribe-to-showcase-training⁠
Showcase Safeguarding Newsfeed: ⁠https://showcasetraining.co.uk/safeguarding/⁠
NSPCC CASPAR Newsletter: ⁠https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/newsletter/caspar⁠
Hampshire Safeguarding Children Partnership Webinars: ⁠https://hampshirescp.event-booking.org.uk/⁠

Showcase Training are an Early Years-specialist training provider based on the south coast of the UK. Meet our hosts, Gemma and Ellen! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://showcasetraining.co.uk/2025/01/09/podcast-meet-the-hosts/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

We’d love your feedback on the episode, including comments and ideas for future discussions! Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and visit our website for more safeguarding guidance and resources: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.showcasetraining.co.uk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Welcome to the 11th episode of Talking Early Years!
In this episode, Gemma and Ellen turn their focus to the essential topic of food and nutrition in the early years. They explore how what children eat and how they experience food plays a crucial role in their growth, wellbeing, and ability to learn.

Together, they discuss what balanced and nutritious meals look like in early years settings, how to create positive attitudes towards food, and the importance of mealtimes as social and learning opportunities. The conversation also covers practical ways to support children with varying needs, from picky eaters to those with allergies or dietary restrictions.

Whether you’re an early years professional, parent, or simply interested in how nutrition shapes development, this episode offers evidence-informed insights, reflective discussion, and actionable strategies to help children build healthy habits for life.

Showcase Training are an Early Years-specialist training provider based on the south coast of the UK.
Meet our hosts, Gemma and Ellen!
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://showcasetraining.co.uk/2025/01/09/podcast-meet-the-hosts/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

We’d love your feedback on the episode, including comments and ideas for future discussions!
Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and visit our website for further resources and reading, especially on the subject of Safeguarding: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.showcasetraining.co.uk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Welcome back to another episode of our Safeguarding Shorts side series, where we explore key safeguarding themes and their real-world impact.

In this episode, we’re focusing on Safeguarding Legislation: the vital laws and frameworks that protect children and vulnerable adults across the UK. We’ll unpack what these laws mean in practice, how they guide safeguarding policies, and why understanding them is essential for anyone working with or supporting others.

Join us as we break down key pieces of legislation, highlight recent updates, and discuss how these rules shape everyday safeguarding practice. Whether you’re new to safeguarding or refreshing your knowledge, this episode will help you feel more confident about your legal responsibilities and how to apply them effectively.

We’ll also share useful guidance, signpost trusted resources, and offer practical advice to support safe and compliant practice in any setting.

Supporting Links:
Showcase Monthly Newsletter: ⁠https://mailchi.mp/showcasetraining/subscribe-to-showcase-training⁠
Showcase Safeguarding Newsfeed: ⁠https://showcasetraining.co.uk/safeguarding/⁠
NSPCC CASPAR Newsletter: ⁠https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/newsletter/caspar⁠
Hampshire Safeguarding Children Partnership Webinars: ⁠https://hampshirescp.event-booking.org.uk/⁠

Showcase Training are an Early Years-specialist training provider based on the south coast of the UK. Meet our hosts, Gemma and Ellen! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://showcasetraining.co.uk/2025/01/09/podcast-meet-the-hosts/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

We’d love your feedback on the episode, including comments and ideas for future discussions! Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and visit our website for further resources and reading on Safeguarding: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.showcasetraining.co.uk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Welcome to the 10th episode of Talking Early Years! In this episode, Gemma and Ellen turn their attention to the vital topic of speech, language and communication in the early years. We explore why these skills are so foundational for children’s learning, relationships and overall development, and consider the wide-ranging impact they have on wellbeing and future outcomes.

Together, we unpack what high-quality SLC support looks like in practice, from creating language-rich environments to recognising and responding to individual needs. We also discuss how practitioners and families can work together to nurture communication, and the importance of early identification when children need extra support.

Whether you’re an early years professional, parent, or simply curious about how communication develops, this conversation offers practical ideas, reflective questions and real-world strategies for helping every child find their voice.

Showcase Training are an Early Years-specialist training provider based on the south coast of the UK. Meet our hosts, Gemma and Ellen! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://showcasetraining.co.uk/2025/01/09/podcast-meet-the-hosts/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

We'd love your feedback on the episode including comments and ideas for future discussions! Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and do make sure you visit our website for further resources and reading, especially on the subject of Safeguarding: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.showcasetraining.co.uk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Welcome back to another episode of our Safeguarding Shorts side series, where we dive into important safeguarding topics and their impact on everyday life.

This episode focuses on the vital contacts, advice, and support available for those in need. We’ll explore who to reach out to, how to access help, and practical steps to take when faced with safeguarding concerns. Whether it’s for yourself or someone else, knowing where to turn can make all the difference.

We’ll also highlight key resources, break down useful guidance, and share advice to empower you in supporting others safely and confidently.

Supporting Links:

• Showcase Monthly Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/showcasetraining/subscribe-to-showcase-training
• Showcase Safeguarding Newsfeed: https://showcasetraining.co.uk/safeguarding/
• NSPCC CASPAR Newsletter: https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/newsletter/caspa
• Hampshire Safeguarding Children Partnership Webinars: https://hampshirescp.event-booking.org.uk/

Showcase Training are an Early Years-specialist training provider based on the south coast of the UK. Meet our hosts, Gemma and Ellen! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://showcasetraining.co.uk/2025/01/09/podcast-meet-the-hosts/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

We'd love your feedback on the episode including comments and ideas for future discussions! Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and do make sure you visit our website for further resources and reading, especially on the subject of Safeguarding: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.showcasetraining.co.uk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Welcome to the 9th episode of Talking Early Years! In this episode, Gemma and Ellen are joined by their colleague Trinity, and together delve into the topic of gender roles in early childhood education. From the toys children are offered to the expectations placed on their behaviour, we explore how gendered assumptions can subtly shape experiences in the early years.

Together, we discuss the importance of challenging stereotypes, promoting equality, and creating environments where every child feels free to express themselves authentically. We also consider the role of practitioners and parents in modelling inclusive practice and supporting children’s developing sense of identity.

Whether you’re an early years professional, a parent, or simply passionate about childhood development, this conversation offers practical reflections and thought-provoking insights into how we can build more equitable spaces for young learners.

Showcase Training are an Early Years-specialist training provider based on the south coast of the UK. Meet our hosts, Gemma and Ellen! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://showcasetraining.co.uk/2025/01/09/podcast-meet-the-hosts/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

We'd love your feedback on the episode including comments and ideas for future discussions! Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and do make sure you visit our website for further resources and reading, especially on the subject of Safeguarding: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.showcasetraining.co.uk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.