Tapestry Talks

The National Year of Reading: Building a love of reading from the Early Years

What does it mean to be a reader, and how can we help more children discover a love of reading?

As part of the National Year of Reading, we’re joined by Jo Tregenza from the UKLA to explore reading for pleasure, the different ways we engage with reading, and the role it plays in the early years.

We discuss why reading is about more than books, how children’s interests can help spark a love of reading, and why it’s important to recognise and celebrate different reading experiences. Whether it’s comics, magazines, stories or something completely different, reading is for everybody.

Listen along in for ideas and reflections on how we can encourage children to see themselves as readers.

Becca and Stephen from the education team explore supporting every child. From building trust with families to recognising the strengths and experiences within our teams.

Tapestry Ben chats with Helen Battelley and Brianne Pearson about the importance of Physical Development and what inspired them to create PAAP,  the Physical Adventure Activity Pack. Find out more below:

https://www.musicandmovement.org.uk/product/paap-certified-user/

In this episode of Tapestry Talks, the team go on tour to Cornwall to visit nursery owner and The Archetype Approach founder, Oliver Riddett.

https://www.archetype-approach.co.uk/product-page/the-archetype-approach-paperback

Child psychologist and neuroscientist Professor Sam Wass answers questions on how screen time can affect young children.

Amber Ogunsanya-William joins Ben for a discussion on her role as a play consultant and worker.

Technology in Early Years education, digital literacy, and online safety - what do educators need to know now?

On this month's Tapestry Talks, Ben and Kat sit down with Princess Souassou Tsiagbe for a practical conversation on using technology to enhance learning in the early years.

This episode explores technology in early childhood education, building digital skills safely, and how educators can introduce technology in ways that support creativity, communication, and development. From safeguarding and screen balance to meaningful EdTech use, their discussion focuses on real-world strategies for classrooms and early learning environments.

For Tapestry's 200th podcast, directors Helen and Steve sat down to highlight a few of their favourite previous episodes and reflect on where they see the podcast going over the next year, as well as some big moments that happened for Tapestry over the last year!

Episodes mentioned in this podcast are linked below:

Neil Leitch on Childcare Deserts, School Based Nurseries and Workforce Sustainability:

https://fsf-podcasts.simplecast.com/episodes/neil-leitch-on-childcare-deserts-school-based-nurseries-and-workforce-sustainabilityeya-ceo-neil-leitch-discusses-current-issues-and-challenges-confronting-the-sector

Sonia Mainstone-Cotton - Extending our use of creativity to focus on children's well-being:

https://fsf-podcasts.simplecast.com/episodes/extending-our-use-of-creativity-to-focus-on-childrens-well-being

Warda Farah, Professor Eunice Lumsden and Kate Moxley - An Intersectional approach to cultivating wellbeing

https://fsf-podcasts.simplecast.com/episodes/an-intersectional-approach-to-cultivating-wellbeing

What to consider to ensure child-centred transition from Reception to Year 1, with Michelle Windridge, National Education Lead for School-based EYFS at Twinkl.

Becca and Stephen are joined by Dr Ben Levy who is and Educational Psychologist and magician who has developed a framework to enhance pupil engagement and performance. They discuss the 5 aspects of the framework and how it can be applied in early years environments.