In the second episode of the fifth series of the Starcatchers podcast, we're joined by community engagement artist Roz McAndrew, who shares her journey from actor to artist working alongside babies, young children and families. She reflects on how accessibility, creativity and listening to communities have shaped her artistic practice, and why creating welcoming spaces where everyone feels able to play is at the heart of her work.

Roz also explores her partnership with Fife Gingerbread, discussing how creative experiences are developed with families rather than for them, and shares the story behind a unique photography exhibition co-created with young parents and their babies. Throughout the conversation, she reflects on embracing uncertainty, learning through failure and giving ourselves permission to try something new.

In the first episode of the 5th Season of the Starcatchers' podcast, we're joined by musician Lucy Drever, who shares simple, accessible ways to explore music and sound with young children. Drawing on her experience of leading inclusive community projects, she offers practical ideas on how to adapt to the children and the environment you work in.

She also dives into the importance of tackling adult fears around music and exploring how musical experiences can support connection, communication and support children with additional support needs.

In the third episode of the latest series of Starcatchers' Creative Skills podcast, Early Years Development Manager, Amy Hall-Gibson, spoke to Visual Artist, Pearl Kinnear, about the importance of creative flow and being in the moment for young children.

Discover the resources and accompanying videos for this podcast at 

To be the first to know when a new episode is live, subscribe to the Starcatchers Creative Skills podcast now on Amazon Music, Spotify, Apple Podcasts or Deezer. Or, listen to all episodes now, here on the Starcatchers website. 

In part 2 of this episode of the Starcatchers’ Creative Skills podcast we spoke to Early Years Practitioners at Scots Corner Early Learning Centre, Carol Ann Low and Linette Stevenson, about big movement play, the legacy and the creative empowerment staff felt through participating in the Wee People Big Feelings project, an artist residency exploring how big movement play and being creative in general, can support wee ones, understand and express their feelings.

To be the first to know when a new episode is live, subscribe to the Starcatchers Creative Skills podcast now on Amazon Music, Spotify, Apple Podcasts or Deezer. Or, listen to all episodes now, here on the Starcatchers website. 

In part one of this episode of Starcatchers’ Creative Skills podcast, we spoke to dance artist, Skye Reynolds, about her artist residency with programme called Wee People Big Feelings, exploring the relationship between creativity and emotional literacy in very young children.

Wee People, Big Feelings was a collaboration between Starcatchers and Scots Corner Early Learning and Childcare Centre, a Midlothian setting that was opened in partnership with the Ministry of Defence to provide early learning and childcare for both military families and the wider community.

To be the first to know when a new episode is live, subscribe to the Starcatchers Creative Skills podcast now on Amazon Music, Spotify, Apple Podcasts or Deezer. Or, listen to all episodes now, here on the Starcatchers website. 

In the first episode of the latest series of Starcatchers' Creative Skills podcast, Head of Early Years Development, Heather Armstrong, spoke to Community Engagement Artist and performer, Kerry Cleland, about how she puts the voice of the wee ones she works with at the heart of her practice. This episode explores the voice of the baby in relation to creative arts experiences for very young pre and non-verbal children.

The Voice of the Baby is based on research undertaken by Dr Rachel Drury from the Royal Conservatorie of Scotland and Dr Cara Blaisdell from Queen Margaret University the research explores current and emerging rights-based approaches in the arts for children from birth to 3 years in Scotland.

To be the first to know when a new episode is live, subscribe to the Starcatchers Creative Skills podcast now on Amazon Music, Spotify, Apple Podcasts or Deezer. Or, listen to all episodes now, here on the Starcatchers website. 

In the fifth episode of the third series of Starcatchers’ Creative Skills podcast Head of Early Years Development, Heather Armstong, spoke to Storyteller, Andy Cannon, about the importance of Storytelling with Early Years children. Listen to his top tips on bringing simple, everyday stories to life.

To be the first to know when a new episode is live, subscribe to the Starcatchers Creative Skills podcast now on Amazon Music, Spotify, Apple Podcasts or Deezer. Or, listen to all episodes now, here on the Starcatchers website. 

Tackle those January Blues by listening to the latest Creative Skills bonus mini episode providing practical approaches to emotional literacy and self care. 

To be the first to know when a new episode is live, subscribe to the Starcatchers Creative Skills podcast now on Amazon Music, Spotify, Apple Podcasts or Deezer. Or, listen to all episodes now, here on the Starcatchers website.

In the fourth episode of the third series of Starcatchers’ Creative Skills podcast we spoke to Early Years Practitioners at Scots Corner Early Learning Centre, Carol Ann Low and Linette Stevenson, about big movement play, the legacy and the creative empowerment staff felt through participating in the Wee People Big Feelings project, an artist residency project exploring how big movement play and being creative in general, can support wee ones, understand and express their feelings. 

To be the first to know when a new episode is live, subscribe to the Starcatchers Creative Skills podcast now on Amazon Music, Spotify, Apple Podcasts or Deezer. Or, listen to all episodes now, here on the Starcatchers website. 

In this episode, we spoke to artists Sam Jameson, a performer working in theatre for early years audiences and families. Since lockdown, Samuel has also been working in a nursery as an early years assistant. 

In this episode, Samuel shares his positive experience of role-playing alongside learners and creating characters out of child-led play, and how to use characters as creative provocations to spark new creative learning opportunities.

 To find resources that tie into this episode, go to the webpage.

Music used in this episode comes from Starcatchers' production Hup, composed by Abigail Sinar and performed by the RSNO.

The Creative Skills Podcast is part of Starcatchers' Creative Skills Online: online resources for the ELC workforce in Scotland. Find out more at www.starcatchers.org.uk