This article and podcast episode explore why marketing should be viewed as an investment rather than a cost, why profitability matters for sustainability, the role a setting's website plays in both occupancy and recruitment, and why social media needs a clear purpose. They also consider the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) and why, useful as it can be, it should support rather than replace human judgement, creativity and responsibility.

Read the article here:

https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/marketing-your-early-childhood-setting-is-an-investment-not-a-cost/

This episode is sponsored by Childcare Marketing Group

Childcare Marketing Group is a specialist marketing partner dedicated to supporting nurseries, preschools and early years providers.

Built by people who understand the childcare sector, CMG helps nursery owners and managers attract more children, recruit great staff and build stronger, more sustainable businesses. From websites, SEO and social media to advertising, video, reputation management and enquiry conversion, the group brings everything together under one joined-up approach.

At its heart, Childcare Marketing Group is about helping childcare providers stand out, tell their story with confidence and connect with the families and teams who are right for them.

To find out more and sign up to the wait list visit: https://childcare.marketing/uk

Our 2027 conference info & tickets:

https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2027/

Listen to more:

If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like:

· Sustainable business growth in early childhood, with Jordan Tully: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/sustainable-business-growth-in-early-childhood/

· Building a lasting early years brand, with Harry Mills: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/building-a-lasting-early-years-brand/

Get in touch and share your voice:

Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/

Episode break down:

00:00 – Introduction 04:12 – Why early childhood settings need to prioritise marketing 05:31 – Marketing as an investment rather than a cost 07:56 – Why profit matters for sustainable early childhood provision 10:15 – Perception, leadership and valuing educators 12:15 – Marketing your setting as an employer 15:24 – What makes an effective careers page? 18:26 – Making enquiries and applications simple 20:15 – Social media: moving beyond likes to meaningful objectives 22:11 – Aligning marketing across different platforms 23:57 – Sharing educators' achievements on social media 26:25 – Using AI as a marketing tool 28:35 – Knowing your audience and using accessible language 30:20 – Building a clear and recognisable brand 31:18 – Why human creativity still matters when using AI 33:43 – Where should settings start when improving their marketing? 34:50 – Why your website should be the anchor of your marketing 35:42 – Organic website traffic versus paid advertising 36:50 – Marketing as an expression of your values and ethos 38:07 – Building a sustainable business and planning ahead 39:04 – Why successful settings still need to keep investing

For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

Receiving a SEND diagnosis is a transformative moment for families. This podcast episode and article explore how practitioners bridge the gap between statutory requirements and empathetic support, empowering parents as "experts" on their children. We examine the graduated approach, the SENDCo's pivotal role in transitions, and the necessity of inclusive, multi-agency collaboration.

Read the article here:

https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/beyond-the-diagnosis-navigating-the-send-journey-with-families/

This episode is sponsored by Shaping Lives

Shaping Lives is a national, Ofsted 'Good' training provider, partnering with employers across England to build stronger, more resilient workforces. With specialist expertise in the Early Years sector, we deliver high-quality apprenticeship and commercial training that supports staff development, performance, and retention.

Our approach has earned us the trust of over 1,000 businesses and supported more than 2,500 learners annually. Our 4.8 Trustpilot rating reflects our commitment to quality and results. Our tailored programmes are built around your business needs, with 80% of employer partners reporting improved staff retention.

Every learner benefits from a dedicated Personal Tutor with sector experience, one-to-one support, and structured learning aligned to industry standards. 93% of learners report better work performance after completing our training, driving real value for your nursery. Partner with us to develop confident, skilled teams ready for the future.

To find out more visit: shapinglives.co.uk

Our 2027 conference info & tickets:

https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2027/

Listen to more:

If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like:

· Integrating evidence-based practice into the early years curriculum: How ABA principles align with the EYFS, with Mikaela Green: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/integrating-evidence-based-practice-into-the-early-years-curriculum-how-aba-principles-align-with-the-eyfs/

· What is sound-based emotional regulation? With Nicola Maria Rose: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/what-is-sound-based-emotional-regulation/

Get in touch and share your voice:

Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/

Episode break down:

00:00 –Welcome to the podcast and introduction to Andy Hogg 03:40 – Andy's work and bridging the gap between policy and practice 04:41 – Academic and life skills curricula 05:23 – Understanding the graduated approach 05:55 – Assess: establishing a baseline and gathering evidence 06:13 – Plan: setting targets and involving families and children 07:17 – Do: putting provision in place and gathering evidence 07:48 – Review: adapting targets and monitoring progress 09:09 – Why support needs to continually evolve with the child 10:10 – The SENCO as a 'transition architect' 11:25 – Supporting children through everyday transitions 11:58 – Visual timetables and first-and-next boards 12:42 – Key person support and communication strategies 13:16 – Universal approaches to communication and inclusion 13:51 – Using PECS and creating a total communication environment 14:56 – Recognising smaller steps of progress 15:35 – High-incidence and low-incidence needs 16:41 – Making high-incidence support part of universal provision 17:15 – Specialist provision for low-incidence needs 17:56 – Multi-agency working and the team around the child 18:46 – The setting as a hub for multi-agency support 20:30 – The SENCO's role in coordinating professionals 21:05 – Supporting parents through joined-up meetings 22:15 – Recognising the emotional impact on families 22:55 – Why supporting parents supports the child 23:08 – Final reflections: bridging policy and practice 23:25 – Closing thanks and further TVOEC resources

For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

Maggie Bolger and Ann Marie Christian explore the changing safeguarding landscape in early childhood, including KCSIE, the EYFS, safer recruitment, reporting concerns and the September changes. They argue that stronger safeguarding is not simply about having the right policies in place, but about creating cultures where children, families and educators are heard, concerns are connected and everyone understands their responsibility for keeping children safe.

Read the article here:

https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-childhood-safeguarding-changes-2026-moving-beyond-compliance-to-a-culture-of-safety/

This episode is sponsored by Get Otii.

Otii helps nurseries stay audit-ready, inspection-proof, and totally on top of their operations – without drowning in paperwork or panic. Track what matters. Get real-time prompts. Never miss a thing.

To find out more visit: https://www.get-otii.com/

Our 2027 conference info & tickets:

https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2027/

Listen to more:

If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like:

· The case for systemic change in Ofsted's approach, by Lucy Lewin: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/the-case-for-systemic-change-in-ofsteds-approach/

· Ofsted's renewed early years inspection framework: What educators need to know, by Jayne Coward (Ofsted): https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/ofsteds-renewed-early-years-inspection-framework-what-educators-need-to-know/

Get in touch and share your voice:

Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/

Episode break down:

00:00 – Introduction to the episode and guests 02:10 – Maggie introduces herself and Get Otii 02:51 – Ann Marie introduces herself and her safeguarding background 04:09 – Where is safeguarding in early childhood at the moment? 04:34 – Strengthening safeguarding in early childhood 06:14 – The challenges of guidance for private nurseries 09:12 – Understanding KCSIE and its five parts 10:32 – Part one: safeguarding guidance for all staff 11:31 – Part two: the management of safeguarding 12:28 – Part three: safer recruitment 13:49 – Part four: managing allegations against staff and volunteers 15:01 – Part five: child-on-child abuse 16:42 – References and DBS checks: what has changed? 18:30 – What can be learnt from safeguarding cases and incidents? 19:12 – Recording concerns and creating a clear safeguarding trail 23:15 – Creating a culture where concerns can be reported 24:26 – Safer recruitment and concerns about existing staff 26:15 – Retaining safeguarding information and non-recent abuse 27:05 – The role and responsibilities of the DSL 28:04 – DSL and DDSL co-working and information sharing 29:14 – Creating a shared understanding of safe and appropriate practice 30:07 – Why immediate reporting to the DSL matters 32:06 – Induction, agency staff and making policies accessible 34:17 – Safeguarding as a central responsibility in settings 35:58 – Agency staff, recruitment checks and safeguarding training 37:01 – Going beyond minimum safeguarding requirements 38:09 – Listening to parents and responding to complaints 40:32 – What should smaller settings do before September? 41:33 – Creating a safeguarding checklist and prioritising changes 42:47 – Starting with strategic safeguarding priorities 43:27 – Safer eating, weaning, sleeping and screen use 45:44 – Using guidance, AI and doing your own due diligence 47:23 – The wider consequences of increased safeguarding scrutiny 47:42 – Mergers, acquisitions, insurance and recruitment 49:19 – The potential ripple effect of increased inspections 50:21 – What early childhood can learn from schools 52:10 – Safeguarding responsibility when opening and running a nursery 54:14 – Reputational risk, social media and communicating with parents 55:35 – Profit, ethics and responsibility in early childhood 56:49 – Safeguarding awareness and professional boundaries 58:28 – Balancing safeguarding scrutiny with the positives of the profession 59:18 – Remembering the joy of working with children 1:00:18 – Preparing for the changes and doing your own due diligence 1:00:58 – Final reflections and episode wrap-up 1:01:30 – Ann Marie's safeguarding workshop at the 2027 conference 1:01:45 – Further safeguarding article and closing thanks

For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

Many childhood behaviours labelled as difficult, oppositional or defiant may make far more sense than we realise. This article and podcast episode explore a biological perspective on defiance, screens, difficult behaviour and why modern parenting has become so exhausting. We explore why children adapt when something important is missing from their experience, and how shifting our attention from behaviour to environment can transform how we understand children.

Read the article here:

https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/from-behaviour-to-signal-a-different-way-to-understand-children/

This episode is in partnership with BookedIn

BookedIn is a CPD booking platform that connects organisations with verified speakers, trainers and consultants – so you can find the right fit faster, based on your brief, audience and outcomes.

You can discover, compare, and manage bookings in one place – designed to help you book with more clarity and confidence.

Whether you're booking CPD or are a speaker yourself, they're opening early access soon, and if you want to be first to hear when it's live, join the waiting list today!

To find out more and sign up to the wait list visit: https://waitlist.bookedin.online/

Our 2027 conference info & tickets:

https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2027/

Listen to more:

If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like:

• The science of play: How shared activities transform family dynamics, with Professor Sam Wass - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/the-science-of-play-how-shared-activities-transform-family-dynamics/

• Active vs passive screen time, with Musa Roshdy - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/active-vs-passive-screen-time/

Get in touch and share your voice:

Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/

Episode break down:

00:00 – Introducing the episode and Geoff Owen 02:26 – What does it mean to view behaviour as a signal? 05:18 – The fish-in-the-river analogy: looking at the environment 09:32 – Children's biological expectations and the 'ancient blueprint' 11:45 – How adults broadcast their emotional state 15:13 – Children on the periphery of everyday life 19:35 – Seeing children as capable, competent, valued and trusted 21:55 – How Geoff's own childhood shaped his thinking 22:50 – The Continuum Concept and adversarial approaches to parenting 24:57 – Independence, maturity and modern parenting 27:20 – Conditioning, reframing behaviour and parental self-blame 29:24 – Proximity, carrying and children's expectations 31:28 – Adaptive behaviour: what are children adapting to? 37:51 – Regulation, co-regulation and how children experience adult responses 39:29 – Adult self-awareness and the influence of our own childhood experiences 45:55 – How children communicate before spoken language 46:38 – Parenting as a 'side activity' and including children in everyday life 48:50 – Containment, boundaries, punishment and rewards 50:18 – Practical takeaways for parents and educators 52:00 – Stepping back from adult-led conversations 53:37 – Balancing language support with silence, space and child-led conversation 55:04 – Closing reflections 56:00 – Where to find Jeff's article

For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

Laughter is often treated as a pleasant extra, or even a distraction from learning. Drawing on their work across psychology, education, health and community contexts, Dr Jacqueline Harding and Dr Jawad Shah explore how shared laughter can support connection, curiosity, hope and resilience, while making space for children's full emotional lives. What becomes possible when joy is taken seriously?

Read the article here:

https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/the-brain-that-loves-to-laugh/

This episode is in partnership with BookedIn

BookedIn is a CPD booking platform that connects organisations with verified speakers, trainers and consultants – so you can find the right fit faster, based on your brief, audience and outcomes.

You can discover, compare, and manage bookings in one place – designed to help you book with more clarity and confidence.

Whether you're booking CPD or are a speaker yourself, they're opening early access soon, and if you want to be first to hear when it's live, join the waiting list today!

To find out more and sign up to the wait list visit: https://waitlist.bookedin.online/

Our 2027 conference info & tickets:

https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2027/

Listen to more:

If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like:

· The brain that loves to play, with Dr Jacqueline Harding: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/the-brain-that-loves-to-play/

· Why children need joy, with Ben Kingston-Hughes: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/why-children-need-joy/

· Bringing the joy back to early childhood, with Aaron Bradbury: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/bringing-the-joy-back-to-early-childhood-2/

Get in touch and share your voice:

Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/

Episode break down:

00:18 – Introduction to the podcast and guests 03:45 – Why did you write the book The Brain That Loves to Laugh? 07:11 – Human connection, safety and laughter 09:55 – Creating an emotional ecosystem around children 13:11 – Play, laughter and neuroplasticity: The Kentucky spinal unit 16:30 – The universality of laughter, joy and resilience 18:27 – Why laughter is not 'fluffy' and the language of hope 20:27 – Hope as a protective factor and the role of community 22:33 – Moving beyond fear-based pedagogy: Play, joy and attainment 27:04 – Laughter, emotional connection and the purpose of education 29:43 – What happens in the brain when we laugh? 31:49 – Is play fundamental to early childhood and learning? 34:36 – Using humour and fun to support learning 36:55 – Does laughter lead to chaos? Connection, behaviour and joy 37:50 – Why negative experiences can overshadow the positive 40:03 – Modelling mistakes, humour and emotional resilience 43:03 – Peer relationships, problem-solving and resilience 43:43 – Co-regulation, self-regulation and resilience 44:00 – Final reflections on joy, laughter and play 45:43 – See Dr Jacqueline Harding at our 2027 Conference

For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

Too many children are quietly struggling to hear in early years settings, and it is often missed until their speech, learning and behaviour are already affected. This article and podcast episode share the story behind the Universal Glue Ear Screening Programme, explain what glue ear is and why it matters, and show how a free termly glue ear check can protect every child.​

Read the article here:

https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/the-hidden-hearing-crisis-in-early-years-and-the-free-solution-every-nursery-can-use/ ​

This episode is in partnership with My Little Ears

We are a paediatric hearing clinic dedicated to improving early identification and management of glue ear in children. Glue ear is the leading cause of temporary hearing loss in children, affecting 1 in 5 preschool children at any given time in the UK.

To find out more visit: https://mylittleears.co.uk/

Listen to more:

If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like:

· A guide to potty training with Rebecca Mottram: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/a-guide-to-potty-training/

· Nutritious mealtimes for under 5's with Catherine Lippe: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/nutritious-mealtimes-for-under-5s/

Get in touch and share your voice:

Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/

Episode break down:

00:00 – Glue ear: the hidden hearing crisis in early childhood 00:50 – What is glue ear and how does it affect hearing? 03:28 – How common is glue ear in children? 04:33 – Why young children are more susceptible to glue ear 05:58 – Why glue ear resolves differently for each child 06:40 – Why early detection needs to happen beyond the clinic 07:22 – The universal glue ear screening programme for nurseries and schools 09:22 – What glue ear may look like in children 10:49 – 'Not listening' or not hearing? 11:37 – Changes in play, behaviour and communication 13:51 – Key signs educators may notice 14:44 – Signs at home and the effects on speech 15:43 – Hearing muffled speech: a practical demonstration 17:31 – Auditory processing and possible longer-term effects 19:31 – Listening effort, fatigue and memory 20:22 – Why glue ear can recur 21:51 – Factors that may increase the likelihood or severity of glue ear 23:16 – Screening findings: 63% of children in one nursery 25:30 – What happens after glue ear is detected? 27:02 – Supporting access to sound with bone-conduction hearing aids 27:58 – Auto-inflation therapy 29:34 – ENT referrals and grommet surgery 31:05 – What parents and educators can do if they are concerned 32:35 – The free glue ear awareness course 33:03 – Final reflections and further information

For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

How do books shape children's sense of identity, belonging and understanding of others? In this podcast episode and article, we explore the importance of representation in children's literature and why inclusive storytelling matters in early childhood education. Reflecting on personal experiences, this conversation considers how books can help children feel seen, valued and included. We also discuss the role of sensory storytelling, immersive learning and culturally inclusive resources in supporting empathy, accessibility and belonging for all children. How can educators ensure every child sees themselves reflected in the stories around them?

Read the article here:

https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/who-gets-to-feel-seen-in-our-classrooms-culturally-inclusive-practice-through-books/

This episode is in partnership with BookedIn

BookedIn is a CPD booking platform that connects organisations with verified speakers, trainers and consultants – so you can find the right fit faster, based on your brief, audience and outcomes.

You can discover, compare, and manage bookings in one place – designed to help you book with more clarity and confidence.

Whether you're booking CPD or are a speaker yourself, they're opening early access soon, and if you want to be first to hear when it's live, join the waiting list today!

To find out more and sign up to the wait list visit: https://waitlist.bookedin.online/

Our 2027 conference info & tickets:

https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2027/

Listen to more:

If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like:

· Stories that connect us: How books foster belonging in the early years – Laura Henry-Allain MBE https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/stories-that-connect-us-how-books-foster-belonging-in-the-early-years-2/

· Supporting children's language through shared stories and sustained dialogue – Fufy Demissie https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/supporting-childrens-language-through-shared-stories-and-sustained-dialogue/

· Extremely early literacy – Dan Berman https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/extremely-early-literacy/

Get in touch and share your voice:

Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/

Episode break down:

00:00 – Introducing Sukhy Kaur and culturally inclusive children's books 02:21 – Representation, visibility and belonging 03:53 – Creating sensory stories that are accessible to all children 07:55 – Normalising diversity through children's literature 10:03 – Encouraging children to ask questions about difference 11:23 – Understanding children's curiosity about difference 13:01 – Sukhy's personal journey and Sikh identity 14:37 – Experiencing bullying for wearing a turban 16:07 – Becoming a teacher to make a difference 16:39 – Developing the first book during COVID 17:19 – The story behind Is That Paras's Turban? 18:15 – Bringing books to life through workshops and puppet shows 19:50 – Supporting children and educators through immersive workshops 20:40 – Extending learning through resources and lesson plans 21:39 – Moving from teaching into authorship 22:47 – The year-long process of producing a sensory book 23:45 – Seeing the books in libraries and hearing from families 24:48 – Forthcoming books about festivals and cultural foods 25:25 – Advice for aspiring authors 26:53 – The challenges of marketing children's books 27:42 – Sharing culturally inclusive practice at educational events 28:36 – Using props and storytelling to support different ways of learning 29:17 – Sukhy's workshop at the TVOEC Conference 2027 30:05 – "Every child should be able to open a book and feel that they exist within the story"

For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

Drawing on personal experience, research and the Greater Than 3 mentor programme, Robert Harris explores why men remain underrepresented in early childhood. He considers the impact of gender diversity on children, the stigma and gatekeeping men can face, and how mentorship, representation and more inclusive pathways could help create lasting change across the profession.

Read the article here:

https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/moving-beyond-3-percent-recruiting-more-men-into-early-years/

This episode is in partnership with Male Childcare and Teaching Jobs.

Male Childcare and Teaching Jobs advocate for greater male participation in education and caregiving roles, offering support and guidance to enhance gender inclusion in nurseries and schools.

To find out more visit: https://malechildcareandteachingjobs.co.uk/

Listen to more:

If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like to hear more at https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/articles/men-in-early-childhood/

Get in touch and share your voice:

Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/

Episode break down:

00:00 – Introduction to Dan Berman and Robert Harris 01:24 – The benefits of greater male presence in early childhood 03:54 – Male role models, play and challenging gender norms 07:30 – The three per cent figure and barriers within infant care 10:05 – Introducing the Greater Than Three mentor programme 15:06 – Creating intentional pathways into the profession 16:51 – DC Men in ECE and the importance of collective advocacy 20:05 – Racial and cultural representation within the workforce 23:22 – Being a Black male educator: visibility, scrutiny and advocacy 25:07 – Stigma surrounding sexuality and safeguarding 29:10 – Challenging bias in recruitment and hiring 30:18 – Retention, judgement and low pay 31:32 – Children need to see what they can become 32:32 – Building stronger foundations for representation and advocacy 32:55 – Further reading and future conversations 33:41 – Closing reflections

For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

What if children's distress is not just a problem to solve, but a signal of their need to be seen? This article and podcast episode explore how children's expectations about availability and effectiveness of support from close others develop through repeated interactions with multiple caregivers. Using a psychological lens - in particular looking at attachment theory - we explore how educators and parents/carers can shape these expectations of care through their everyday responses to children's distress.

Read the article here:

https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/will-you-notice-me-what-children-learn-from-how-we-respond-to-their-distress/

This episode is in partnership with BookedIn

BookedIn is a CPD booking platform that connects organisations with verified speakers, trainers and consultants – so you can find the right fit faster, based on your brief, audience and outcomes.

You can discover, compare, and manage bookings in one place – designed to help you book with more clarity and confidence.

Whether you're booking CPD or are a speaker yourself, they're opening early access soon, and if you want to be first to hear when it's live, join the waiting list today!

To find out more and sign up to the wait list visit: https://waitlist.bookedin.online/

Listen to more:

If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like:

● An introduction to John Bolwby - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/an-introduction-to-john-bowlby/

● An introduction to Mary Ainsworth - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/an-introduction-to-mary-ainsworth/

● Unconditional positive regard in early childhood: What we can still learn from Carl Rogers and Mister Rogers? - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/unconditional-positive-regard-in-early-childhood-what-we-can-still-learn-from-carl-rogers-and-mister-rogers/

● Understanding the impact of childhood trauma and how to develop trauma-informed practices - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/understanding-the-impact-of-childhood-trauma-and-how-to-develop-trauma-informed-practices/

Get in touch and share your voice:

Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/

Episode break down:

00:00 – Welcome and episode focus

02:05 – Understanding distress as communication

04:14 – Why children's distress can be misunderstood

05:55 – Can you notice me?

06:57 – Repeated interactions and attachment

10:08 – Secure base script knowledge

10:46 – How children learn whether support is available

12:30 – Scripts, shortcuts and everyday experiences

15:10 – What attuned responses look like in practice

16:45 – Opening the gates of learning

17:55 – Acknowledging distress

19:57 – Feeling seen before setting limits

20:13 – Acknowledging feelings, not validating behaviour

21:34 – Sensitive limit setting

21:50 – Multiple caregivers and attachment networks

22:12 – Moving beyond one primary attachment relationship

23:54 – The role of educators and professional caregivers

25:54 – A village of caregivers

26:24 – Patterns over perfection

26:41 – Good enough care

29:30 – Children need patterns, not perfect adults

29:54 – Current research and longitudinal findings

32:30 – Secure base script knowledge and later wellbeing

33:26 – Supporting parents and the network of care

35:08 – Reflecting on the long-term impact of early relationships

36:19 – Responding to distress over time

37:17 – Intergenerational patterns of care

37:36 – A key shift in mindset

37:47 – From fixing the problem to being there

38:57 – Closing reflections and thanks

For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

The first five years are a once-in-a-lifetime window of opportunity for brain development. During this period, food does far more than fill tummies, it helps support learning, behaviour, emotional wellbeing and lifelong health. This article and podcast episode explore the emerging evidence around ultra-processed foods and why food quality matters during the early years.

Read the article here:

https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/growing-brains-growing-bodies-understanding-ultra-processed-foods/

This episode is sponsored by Little Dish

Hillary Graves founded Little Dish in 2006 to provide fresh, nutritionally balanced meals for young children that tasted as good as homemade food, unlike shelf-stable alternatives with long shelf lives. Today, the award-winning range includes nine toddler meal recipes made with natural ingredients, available nationwide in the chilled aisles of major supermarkets and online.

Little Dish has expanded into frozen foods with Superstars, a new range of family favourites focused on better nutrition, including Chicken Nuggets with Hidden Veg, Crispy Fish Bites with Added Veg and Golden Veggie Bites with Mozzarella.

Every Little Dish product is developed with support from baby and child nutritionist Charlotte Stirling-Reed and approved by a panel of 250 Tiny Tasters across the UK. Ready in minutes, the range offers busy parents, grandparents and guardians stress-free healthy meals kids love.

To find out more visit: www.littledish.co.uk

Listen to more:

If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like:

· How can we support children in the early years to flourish? With Jayne Carter: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/how-can-we-support-children-in-the-early-years-to-flourish/

· A guide to potty training with Rebecca Mottram: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/a-guide-to-potty-training/

Get in touch and share your voice:

Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/

Episode break down:

00:00 – Welcome and introduction to Louise 02:30 – Introducing ultra-processed foods in early childhood 03:05 – Why early brain development matters 05:45 – How food shapes brain connections, habits and behaviour 07:30 – What are ultra-processed foods (UPFs)? 10:15 – How to recognise UPFs through ingredients 12:00 – The NOVA classification and why food labels can be confusing 13:10 – Surprising examples of UPFs, including bread and baby food 15:20 – Why the concern is also about what UPFs replace 17:45 – Children's higher nutritional needs and brain energy demands 19:30 – Fortification, breakfast cereals and missing nutrients 21:05 – Fruit pouches, "no added sugar" claims and free sugars 24:10 – What happens when fruit is industrially processed 28:00 – Home-blitzed fruit, weaning and food texture 30:05 – Fruit sugars, teeth and moderation 31:40 – Vegetables, natural sweetness and balanced menus 33:30 – Texture progression, oral motor skills and speech development 35:30 – Developing children's palates through variety and repeated exposure 37:20 – Gagging, choking, allergies and safe food exploration 39:15 – Talking to children about what food does for their bodies 41:05 – Avoiding reward-based language around food 42:25 – Food relationships, marketing and emotional eating habits 43:45 – EYFS guidance, sugar and the need to explain why 45:00 – Advice for parents and educators: reducing UPFs without blame 45:35 – Early childhood settings, safeguarding and the role of menus 45:59 – Closing reflections and thanks

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