The Voice of Early Childhood

Emotional intelligence refers to the ability to recognise, understand and manage one's own emotions whilst also being able to empathise with and respond appropriately to the emotions of others. This article and podcast episode delve into this subject to explore what we can do to support emotional intelligence in the earliest years.

Read the article here:

https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/the-importance-of-developing-emotional-intelligence-in-childrens-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/

Our 2026 conference info & tickets:

https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2026/

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! 02:00 – Karl's personal journey 10:00 – Why early years? 13:00 – Settling in as a natural process 16:00 – Meeting interests and needs 17:00 – Recognising children's emotions 19:00 – Following an approach or ethos 21:00 – Supporting parents as well as children 24:00 – Stories to support complex feelings 27:00 – Checking in on all children 28:00 – Children with special educational needs 31:00 – Adapting to individual needs 35:00 – Validating children's feelings

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

There has never been a more urgent time to reflect on how we, as a profession, present ourselves to the world. The early childhood community is rich in knowledge, experience and deep commitment to children's learning and wellbeing. Yet, we continue to wrestle with misunderstanding, mistrust and misrepresentation—externally and, at times, internally. This podcast episode and article draw attention to the language we use in early childhood education—how it defines us, how it connects (or disconnects) us from the wider world, and how it influences perceptions of what we do. Language shapes reality. The words we choose matter.

Read the article here:

https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/reframing-early-childhood-how-language-impacts-our-professional-identity/

This episode is sponsored by Childcare Marketing:

Our team of passionate childcare marketing and childcare professionals have the experience to take your childcare business and its online presence to the next level. Starting with a bespoke childcare website design, we then focus on strategic marketing activity aligned to your goals and objectives. Whether is revenue, recruitment or reputation, our goal is to help you grow and sustain your business.

To find out more visit: childcaremarketing.co.uk

Our 2026 conference info & tickets:

https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2026/

Listen to more:

If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like more from Jan:

· What is an early years curriculum? - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/what-is-an-early-years-curriculum/

· Data in early childhood - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/data-in-early-childhood/

· It's not really about dinosaurs… - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-curriculum/

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 introduction03:30 – Why language matters in early childhood education06:25 – Who defines professional language?09:05 – Rethinking the word 'play'13:25 – Emotional attachment to terminology16:15 – Using the right language to elevate our practice19:15 – Building confidence to talk about curriculum and learning22:45 – Science, history, and geography in the early years27:05 – Breaking down the education–care divide30:15 – Recognising all roles in the profession32:35 – How do you value different voices in your setting or network?33:45 – Addressing disadvantage and the role of early education37:25 – A one-size-fits-all approach doesn't work41:35 – Recognising and responding to different forms of cultural capital44:45 – The importance of knowing children and families deeply47:05 – What do we mean by curriculum?49:35 – Using GLD data to ask better questions53:05 – Language, learning goals, and conversations with families55:15 – Rethinking 'academic' and 'intellectual'58:00 – Final reflections and key messages

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

This article and podcast episode with Dr Dan Wuori, author of The Daycare Myth, challenge outdated perceptions of early childhood education, highlighting the need for policy reform, professional respect, and fair pay. Drawing on decades of experience, Dr Wuori calls for a reimagining of early learning as essential, complex, and deserving of greater societal value.

Read the article here:

https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/the-daycare-myth-shifting-the-narrative-on-early-childhood-education/

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/

Our 2026 conference info & tickets:

https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2026/

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! 02:00 – The Daycare Myth 07:00 – How the profession is viewed 14:00 – A journey into the profession 21:45 – Encouraging more men into the profession 26:00 – Inconsistency for young children 29:00 – A stagnant level of men in early childhood 31:00 – The joy of working in early childhood 33:00 – We need to do a better job working with policy makers 35:00 – Further information

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

The UK Government's Best Start in Life strategy, released in July 2025, sets out a cross-departmental vision to improve services for children and families in England. While it acknowledges the importance of early childhood, this article and podcast episode explores the significant gaps in funding, workforce support, and inclusion—raising critical questions about its implementation and long-term impact.

Read the article here:

https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/the-best-start-in-life-strategy-and-what-it-means-for-the-sector/

This episode is in partnership with Nursery Management Show:

Nursery Management Show is the largest show dedicated to nursery management and leadership. Join us on the 28th November 2025 for one day of insightful content, discussion and networking for the early years sector, plus access to industry leaders, suppliers and providers.

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

Our 2026 conference info & tickets:

https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2026/

Listen to more:

If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like:

· Should 4-year-olds really be expected to sit still? With Poppy LeMar - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/should-4-year-olds-really-be-expected-to-sit-still/

· Elevating children's thinking: Conceptual understanding through inquiry and play with Sue Tee - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/elevating-childrens-thinking-conceptual-understanding-through-inquiry-and-play/

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! 02:00 – What is the Best Start in Life strategy? 04:15 – A critical eye on the strategy 06:00 – Funding and optional extras 08:00 – Funding in economically deprived areas 10:00 – Qualifications & a graduate workforce 15:00 – The experience based route to being qualified 16:00 – Family Hubs and community 18:30 – Support for children with SEND 20:00 – Ofsted inspections & inclusion 22:00 – Social enterprises & non for profit 27:00 – Government Policy at the Nursery Management Show 29:30 – School readiness within the strategy 34:00 – Further reading & information

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

This article and podcast episode take a close look at some of the key questions around nutrition for under 5's; from what "free sugars" really are and why young children don't need much sugar, to how we can approach weaning confidently, prepare finger foods safely, and understand portion sizes in the early years.

Read the article here:

https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/nutritious-mealtimes-for-under-5s/

This episode is sponsored by Nursery Kitchen:

Nursery Kitchen's Food Innovation Team creates exciting, nutritionally balanced meals using the best and freshest ingredients. With wholesome nursery menus filled with variety and global flavours, children are encouraged to be more adventurous with food. This approach supports the development of a varied palate and a lasting appreciation for healthy eating.

Nursery Kitchen recognises that food education is just as important as the food itself. The team is committed to inspiring children to enjoy nutritious meals and to understand where their food comes from.

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

Early Years Foundation Stage Nutrition Guidance:

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6839b752210698b3364e86fc/Early_years_foundation_stage_nutrition_guidance.pdf

Our 2026 conference info & tickets:

https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2026/

Listen to more:

If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like:

· From picky eating to positive mealtimes: Supporting varied eating habits – with Charlotte Goddard and Catherine Lippe: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/from-picky-eating-to-positive-mealtimes-supporting-varied-eating-habits/

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 Catherine and Nursery Kitchen 05:20 – How much sugar should under 5's be consuming? 13:00 – The weaning stage: Purees and blending foods 17:00 – Choking hazards and guidelines on this 22:00 – Portion sizes and food groups 29:00 – Lunchboxes and allergies 39:00 – Small pieces of foods 42:00 – Where to find out more

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

New research reveals the profound impact of play on family bonding, language development, and emotional connection

Kinder and the University of East London's Institute for the Science of Early Years released preliminary research exploring how play ignites language skills, builds emotional connection, and bridges family disconnect. Using wearable technology monitoring real-time responses during home play sessions, the study demonstrates that simple play moments spark joy, encourage language development, reduce stress, and nurture emotional wellbeing.

Read the article here:

https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/the-science-of-play-how-shared-activities-transform-family-dynamics/

This episode is sponsored by Kinder:

To find out more visit: https://www.kinder.com/

The Kinder® brand was founded in 1968 and is inspired by bringing small but special moments to everyday life. Kinder creates innovative products made for sharing, family and togetherness across all ages. Kinder products include Kinder Surprise, Kinder Chocolate and Kinder Bueno.

Our 2026 conference info & tickets:

https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2026/

Listen to more:

If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like:

· It's time to rethink attention, by Professor Sam Wass and Dr Gemma Goldenberg: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/its-time-to-rethink-attention/

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 & introduction 02:45 – Research on play in the home vs the lab 05:25 – Shared & non-functional play 09:30 – Synchrony & connectedness during play 15:00 – Shared rhythm & parent-child relationships 16:30 – Semantic interrelatedness 20:00 – Child initiated vs adult initiated play 23:30 – Does technology reduce shared play? 29:00 – The need for predictability & repetitive behaviours for babies 36:30 – Future research at Kinder 39:30 – Key takeaways

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

Indoor air quality (IAQ) directly impacts child and staff health in early years settings and schools. This article and podcast episode explores why clean air matters, what we've learned from COVID-19, and three essential actions to reduce airborne disease transmission: monitor, filter, and ventilate.

Read Anne Marie McConway's article here:

https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/a-breath-of-fresh-air/

This episode is sponsored by Long Covid Kids Charity

Long Covid Kids is a UK charity which represents and supports families, children, and young people living with Long Covid and related post-viral illnesses. Through awareness campaigns, research advocacy, and expert-by-experience guidance, the charity works to increase understanding, aid early diagnosis, and improve intervention responses. The volunteer team provides support, guidance, and signposting for affected families navigating the many challenges of paediatric Long Covid.

To find out more visit: https://www.longcovidkids.org/

Download the free Clean Air Guide here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/a-breath-of-fresh-air/

Listen to more:

If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like:

• Advocating for two-year-olds by Cassie Holland - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/advocating-for-two-year-olds/
• Advocacy, agency and rights in early childhood by Dr Jo Albin-Clark & Dr Nathan Archer

Get in touch and share your voice:

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

Our 2026 conference info & tickets:

https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2026/

Episode break down:

00:00 – Welcome & introductions 04:00 – Why does indoor air quality matter? 06:00 – Which diseases are airborne? 08:45 – Government guidelines 10:00 – Carbon dioxide monitors 16:00 – Long Covid infections increasing 21:00 – We can't eliminate all risk 25:00 – Do air filters work? 28:00 – There are solutions to cleaner air 29:00 – The 3 essential steps to take 33:30 – Getting the children involved 34:30 – A cultural shift towards clean air 35:30 – Health benefits of outdoor fresh air 38:00 – Lack of staff training 40:00 – Attendance crisis in settings & schools 42:00 – Clean air should not be a selling point 44:00 – Clean air initiatives in England 47:00 – Free Clean Air Guide

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

How early is too early for literacy? It is never too early! This article and podcast episode explore the significance of early literacy from the prenatal period onwards. Drawing on brain development research and practical strategies, it highlights the power of narration, modelling, and bonding through books—laying strong foundations for language and a lifelong love of reading.

Read the article here:

https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/extremely-early-literacy/

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/

Our 2026 conference info & tickets:

https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2026/

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! 01:30 – New host introduction 04:00 – United for Literacy Initiative 05:00 – Dolly Parton's Imagination Library 08:45 – Prenatal early literacy 13:15 – The 30 million word gap 14:20 – Language immersion through narration 16:00 – You can never spoil a baby 17:10 – Book prescriptions by physicians 18:40 – Instilling a love for books early 20:00 – Books for babies 23:00 – Creating dedicated reading spaces 26:00 – Diversity & representation in books 30:00 – Screens vs physical books 35:45 – Presence & teachable moments 39:45 – Reading doesn't start at age 3+ 41:00 – PreemieWorld Foundation – supporting premature babies 43:00 – Future episodes

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

The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers a pivotal role in reshaping daily practice by streamlining the administrative processes, therefore freeing up valuable time and reducing time burden administrative tasks. AI can also support individuals with learning difficulties, dyslexia and visual impairments alongside non-native English speakers. However, AI is far from being inclusive whilst also raising significant ethical concerns that need to be considered. This podcast episode and article explores all of this and more.

Read the article here:

https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/beyond-the-algorithm-exploring-inclusion-and-diversity-within-ai/

This episode is sponsored by Magic Notes by Beam

Beam is a national leader in tech-enabled welfare services, and created Magic Notes - an AI tool designed by frontline workers to help reduce admin and transform the productivity of frontline teams. The tool creates structured and compliant reports and case studies from recordings of meetings between frontline workers and their clients. Magic Notes was first developed by Beam to support its own frontline teams, before being made available to other frontline workers. It has since been co-developed with frontline practitioners during pilots with several local authorities, including Kingston, Ealing, and Swindon, and is used by over half of all local authority social care teams across the UK.

To find out more visit: https://magicnotes.ai/

Our 2026 conference info & tickets:

https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2026/

Listen to more:

If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like:

· How can AI positively impact education? By Richard Waite: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/how-can-ai-positively-impact-education/

· Active vs passive screen time by Musa Roshdy: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/active-vs-passive-screen-time/

· Using artificial intelligence in early years by Joshua Barr: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/using-artificial-intelligence-in-early-years/

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! 03:30 – Defining & unpicking AI 06:00 – The need for human intelligence 07:00 – Reducing the burden of admin 08:00 – AI reflecting the voice of the individual 10:45 – Using AI for accessability 14:00 – AI and ethics – whose voice is heard? 15:00 – Diversity crisis in technology 18:30 – Changing the narrative around STEM subjects 20:30 – Representing the child's voice 25:00 – The need for training in using AI 30:00 – Using Magic Notes 34:00 – Risk assessing the use of AI 34:45 – The impact on the child and family 37:30 – Changing the gender narrative in tech 39:00 – Closing reflections 40:45 – Further listening & reading

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

The International Baccalaureate (IB) emphasises concept-driven inquiry. In the Primary Years Programme (PYP) learners explore broad and transferable ideas, enabling deeper thinking and application across different contexts. This powerful way of thinking and learning begins with our younger learners who inquire into the world around them and develop conceptual understanding through both educator-led experiences and play.

Read Sue's article here:

https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/elevating-childrens-thinking-conceptual-understanding-through-inquiry-and-play/

This episode is sponsored by the International Baccalaureate:

Founded in 1968, the International Baccalaureate (IB) pioneered a movement of international education and now offers four high quality, challenging educational programmes to students aged 3-19. The IB gives students distinct advantages by providing strong foundations, critical thinking skills, and proficiency for solving complex problems while encouraging multiculturalism, curiosity, and a healthy appetite for learning and excellence. In a world where asking the right questions is as important as discovering answers, the IB champions critical thinking and flexibility in study by crossing disciplinary, cultural, and national boundaries. Supported by world-class educators and coordinators, the IB currently engages with more than two million students in over 5,900 schools across 160 countries.

To find out more visit: https://www.ibo.org/

Our 2026 conference info & tickets:

https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2026/

Listen to more:

If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like:

· Enquiry led learning: A curious classroom by Stuart Cloke – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/enquiry-led-learning-a-curious-classroom/

· What is an early years curriculum? By Jan Dubiel and Ruth Swailes – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/what-is-an-early-years-curriculum/

· The Cornish Curriculum by Mandy Richardson - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/the-cornish-curriculum/

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! 03:00 – What is the International Baccalaureate? 04:30 – What is conceptual understanding? 09:30 – Taking a curious stance as an educator 12:00 – Looking beyond what children are doing 13:30 – Having the time for analysing observations 15:50 – Educator planned inquiries 18:50 – Learning the concept of responsibility 22:30 – Self-expression in different ways 24:30 – A responsive planning process 29:00 – Concepts or skills & facts? 31:00 – Adult extended inquiries 36:00 – Honouring children's thinking 37:00 – Key takeaways

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