The Voice of Early Childhood

This article and podcast episode challenges the conventional practice of tummy time, drawing on research from Pikler, Feldenkrais, and Goddard Blythe to argue that babies thrive when allowed to move freely and naturally. It explores how self-initiated movement supports neurological development, reflex integration, and emotional regulation—highlighting the importance of trust, observation, and respectful environments over intervention and milestone-driven practice.

Read the article here:

https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/tummy-time-is-an-outdated-notion/

This episode is sponsored by Pikler UK

Pikler UK promotes the principles of the Pikler® approach: respectful care, free movement development, and self-initiated play in the early years. We offer training and resources for parents and professionals, supporting secure relationships and natural development. Rooted in the work of Dr Emmi Pikler, we nurture trust in each child's competence from the very beginning.

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

The Pikler UK conference:

https://pikler.co.uk/shop/conference-25

Listen to more:

If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like:

· The Pikler Triangle: The tip of the iceberg – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/the-pikler-triangle-the-tip-of-the-iceberg/

· An introduction to Emmi Pikler – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/introduction-emmi-pikler/

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! 01:45 – Reflexes & tummy time 04:00 – School readiness linked to reflexes 06:00 – Is my child behind? 08:50 – Should we help babies to roll over? 11:00 – Building resilience through freedom of movement 13:40 – Development through loving presence 14:30 – How does it feel for the child being rushed to the next step? 18:20 – Learned helplessness 21:00 – Movement as communication & relationship building 25:00 – Containment – restrictive movement 28:00 – Issues arising from containment 30:00 – Pikler UK conference 2025: Born ready 31:20 – Challenging the notion of school readiness

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

In this re-released episode and article David Meechan critically explores the reception baseline assessment (RBA), questioning its purpose, reliability and impact on children, teachers and families. Drawing on his research and personal experience, he highlights practical ways educators and leaders can navigate the RBA while advocating for assessment approaches that truly reflect and support child-centred learning in the early weeks of school.

Read the article here:

https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/whats-the-problem-with-the-reception-baseline-assessment/

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 breakdown:

• 03:30 - How David's work started on the RBA
• 05:50 - Requesting his son's withdrawal from the assessment
• 07:55 - Inconsistencies of withdrawal from the assessment
• 09:30 - Moral issues with assessment and testing
• 11:30 - Research into the baseline assessment
• 14:40 - Signing away a child's data footprint
• 15:57 - The datafication of early years
• 19:00 - Are the children's best interests at heart?
• 20:40 - Taking teachers out of classrooms
• 21:58 - Key findings from David's baseline research
• 23:50 - Treating children as a means to an end
• 27:35 - Making the most of the reception baseline assessment
• 29:00 - A holistic approach to the baseline assessment
• 30:40 - Reliability of the baseline assessment
• 32:00 - Reducing lived experiences to abstract numbers
• 34:15 - Positives taken from the baseline assessment
• 36:00 - Giving value to assessment
• 40:00 - Tips for teachers conducting the baseline assessment

Hear and read more on The Voice of Early Childhood website: www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

Reception teacher Poppy LeMar responds to Bridget Phillipson's claim that "half can't sit still" at age four, explaining that while children can sit briefly, their self-regulation is still developing. She highlights what sitting still actually looks like in a reception classroom, challenges misconceptions, and encourages better understanding between families and educators. She also advocates for inclusion and realistic expectations.

Read the article here:

https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/should-4-year-olds-really-be-expected-to-sit-still-?/

This episode is sponsored by Funding Loop

Funding Loop automates the process for nurseries of collecting funding forms from parents and typing that information into council portals. Funding Loop is used by over 2000 nurseries including over 80% of the top 25 nursery chains in the UK including Busy Bees.

To find out more visit: https://www.fundingloop.co.uk/home

Our 2026 conference info & tickets:

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

You might also like…

· Proactively promoting positive mental health by Matt Bawler – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/proactively-promoting-positive-mental-health/

· Self-regulation, co-regulation & mental health by Dr Mine Conkbayir – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/self-regulation-co-regulation-and-mental-health/

· 'It's not time out, it's time in' for both of us: Co- and self-regulation by Julia Robinson & Charlotte Hannah – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/its-not-time-out-its-time-in-for-both-of-us/

· Understanding neuroscience in early childhood by Mandy Worsley – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/understanding-neuroscience-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 – Welcome! 01:50 – Should 4-year-olds really be expected to sit still? 04:00 – Expectations on starting school 06:30 – Safety requirements 08:00 – From sitting still to sitting safely 11:00 – Sitting still is outdated 12:30 – 'Fidget toys' and sensory resources 16:00 – Putting children at the back of the carpet 18:00 – Negative spaces in the classroom 21:45 – 'Marketing' & reframing as a teacher… 24:00 – Freedom to sit how children want 27:00 – Expectations for learning 28:00 – Engaging in deep play 30:00 – Children struggling to play 34:00 – What is your understanding of school readiness? 38:30 – Preparing your child for school 40:00 – Communication & trust is number 1

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

Screen time isn't inherently passive — or problematic. This article and podcast episode explores the difference between active and passive screen time in early childhood, and how digital play, when used intentionally, can support critical life skills like empathy, resilience, and problem-solving. A balanced, developmental approach can help educators and caregivers make informed choices about children's use of screens.

Read the article here:

https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/active-vs-passive-screen-time/

This episode is sponsored by Nurture

Nurture is an interactive learning app designed for children aged 4–7, developed to teach essential life skills that traditional schools often overlook. Through immersive, story-driven games and a unique dual‑screen experience (mobile/tablet + TV), the platform focuses on mindfulness, emotional regulation, growth mindset, resilience, money smarts, and critical thinking. Built on a science-backed educational framework and crafted by educators, child development experts, and Emmy-winning storytellers, Nurture aims to transform screen time into purposeful play.

To find out more visit: www.nurture.is

Our 2026 conference info & tickets:

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

Listen to more:

If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like:

· Life skills over academic achievement by Carmela Garcia Manas & Zanna Clarke - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/life-skills-over-academic-achievement/

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

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 & introductions 03:30 – Screen time as a concern 05:30 – What does active screen time mean? 07:00 – Digital social environment 08:30 – Gaming as active screen time 13:00 – Musa's role of game design and research 15:00 – Structure & habit of screen time 16:30 – Co-engagement in screen time 19:30 – Games as safe environments to take risks 21:00 – Asking children the right questions 22:00 – Are games similar to books? 24:00 – Agency and co-creation through screen time 25:00 – What is Nurture? 26:30 – Taking screen time offline & into the real world 28:45 – A balanced digital diet: Passive screen time is also valuable 30:00 – Learning consequences in safe spaces 31:00 – Co-regulation through gaming 33:25 – Eye health & screen use 35:00 – Digital wellbeing 36:00 – Digital expression & creativity (toolbox of expression) 37:00 – Tips for parents who are nervous about allowing screen time 38:00 – A digital canyon – falling behind 41:00 – Key takeaways

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

This reflective piece explores how perspectives on risky play have changed over time, highlighting its importance for children's development. Darren Barkhouse draws on personal experiences and cultural comparisons – challenging today's risk-averse attitudes and advocates for supportive environments where children can explore, take risks, and grow. The article and podcast episode invite educators and families to reconsider their own approaches to risk in play.

Read the article here:

https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/changing-perspectives-on-risky-play/

This episode is sponsored by Funding Loop

Funding Loop automates the process for nurseries of collecting funding forms from parents and typing that information into council portals. Funding Loop is used by over 2000 nurseries including over 80% of the top 25 nursery chains in the UK including Busy Bees.

To find out more visit: https://www.fundingloop.co.uk/home

Our 2026 conference info & tickets:

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

Listen to more:

If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like:

· A nature-deficit childhood by Julia Packwood - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/a-nature-deficit-childhood/

· The therapeutic nature of outdoor play by Jenny Smillie - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/the-therapeutic-nature-of-outdoor-play/

· The science behind outdoor play by Dr Gemma Goldenberg - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/author/gemma-goldenberg/

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 & introductions 04:30 – Reflecting back to early experiences of risky play 08:25 – Positive stress situations & building resiliency 13:00 – Controlled learning environments for exploration 18:00 – Teaching children to risk assess for themselves 20:00 – Less risky play or a different type of risky play? 22:00 – Asking why rather than saying no 28:00 – A cultural lens on risky play 34:00 – The power of boredom 35:00 – Control, scaffolding learning & Vygotsky 37:00 – The impacts of media and technology 43:00 – Building relationships and trust 46:00 – Your own toolbox as an educator or parent/carer

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

Transitions are significant milestones in a child's early learning journey, deeply shaping their sense of security, confidence, and readiness to engage with new experiences. Transitions to an early years setting from home and to starting school can be particularly significant periods of time for young children. In this article and podcast episode school improvement officer and director of early years, Delyth Linacre, talks to us about vital considerations for transitions to and within school, including tips for both educators and families.

Read Delyth's article here:

https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/starting-school-supporting-transitions-to-reception-and-key-stage-1/

Download the free transition support PDF's here:

https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/starting-school-supporting-transitions-to-reception-and-key-stage-1/

This episode is sponsored by Funding Loop

Funding Loop automates the process for nurseries of collecting funding forms from parents and typing that information into council portals. Funding Loop is used by over 2000 nurseries including over 80% of the top 25 nursery chains in the UK including Busy Bees.

To find out more visit: https://www.fundingloop.co.uk/home

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 – What are transitions 03:00 – What do transitions look like in your setting? 04:00 – Transition as a process, not an event 05:00 – A gradual and child-centred approach 06:00 – Involving all stakeholders 07:00 – The importance of effective communication 08:00 – Capturing parent and child voice 09:00 – Considering barriers to effective transitions 10:30 – Knowing each individual child 13:40 – Transition plans and building on what the child knows 14:30 – Identifying what is and needs to be the same 15:40 – Peer buddies as transition support 16:30 – Identifying early interventions 18:00 – Transitions from reception to year 1 21:30 – A transition plan spanning the whole reception year 22:00 – Focus on the similarities rather than differences 28:00 – Collaborating across settings and understanding each other's practice 30:45 – How can parents support transitions? 37:00 – Starting reception free support document 37:45 – Books to support transitions 38:20 – Free PDF transition guidance document

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

Children today are spending significantly less time outdoors than just a generation ago and this raises the question for parents and educators to consider, what are the implications of a childhood disconnected from nature? In this article and podcast episode Julia Packwood, early years outdoor specialist, highlights current research and explores how simply spending time outdoors can build the foundations for a healthier and happier childhood.

Read the article here:

https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/a-nature-deficit-childhood/

This episode is sponsored by Funding Loop

Funding Loop automates the process for nurseries of collecting funding forms from parents and typing that information into council portals. Funding Loop is used by over 2000 nurseries including over 80% of the top 25 nursery chains in the UK including Busy Bees.

To find out more visit: https://www.fundingloop.co.uk/home

Listen to more:

If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like:

· The therapeutic nature of outdoor play by Jenny Smillie – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/the-therapeutic-nature-of-outdoor-play/

· The science behind outdoor play series by Dr Gemma Goldenberg – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/author/gemma-goldenberg/

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! 03:45 – What is nature-deficit disorder? 07:00 – Noticeable benefits of being outdoors 09:20 – Reclaiming childhood 12:30 – Risk-benefit analysis 13:45 – What does childhood look like now? 16:55 – Less screen time, more green time 28:15 – Barefoot benefits & grounding 30:20 – Safety sweeps 34:00 – Air quality 37:20 – Conservation 43:50 – Calls to action to government and communities 50:00 – It starts with us reflecting inwards 52:00 – Further reading

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

This article and podcast episode explore the benefits of covering climate change and sustainability in early years settings, for both children and staff. It also outlines England's Department for Education's expectations on nurseries, relating to climate change, and introduce the England's leading environmental education programme for nurseries, 'Eco-Schools: Early Years'.

Read the article here:

https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/how-to-take-the-first-steps-on-your-sustainability-journey/

This episode is sponsored by Keep Britain Tidy.

Keep Britain Tidy is a leading independent environmental charity that works to inspire, educate and enable everyone in this country to value the environment on their doorstep. Keep Britain Tidy includes the programmes Eco-Schools, Eco-Schools: Early Years, the Green Flag Award for parks and green spaces and the Blue Flag/Seaside Awards for beaches, as well as annual campaigns.

To find out more about Eco-Schools: Early Years visit:

https://www.eco-schools.org.uk/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! 02:00 – Children are perfect climate ambassadors 03:20 – Sustainability eco leads 05:40 – Eco-Schools: Early Years 09:30 – Educating the staff and using model nurseries 10:30 – Eco-challenges 12:00 – Involving families 14:45 – Government guidance 17:30 – Climate action plan is a journey 18:00 – Carbon calculator 19:00 – Getting the whole team on board 20:20 – Combatting eco-anxiety 23:00 – Tools to address climate change early 24:00 – Equipping children with language around sustainability 26:00 – Understanding sustainability as part of routines 28:00 – Eco-Schools: Early Years going beyond the EYFS 30:00 – Applications now open for Eco-Schools: Early Years

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

Education consultant Joanne Lo explores how self-reflection and personal wellbeing are essential foundations for effective leadership in schools and early years settings. Drawing on mindfulness and social-emotional learning, she shares practical strategies for fostering resilience, building supportive cultures, and modelling wellbeing as an educational leader.

Read Joanne's article here:

https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/it-starts-with-us-looking-inwards-as-educational-leaders/

This episode is sponsored by Funding Loop

Funding Loop automates the process for nurseries of collecting funding forms from parents and typing that information into council portals. Funding Loop is used by over 2000 nurseries including over 80% of the top 25 nursery chains in the UK including Busy Bees.

To find out more visit: https://www.fundingloop.co.uk/home

Our 2026 conference info & tickets:

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

Listen to more:

If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like:

· Accidental leadership in early years by Jenny Weidner: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/accidental-leadership-in-early-years/

· My experience of burnout as a Black manager by Lorraine Kara: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/my-experience-with-burnout-as-a-black-manager/

· Supporting employee wellbeing by Enya Last: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/supporting-employee-wellbeing/

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 – Introductions 03:00 – Invisible pressures carried by leaders 03:45 – Non-verbal communication 04:30 – Normalising every single emotion 09:00 – Giving yourself permission to just 'be' 10:00 – Noticing how your emotions affect your body 12:00 – Setting goals for the week or day ahead, then reflect 14:00 – Stress-ees becoming stress-ors! 15:00 – Having a sunny disposition 16:30 – Using language that serves you, language of kindness 17:20 – Zone of control 19:00 – Children emotionally checking in with themselves 21:00 – Creating a safe space to just 'be' 23:00 – Reflective practices 24:00 – Checking in with your team 25:30 – How do we 'sell' this to our teams? 26:20 – Flattening the hierarchy & tuning into passions 27:00 – Connecting with each team member 28:00 – Toxic vs positive culture examples 29:00 – Creating a climate of belonging 31:00 – What are we doing that isn't supporting our teams? 33:00 – Understanding different cultural contexts 33:45 – Observing your teams as well as children 35:00 – Seeking to understand before judging 35:50 – Body language stats! 38:45 – As a leader you are developing people 40:00 – There's always a way to handle stress & difficult conversations 40:25 – When you're in charge you often neglect yourself 42:00 – 2-minute check-ins 42:45 – You can choose to be toxic or positive 44:00 – Shifting from how we were, to how we will be 44:45 – Building relational trust 45:20 – Equipping our feelings with vocabulary 46:30 – Joanne's childhood & professional journey 53:00 – Children's summer camps 54:00 – Asking for permission to help & allowing time 59:00 – Episode reflections 01:00:00 – Enquire about working with Joanne

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

Childhood trauma, often referred to as 'complex' or 'developmental' trauma, is extremely common but is not often discussed in the context of our work as early childhood educators. And yet, children are showing up to our settings/programs every day carrying the weight of these circumstances and, according to research, a trajectory of negative health outcomes for the lifespan as a result. But Mary Hewitt shares with us that there is hope: early positive relationships and experiences with informed educators have the power to protect, buffer, and even reverse the devastating impacts of childhood trauma.

This episode is sponsored by Mangotree Kids.

Mangotree Kids provides African drumming programs and inclusive toys and educational resources which promote the beauty of culture. Our main focus is enhancing the quality and diversity of products that represent Black children, ensuring they see themselves and their culture reflected in the toys they play with.

Our Jolly Djembe Club workshop introduces nursery children to the art of Djembe drumming in a fun and engaging way, and promotes wellbeing through our Rhythmic Meditation exercise. The program ends with a wonderful parents showcase. Mangotree Kids also provides a stress relief program called Beat the Stress for nursery staff.

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

Read Mary's article here:

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

Our 2026 conference info & tickets:

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

You might also like…

- Proactively promoting positive mental health by Matt Bawler – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/proactively-promoting-positive-mental-health/

- Self-regulation, co-regulation & mental health by Dr Mine Conkbayir – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/self-regulation-co-regulation-and-mental-health/

- 'It's not time out, it's time in' for both of us: Co- and self-regulation by Julia Robinson & Charlotte Hannah – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/its-not-time-out-its-time-in-for-both-of-us/

- Understanding neuroscience in early childhood by Mandy Worsley – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/understanding-neuroscience-in-early-childhood/

Share your voice:

Do you have a topic or guest you would like to hear on the podcast? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/

Episode break down:

00:00 – Welcome! 03:00 – Topic warning – A difficult conversation 03:45 – What is trauma? 07:30 – How do traumas show up as behaviours? 08:40 – Trading connection for protection 10:00 – Dissociation – Shutting down & disconnecting 11:20 – Arousal response – Fight or flight mode, aggressive state & confrontation 12:45 – Examples of traumatic experiences 17:00 – Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) research 21:00 – Effects of trauma on the body and brain 22:00 – Survival brain taking over – Stress response is maladaptive 24:00 – Mary's personal ACEs story 26:00 – Positive childhood experiences (PCEs) 31:00 – Elevated stress response – Living in high alert 36:00 – Floodlight approach 39:00 – Educators as agents of protection and buffers 42:00 – Rhythm and heartbeat – First sign of safety 43:30 – Drumming as co-regulation & eliciting a sense of safety 47:00 – Music & movement to elicit PCEs 48:30 – Rhythm of your day – A sense of safety 50:00 – Side by side rather than face to face 52:00 – Stage-like approach to regulation 55:00 – Removing the shame & therefore resistance 01:00:00 – 'Little big moments' 01:02:00 – Feeling seen, heard & that you matter 01:04:00 – The lasting impact educators have on children 01:07:00 – Further reading 01:09:30 – Key takeaways & related podcast episodes

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