The Voice of Early Childhood

When most people hear the term Pikler their thoughts go to the Pikler triangle, a piece of equipment designed for climbing. When used appropriately this opens up opportunities for the very young to explore the edges of their physicality. The Pikler triangle could also be seen as a metaphor for the opportunities the Pikler approach provides to the relationship between children, their physical development and play – which this podcast episode and article delve into.

Read Charlotte's and Rachel's article here:

https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/the-pikler-triangle-the-tip-of-the-iceberg/

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/

Pikler UK conference: https://pikler.co.uk/events

Read more:

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! 02:00 – What is the Pikler approach? 06:00 – The Pikler triangle: A deeper meaning 10:00 – School readiness & an overly hurried approach 12:00 – What can your child ALREADY do? 15:00 – The specific design of the Pikler triangle 18:00 – Independence, risk taking & autonomy 22:15 – Teaching for the future 24:00 – Careful observation for risky play & challenge 30:00 – The attitude of the adult 38:00 – Reducing judgement & supporting intrinsic motivation 41:00 – Self-esteem, confidence & 'readiness' 43:45 – Pikler UK conference 46:45 – Is tummy time good for children? – Episode coming soon 48:00 – Read more on Emmi Pikler & the Pikler triangle

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

Do you want to know how to build a sustainable and successful early years brand to underpin your early years business? From sector insights to interesting case studies and practical advice – this article and podcast episode are a great point of reference for those who are starting out as well as those long-established providers who are looking to stand the test of time.

Read Harry's article here:

https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/building-a-lasting-early-years-brand/

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 some of our other business focused episodes:

· Navigating the realities of business ownership in the early years – Dr Jane Todd – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/navigating-the-realities-of-business-ownership-in-the-early-years-sector/

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

Plus hear and read more on men in early childhood: 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 – Welcome! 03:30 – The difference between a business and a brand 08:00 – Being a trustworthy brand 12:30 – Transparency and brand buy in 22:00 – Brand and recruitment 24:30 – A brand that appeals across generations 26:00 – Tips for sharing your brand 26:45 – Employee generated content 28:00 – Structuring your business adverts 34:30 – Consistency, time and investment are key 36:00 – Brand longevity and corporate branding

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

Words hold a lot of power for children, they shape who they are and who they become. Yet 41% of children experience verbal abuse by adults, which can lead to lasting damage. Jessica Bondy, founder of Words Matter, discusses how by using positive, encouraging language we can build a child's confidence and help them flourish. Let's build children up with our words, not knock them down. Words matter.

Read Jessica's article here:

https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/the-power-of-words-how-adult-language-shapes-a-childs-future/

This episode is in partnership with Words Matter:

At Words Matter, we are committed to creating societal and behavioural change by addressing and ending childhood verbal abuse. We know that most adults don't intend to harm children with their words - but many underestimate the lasting impact they can have. Help us inspire action and make a difference to children's lives today and for years to come.

Visit www.wordsmatter.org for support, guidance, and resources to help create a world where children hear the words that build them up – not knock them down.

Listen to more:

If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like:

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

· Growth mindset in early childhood – Matt Bawler – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/growth-mindset-in-early-childhood-2/

· Supporting behaviour: Reaction vs response – Cheryl Warren – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/supporting-behaviour-reaction-vs-response/

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 – Ending verbal abuse of children by adults 05:00 – What do you want your legacy to be? 08:00 – The power of reaching out & collaboration 10:00 – Research into child verbal abuse 11:30 – Unintentional abuse with huge impacts 14:00 – Top 5 most hurtful phrases 15:00 – The most helpful phrases: Growth mindset 17:00 – 5 ways of supporting children through our language 20:00 – Not criticising the person but the behaviour 21:40 – The power of the pause 22:20 – Repair: It is never too late to put things right 24:00 – Breaking the cycle of abusive language 29:00 – Triggers from childhood 33:00 – Self-protection & fight or flight 35:00 – Children remember how adults label them 36:00 – Supporting children with neurodivergence 39:00 – Verbal abuse is not just about shouting 39:45 – Reflections to takeaway & further resources

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

We do not need a 'free from' diet when it comes to providing young children with emotional wellbeing and support. In the early years children need a safe space to experience, articulate, and process emotions – there is no such thing as a 'bad emotion'; they all have their role to play. Behaviour and emotional regulation coach Samantha Dholakia talks us through why children need the full 'emotional diet'.

Read Samantha's article here:

https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/the-full-emotional-diet-finding-emotional-balance-in-the-early-years/

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

Episode break down:

00:00 – Welcome! 02:50 – We focus too much on calming children down 05:00 – Each emotion has a different job 08:00 – Let's unpick the anger, rather than saying 'don't be angry' 11:45 – Teaching children about their brain, emotions and THEN behaviour 13:45 – Allowing children to feel their own emotions 18:00 – Having language to understand and describe the emotion 22:30 – Are we projecting our own dysregulation on children? 26:45 – Up and down-regulation: Both are vital 29:00 – Is this emotion helping you right now? 32:00 – Having conversations about emotions with children 33:00 – We don't usually experience one emotion at a time 35:00 – Energetic behaviour is actually useful before bed 37:00 – Matching energy is useful (not matching emotion) 39:00 – Meeting children where they are at 39:45 – Disengagement – sometimes you need to lean into this 41:00 – We don't just run out of energy, we can generate energy too 40:00 – Emotionally refuelling 43:00 – Getting to an active state of learning 46:00 – Further reading and listening material 48:00 – Wider societal implications of this work

If you enjoyed this episode and would like to listen to more, take a look at the following episodes:

Samantha's previous episode – Should we punish and reward children's behaviour – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/should-we-punish-and-reward-childrens-behaviour/

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

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

The Durham research project episode with Jill Jones and Rebecca Martin on Supporting regulation in the early years: A progressive approach – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/supporting-regulation-in-the-early-years-a-progressive-approach/

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

Ryan Bradshaw emphasises the importance of fostering a sense of belonging in early childhood education. He shares his personal journey and experiences, highlighting the impact of belonging for both children and educators. Ryan advocates for greater male representation in the early years sector and discusses ways in which professionals can cultivate connection, belonging and promote diversity.

Read Ryan's article here:

https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/cultivating-a-sense-of-belonging/

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:

What is it like being a man in early years? – Kevin Nelson https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/what-is-it-like-being-a-man-in-early-childhood/

Exploring career challenges for male educators in early childhood – Mattie Paul Winfield https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/exploring-career-challenges-for-male-educators-in-early-childhood/

Plus hear and read more on men in early childhood: 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 – Welcome! 02:30 – A sense of belonging for adults 08:30 – Psychological safety 10:30 – Finding who you are as a person 13:00 – Fear of rejection 14:30 – A world without labels 16:00 – It's ok not to fit into a space 15:00 – Children feeling psychologically safe 20:00 – Giving freedom to children with SEND 23:00 – Feeling seen and heard 26:00 – Fostering connection 29:00 – Leaders feeling safety and belonging 34:00 – Create your own space to belong 34:30 – We don't just teach we transform

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

In this episode…

Mandy Richardson, owner of Naturally Learning nurseries in Cornwall, talks to us about how she created the Cornish Curriculum with her team. Mandy shares with us the details of her curriculum and some challenges along the way, including challenging Ofsted, practicalities of an outdoor nursery, defining what school readiness means to you, the 'Cornish Connection', teaching diversity in a 'non-diverse' area, authentic cultural representation and more…

Read Mandy's article here:

https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/the-cornish-curriculum/

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:

· Early years curriculum: Provision for 2-year-olds – Charlotte Norman: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-curriculum-provision-for-2-year-olds/

· It's not really about dinosaurs: What are children learning from your curriculum – Jan Dubiel: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-curriculum/

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

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

· Education Durham curriculum project: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/projects/education-durham-project/

· Early years curriculum: Building sequences of learning – Paige Hutchinson: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-curriculum-building-sequences-of-learning/

· Early years curriculum: Building sequences of learning – Paige Hutchinson: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-curriculum-building-sequences-of-learning/

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 – Naturally Learning settings in Cornwall 03:55 – The 'Cornish Connection' 06:00 – Challenging Ofsted 07:45 – Where do we begin when structuring a curriculum? 10:00 – Inspiration from the Fibonacci sequence 12:00 – The 7 areas of the Cornish Curriculum 14:00 – What does school readiness mean to you? 16:00 – How can we be diverse in a 'non-diverse' area? 18:00 – Authentic cultural representation 21:00 – Building the foundations of respect & curiosity 22:40 – Pedagogy or curriculum? 28:00 – Skills vs knowledge 31:00 – Practicalities of an outdoor nursery 32:50 – Risk assessing with children 35:00 – Risks that have been assessed

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

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to revolutionise various sectors, including early childhood education. This podcast episode and article explore how AI can positively impact nurseries, schools and wider early education.

Key discussion points include:

· The role of AI in its current form and the future of AI.

· AI guiding us and informing our practice, rather than doing all the work for us.

· Both educators and children becoming more digitally attuned.

· Understanding how AI can support our own human intelligence.

Read Richard's article here:

https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/how-can-ai-positively-impact-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:

· Promoting STEAM in early years: It's easier than you think! – Paula Walshe https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/promoting-steam-in-early-years-its-easier-than-you-think/

· Infant sleep and the role of technology in parenting – Ryan White https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/infant-sleep-and-the-role-of-technology-in-parenting/

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

Plus hear and read more on men in early childhood: 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 – Topic introduction 02:30 – Who is Richard Waite? 06:20 – So what actually is AI? 08:00 – The fear factor in AI 10:20 – Using AI as a tool for admin 12:40 – Supporting children with specific needs 14:30 – Let AI guide you, not replace you 17:20 – Human intelligence and artificial intelligence 22:60 – AI hallucinating & human error 24:50 – Challenges around embracing AI 29:30 – Preparing children for the future 34:20 – How can AI help you?

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

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 27th June 2025 for one day of insightful content, discussion and networking for the early years sector, plus access to industry leaders, suppliers and providers.

Find out more here: https://nurserymanagementshow.co.uk/tickets?utm_campaign=56071396-Nursery%20Management%20Show%20Birmingham%202025&utm_source=voice-of-early-childhood

In this episode…

Registered nutritionist Catherine Lippe and early years writer Charlotte Goddard look at what drives fussy eating, and give practical strategies on how to support children to try new foods without pressure.

Read Charlotte's and Catherine's article here:

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 – Welcome! 02:00 – New nutrition guidance document 06:40 – Fussy eating and food refusal 09:45 – Eating is a highly sensory & emotive process 11:00 – Food neophobia 13:00 – Accepted and non-accepted foods 15:00 – Food refusal is not your fault 17:10 – Responsive feeding vs controlling feeding 22:20 – Rolling snack & self-serving 24:45 – So should we scrap set meal times? 29:50 – Responding to emotional cues and signals 32:00 – Allow children to self-regulate their appetite 33:20 – Supporting children to try new foods 36:00 – Getting parents involved 36:35 – Equipping children with vocabulary around food 39:40 – Treats, puddings, sweet after savoury… 43:20 – Using food as a reward 47:00 – Leave your feelings about food at the door 48:30 – Keep language around food factual rather than emotional 52:00 – More on nutrition at the Nursery Management Show 54:35 – Article on nutrition for young children

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

More school-based nursery provision has been initiated within schools as part of the UK Government's focus on early years. In this podcast episode we discuss concerns around school-based nurseries, mindful care, respectful sleep spaces, ethical pedagogy, Schoolification, knowledgeable adults, nurturing and collaborative approaches…

We also ask the pertinent questions:

- Are schools ready for two-year-olds?

- How can we collaborate to best support two-year-olds in any setting?

- Are we aware of our own moral stances and consider ethical practices?

- Where IS the best place for two-year-olds?

Read Cassie's article here:

https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/advocating-for-two-year-olds

Download the free guides: 'Ready for twos' and 'All about twos' –

https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/advocating-for-two-year-olds-guides/

If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like:

Early years curriculum: Provision for two-year-olds by Charlotte Norman:

https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-curriculum-provision-for-2-year-olds/

Get in touch and share your thoughts:

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

Episode break down:

00:00 – Welcome! 02:20 – Why is there currently a big focus on two-year-olds? 05:50 – The 'schoolification' of early years 07:20 – Is it appropriate for two-year-olds to be in schools? 10:10 – How can schools be ready for two-year-olds? 16:00 – A nurturing and collaborative approach 20:30 – Risks of becoming a fragmented sector 21:30 – Local networks and Stronger Practice Hubs 26:00 – The importance of 'thinking time' and slowing down 27:00 – Reaching out to local settings and arranging visits 36:00 – Ethical practice and political advocacy 38:45 – Episode summary 39:50 – Free downloadable guides on working with two-year-olds 40:50 – Provision for two-year-olds project: Further listening/reading

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

This episode is sponsored by Mimic Motion.

Introducing Mimic Motion: The Ultimate Baby Sleep Solution

For generations, parents have relied on car rides to lull their babies to sleep. The gentle hum of the engine, the rhythmic motion of the road, and the soothing vibrations create the perfect environment for a peaceful nap. But what if you could recreate that magic at home? Enter Mimic Motion, the baby sleep aid designed to bring the car ride experience directly to your nursery.

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

In this episode…

We dive into a conversation around baby tech, sleep, and innovation — and asking some critical questions along the way. We speak with the founder of Mimic Motion, discussing the role of technology in parenting – specifically around aiding sleep, and ultimately creating an optimal sleeping environment for babies – whether that is for your baby at home, or in an educational, care or health setting.

We acknowledge that tech in parenting, and education and care is a layered topic — full of potential, but also full of health related, developmental and ethical questions.

Read Ryan's article here:

https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/infant-sleep-and-the-role-of-technology-in-parenting/

Get in touch and share your thoughts:

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

Episode break down:

00:00 – Welcome! 01:50 – Tech in parenting is a layered topic 02:20 – An immersive car travel simulator for babies! 03:30 – The soothing nature of car travel 5:00 – Parent sleep deprivation 06:40 – How does Mimic work? 09:00 – The negatives of car seats 11:00 – Sleep safety standards 13:00 – Product testing and feedback 14:40 – Artificial intelligence aiding sleep 16:45 – Sleep monitoring and tracking systems 19:30 – Data privacy considerations 22:50 – Affordability and accessibility 24:30 – Typical use and age 26:00 – Is human interaction being reduced? 28:20 – Personalised responsive care for babies 31:50 – Next steps for Mimic Motion 32:20 – Investment raising and pilot testing 34:30 – Seeking advice from health and education professionals 38:50 – Episode summary 39:30 – Get in touch, share your thoughts…

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