TTS Educators' Podcast

Alistair Bryce-Clegg is joined again by Debs Davies, a coach and consultant who is committed to helping create affirming and inclusive environments where neurodivergent people can be valued. In this episode, Alistair and Debs discuss ADHD and how educators can become more aware of it, recognising that it presents itself in various ways beyond common stereotypes.  

They emphasise that understanding and addressing ADHD isn't about planning a separate curriculum for neurodivergent children but rather creating inclusive spaces that benefit all students. Debs explains that ADHD is related to executive function challenges, like planning, organising, and self-regulation, which everyone experiences to some extent. Still, neurodivergent individuals struggle with these more intensely and frequently. 

The discussion delves into the importance of reducing distractions and tailoring environments to support different learning styles. They also discuss early diagnosis and highlight that many high-performing individuals in various fields have ADHD, demonstrating that neurodivergent children can be high achievers. 

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(The views expressed throughout this podcast are the speakers' own, and TTS does not take responsibility for the views and guidance highlighted as part of this recording.)  

Please note: When referencing the speakers views, theory and work for development of your own materials, please ensure academic reference of the speaker is cited. 

Alistair Bryce-Clegg is joined by Debs Davies, a coach and consultant who is committed to helping create affirming and inclusive environments where neurodivergent people can be valued. In this episode, Alistair and Debs introduce the topic of ADHD through an inclusive lens. 

Debs discusses her late ADHD diagnosis and her journey to becoming an ADHD coach after a career in the corporate world and education. The podcast explores the importance of recognising and understanding neurodivergent children's needs in early years settings. Debs and Alistair emphasise the significance of moving away from traditional, limiting teaching practices and creating more inclusive environments for all children.  

The conversation highlights how neurodivergent children, especially those with ADHD, may have unique learning needs that require a different approach to help them thrive. The episode encourages practitioners to question their approaches and provide support tailored to individual children's learning styles.  

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(The views expressed throughout this podcast are the speakers' own, and TTS does not take responsibility for the views and guidance highlighted as part of this recording.)  

Please note: When referencing the speakers views, theory and work for development of your own materials, please ensure academic reference of the speaker is cited. 

In this final episode on the topic of emotional regulation and resilience, Alistair Bryce-Clegg and Samantha Dholakia delve into the significant aspects of emotional regulation. 

Sam and Alistair explore practical ideas to aid children in regulating their emotions and energy levels throughout the day, including key concepts such as creating accessible spaces for children to engage in high-energy releases and providing diverse options to manage their emotions effectively.  

The conversation highlights the significance of nurturing habits that foster emotional awareness and resilience in both children and adults. 

To learn more about Samantha Dholakia’s work, visit https://spdtuitionandcoaching.co.uk/ 

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(The views expressed throughout this podcast are the speakers' own, and TTS does not take responsibility for the views and guidance highlighted as part of this recording.)  

Please note: When referencing the speakers views, theory and work for development of your own materials, please ensure academic reference of the speaker is cited. 

Alistair Bryce-Clegg is joined once again by Samantha Dholakia, a renowned Behaviour and Oracy Specialist, Consultant Trainer, and Creator of The Balance System©. In this podcast episode, Alistair and Sam discuss the importance of co-regulation to create a safe and connected environment. 

Sam discusses how adults' regulation, energy levels, and mood influence the emotional atmosphere in the setting or classroom. She shares her personal experience of how her high energy level affected her classroom dynamics and stresses the need for adults to be aware of their own emotions and regulate them, as children naturally mirror the adults around them. 

The conversation delves into the concept of checking in with children's emotions and energy levels. Sam and Alistair discuss the significance of helping children articulate their feelings, moving beyond simple labels, and exploring where the children want to be emotionally. They advocate for ongoing check-ins and a process-oriented approach, rather than just identifying emotions at a specific moment. 

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(The views expressed throughout this podcast are the speakers' own, and TTS does not take responsibility for the views and guidance highlighted as part of this recording.)  

Please note: When referencing the speakers views, theory and work for development of your own materials, please ensure academic reference of the speaker is cited. 

Alistair Bryce-Clegg is joined once again by Samantha Dholakia, a renowned Behaviour and Oracy Specialist, Consultant Trainer, and Creator of The Balance System©. Join them for an engaging discussion on emotional intelligence in early years education.  

Sam expresses her belief that emotional intelligence is a vital skill to impart to the little learners, as it underpins their actions, thoughts, and responses. They discuss the importance of self-awareness, self-regulation, effective communication, and social skills in a child's emotional development. The conversation delves into the significance of understanding emotional regulation and how it contributes to building resilience in young children. 

The conversation also touches on the role of the learning environment, emphasising the need for a balanced, supportive space that allows for self-expression and independence. Sam advocates for a shift from traditional reward-based systems to fostering collaboration and intrinsic motivation, ultimately aiming for a more effective and emotionally attuned education system. 

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(The views expressed throughout this podcast are the speakers' own, and TTS does not take responsibility for the views and guidance highlighted as part of this recording.)  

Please note: When referencing the speakers views, theory and work for development of your own materials, please ensure academic reference of the speaker is cited. 

Alistair Bryce-Clegg is joined by Samantha Dholakia, a renowned Behaviour and Oracy Specialist, Consultant Trainer, and Creator of The Balance System©. In this episode, Alistair and Samantha introduce the topic of emotional intelligence and regulation in the Early Years. 

Samantha and Alistair raise the need to coach behaviour rather than simply managing it, advocating for a deeper understanding of how children process and express emotions. The episode also highlights the accelerated brain development in early years and the necessity of establishing strong neurological foundations for effective emotional regulation. 

Throughout the discussion, the pair challenge conventional norms of compliance. They discuss creating conducive environments that encourage authentic engagement and promote intrinsic motivation. 

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(The views expressed throughout this podcast are the speakers' own, and TTS does not take responsibility for the views and guidance highlighted as part of this recording.)  

Please note: When referencing the speakers views, theory and work for development of your own materials, please ensure academic reference of the speaker is cited. 

Alistair Bryce-Clegg is joined by Kate Moxley, an Early Years consultant, trainer and speaker for the final episode on the topic of emotional connection and wellbeing. Alistair and Kate bring together everything discussed so far and focus on the practical tips for putting wellbeing at the centre of early years settings.  

In this episode, Kate stresses the importance of reflective practice and how it can create a culture where wellbeing is prioritised. Kate and Alistair discuss the barriers that often hinder reflection and vulnerability in the workplace, such as a lack of appropriate training, and the need for leaders and managers to encourage reflection. 

They highlight the need for leaders to model good wellbeing practices and how this can positively influence the team. The conversation also covers the value of self-care, professional boundaries, and the importance of recognising one's strengths and areas for development. The episode encourages a shift from overworking and seeking external validation to embracing one's worth and wellbeing. It concludes with a call to action for the early years sector to collectively advocate for better wellbeing and respect in the profession. 

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(The views expressed throughout this podcast are the speakers' own, and TTS does not take responsibility for the views and guidance highlighted as part of this recording.)  

Please note: When referencing the speakers views, theory and work for development of your own materials, please ensure academic reference of the speaker is cited. 

Alistair Bryce-Clegg is joined by Kate Moxley, an Early Years consultant, trainer and speaker, to delve into the importance of fostering wellbeing within early childhood education teams.  

Kate stresses the need to address mental health in the early childhood education sector, breaking the stigma around it, and highlighting that both educators and children have mental health needs. The episode encourages open conversations and caring for the wellbeing of both the team and the children they serve. 

 Alistair and Kate also touch on the challenges of managing work-life balance, setting boundaries, and the importance of practicing self-care. They advocate for more honesty and openness within the profession to create a healthier, more supportive environment for both educators and children. 

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(The views expressed throughout this podcast are the speakers' own, and TTS does not take responsibility for the views and guidance highlighted as part of this recording.)  

Please note: When referencing the speakers views, theory and work for development of your own materials, please ensure academic reference of the speaker is cited. 

Alistair Bryce-Clegg is joined once again by Kate Moxley, an Early Years consultant, trainer and speaker specialising in wellbeing and mental health. In this episode of the TTS Talking Early Years podcast, Alistair and Kate delve into the importance of establishing a sense of belonging and connection for children in early years settings.  

They discuss the significance of secure bonds and connections, emphasising the need to understand each child's individuality, including their likes, dislikes, cultural background, and unique experiences. Kate stresses the importance of recognising that children's behaviour often stems from emotional responses they struggle to articulate.  

They also touch on the need for educators to continually learn and adapt, embracing new approaches that foster children's wellbeing, emotional regulation, and a sense of belonging in their learning environments. The conversation emphasises that children can't be what they can't see, and it's the responsibility of educators to provide an inclusive, safe, and nurturing space that values every child's identity and needs. 

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(The views expressed throughout this podcast are the speakers' own, and TTS does not take responsibility for the views and guidance highlighted as part of this recording.)  

Please note: When referencing the speakers views, theory and work for development of your own materials, please ensure academic reference of the speaker is cited. 

Alistair Bryce-Clegg is joined by Kate Moxley, an Early Years consultant, trainer and speaker specialising in wellbeing and mental health. Over the next four episodes, the pair focus on emotional connection and wellbeing in early years settings. 

In this episode, they discuss the need for practitioners to focus on fostering a sense of wellbeing in both children and themselves.  They highlight the challenges faced by educators during periods of transition, such as the start of a new school year, the impact of COVID-19 on children's socialisation, and the need for a shift in priorities from policy-driven outcomes to child-centred care.  

Kate stresses the importance of creating a nurturing, safe, and engaging environment to support children's wellbeing and how practitioners should dedicate time to build strong relationships with children. The episode explores how educators can protect their energy, collaborate as a team, and make wellbeing the heart of their early childhood settings. 

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(The views expressed throughout this podcast are the speakers' own, and TTS does not take responsibility for the views and guidance highlighted as part of this recording.)  

Please note: When referencing the speakers views, theory and work for development of your own materials, please ensure academic reference of the speaker is cited.