Twinkl Private Early Years answers your early years practitioners problems! This episode covers:

• How do you come up with next steps for children?
• How can I make my return to work after maternity leave go well?
• What tips do you have for self-registration?

Want to see more from the Twinkl Private Early Years team? You can find us on Facebook and Instagram. Don't forget to check out our lovely Twinkl EYFS Resources for your day nursery, preschool and all other EYFS settings too!

🎧🎙️ Episode 103 IS NOW LIVE!!! 🎙️🎧

In this episode, we’re joined by Shána Walker and Georgina Young as we dive into the world of schemas and why they matter so much in children’s learning — especially outdoors 🌱

We talk about:

✨ What schemas are and how they show up in children’s play

✨ How the setting and environment influence learning

✨ Why outdoor schemas are so powerful

✨ Real examples of what we’ve seen in practice

✨ What happens when children don’t get these experiences

✨ Our top tips for supporting schemas in meaningful ways

This episode is all about seeing children differently, understanding behaviour as learning, and creating environments that truly support development.

🔗 Follow Georgina’s work and find out more:

👉 Connect with Georgina on Facebook

👉 Follow Georgina on Instagram

👉 Explore Georgina’s website here

Twinkl Private Early Years answers your early years practitioners problems! This episode covers:

• How long should circle time be for toddlers and preschoolers?
• What tips do you have for staff who seem withdrawn and reluctant to join in?
• What are some effective ways to structure peer observations? 

Explore our EYFS Resources:

👉 https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1gkf05

👉 https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/x2xni

👉 https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1a2vqg

Want to see more from the Twinkl Private Early Years team? You can find us on Facebook and Instagram. Don't forget to check out our lovely Twinkl EYFS Resources for your day nursery, preschool and all other EYFS settings too!

🎙️🎧 Episode 101 IS NOW LIVE!!! 🎧🎙️

Join Shána, Michelle and Samantha as they explore what it really means to support toddlers, both at home and in early years settings. Drawing on professional insight and real-world experience, the team discusses how toddlers’ needs differ from younger children, and how adults can respond with confidence, consistency and compassion.

In this episode, we cover:

• Supporting toddlers - how is it different?
• How can routines help toddlers feel safe, settled and ready to learn?
• What can settings do to support toddlers and families when starting an education setting?
• Why is sleep such a common challenge at this age, and how can practitioners support families?
• How can potty training be approached in a way that respects each child’s readiness?
• What role do dummies play in comfort and self-regulation, and when might change be needed?
• How can early years professionals support parent wellbeing during the toddler years?

Whether you’re an early years practitioner, a setting leader, or a parent of a toddler, this episode offers practical guidance, reassurance and plenty of “you’re not alone” moments.

Explore our EYFS Resources:

👉 https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/aa651

👉 https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/18yh7a

👉 https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1fd2pa

👉 https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/10bkfg

Twinkl Private Early Years answers your early years practitioners problems! This episode covers:

• Should nappies be changed by the key person or is a rota best?
• What advice do you have for covering at a different nursery?
• Can I say no to moving rooms?



Want to see more from the Twinkl Private Early Years team? You can find us on Facebook and Instagram. Don't forget to check out our lovely Twinkl EYFS Resources for your day nursery, preschool and all other EYFS settings too!

In this episode, Shána is joined by Laura Brogan, our NEL Phonics Lead, for a deep dive into how children build the foundations for reading through Phase 1 (Level 1) phonics.

Together, they unpack:

🔹 Why pre-phonics skills matter

🔹 The key aspects of Level 1 and how they underpin later phonics success

🔹 What it can look like when Level 1 isn’t fully secured

🔹 How early gaps can affect a child’s progression through other phonics phases

🔹 Laura’s top tips for strengthening early listening, attention, and sound awareness

Whether you’re an early years practitioner, a teacher, or someone supporting children at home, this conversation is packed with practical guidance to help children build a confident start in phonics.

📖 Read more on this topic:

🔗 https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/ctpl5

🎄 Our Christmas Special is LIVE! 🎄

Join Shána, Laura, Lou, and Georgia for a festive edition packed with holiday cheer, hilarious games, and plenty of laughs. Whether you’re wrapping presents, sipping cocoa, or just getting into the Christmas spirit, this episode is the perfect companion.

Tune in now and celebrate the season with us! ✨🎁

Join Shána and Lorna as they dive into the world of setting up your perfect creative craft area!

In this episode, they explore what a creative area truly is, not just painting, but role-play, messy play, small world setups, music corners, malleable play and more.

Twinkl Private Early Years answers your early years practitioners problems! This episode covers:

• How do you keep coming up with Christmas planning ideas for early years?
• What do you think about making Christmas cards and gifts for the children?
• Does your early years setting open between Christmas and New Years?

Want to see more from the Twinkl Private Early Years team? You can find us on Facebook and Instagram. Don't forget to check out our lovely Twinkl EYFS Resources for your day nursery, preschool and all other EYFS settings too!

Shána is joined by Michelle Elliot, Early Years Parents ECL at Twinkl, to explore the vital role of effective communication between educators, parents, and carers. Michelle shares practical insights on how strong partnerships can positively impact a child’s learning and development - from creating open channels of communication to supporting families with the right resources.

We discuss:

• Why clear communication with parents and carers matters in early years settings
• Common barriers and how to overcome them
• Strategies for building trust and collaboration between home and school
• Twinkl EY’s approach to supporting educators and families

Whether you’re an early years practitioner, teacher, or parent, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you strengthen those all-important home–school connections.

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