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.

Follow Twinkl Parents on: Facebook - Instagram - Website - TikTok

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

• What should we do with a staff member who is refusing to change nappies?
• I haven’t interviewed for years, what should I expect?
• Should we ban Halloween in early years settings?

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!

Join Shána, Julia and Lou as they dive into nutrition in the Early Years. They’ll be chatting through recent changes, what this means for your setting, and practical ways to support parents, carers and children with healthy choices.

Whether you’re looking for ideas to share with families or guidance on mealtimes in your provision, this episode is full of useful insights and tips.

In the last couple of weeks, Ofsted have released the newest inspection framework, early years toolkits and held online briefings to share more details. Changes are coming in November 2025 so join the Twinkl Private Early Years team as they discuss some of what’s coming:

• Changes to inspection day
• Prioritising inclusion
• Focussing on wellbeing
• Inspection timelines

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!

💬 How do we protect our wellbeing in the busy world of Early Years?

Shána and Becky explore strategies for setting boundaries, regaining balance and feeling more in control, both inside and outside the classroom.

✨ Alongside the episode, we’re sharing a Wellbeing Calendar for Practitioners plus a simple Things to Look Forward To jar craft, both designed to give you little boosts throughout the term.

Want to take the conversation further? Don’t miss our upcoming TeachMeet.

Twinkl Private Early Years answers your early years practitioners problems all around the new EYFS 2025 and safeguarding reforms! This episode covers:

• How long should outdoor play be?
• What are your opinions of completing paper in the work whilst the children are present?
• How useful do you find supply staff?

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!