In this eye-opening episode, we dive into what it really means to support attention and focus in the early years, not by demanding silence or stillness, but by understanding the science behind how young children’s brains actually work.
Joined by leading neuroscientist Professor Sam Wass, we explore key ideas from his brilliant book Take Action on Distraction. Together, we unpack what’s really going on when children ‘lose focus,’ how stress (yours and theirs!) plays a surprising role, and how we can move away from blame and into strategies that build regulation, connection and resilience for both children and adults.
This is your invitation to step into your role with awareness, empathy and intention, not as someone who manages behaviour, but as someone who shapes the conditions for deep, joyful, sustained engagement.
This conversation will leave you feeling informed, empowered, and ready to take action on distraction.
In This Episode, You’ll Discover:
- Your call to action: shift from managing distraction to creating the conditions where deep focus and joyful learning can thrive
- How attention actually works and how to strengthen it in everyday practice
- Whether we can truly ‘train’ children to concentrate (the answer might surprise you!)
- The role of stress, co-regulation, and adult presence in supporting attention
- Why predictability, rhythm and routines are essential – and what really matters most
- How to ‘notice more and intervene less’ to grow autonomy and resilience
- What research really says about screen time, overstimulation and attention overload
…and that’s just the start!
I'm Michelle Hague, founder of HEYD (Early Years School Improvement Specialists) and the Early Years Impact podcast. You can contact me directly: michellehague@heyd.uk, or visit heyd.co.uk where you will find more details about our coaching offer plus our sponsors KCS.co.uk.
I know this episode will inspire you to know more and to connect further with Prof. Sam Wass, Director, Institute for the Science of Early Years.
Web: www.profsamwass.com / www.isey.org/ www.nestkids.co.uk / www.mee.dev
Instagram @profsamwass/@isey_uel
Twitter: @profsamwass/@ISEY_uel
Bluesky: @profsamwass.bsky.social
LinkedIn - personal: www.linkedin.com/in/sam-wass-987513202/;
ISEY: https://www.linkedin.com/company/107254666/
NEW BOOK: Take Action on Distraction - The definitive guide to improving attention and focus in the Early Years and Key Stage
