ABC Does...Authenticity in Early Years

6 snips

Oct 5, 2025

Alistair Bryce-Clegg, an esteemed international early years consultant and author, delves into the essence of authentic early years education. He emphasizes the importance of honoring children's natural developmental rhythms rather than adhering to rigid schedules. Alistair advocates for shifting from curriculum delivery to fostering authentic growth, showcasing how observer practices can enhance learning experiences. He also discusses the profound impact of joyful, quality play in early childhood, illustrating that respecting real development is not just beneficial but essential.

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INSIGHT

Research vs Policy Tension

Early years practice cycles between research-backed play approaches and policy-driven pressure toward rigid targets.
This tension leaves classroom reality often far from what developmental science recommends.

ADVICE

Be Teacher, Not Just Deliverer

Move from being a 'deliverer' of schemes to an empowered teacher who understands pedagogy.
Build practitioner knowledge so schemes support rather than drive classroom decisions.

INSIGHT

Development Is Nonlinear

Child development is not linear; expecting all children to reach milestones at the same time is unrealistic.
Applying one-size-fits-all targets at age five ignores natural variation across development.

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In this inspiring episode, we explore what it really means to honour the natural rhythm of child development in early years. From the atmosphere of the classroom to the cadence of children’s days, we ask: what happens when we give ourselves permission to start trusting what we know about how children actually grow?

We reflect on the truth that underpins so much of quality early years and child development - that children don't develop on a fixed timetable. They don’t all crawl in March, walk in April, or read by July!

What we come back to, time and time again, is this: respecting the authenticity of child development, grounded in current science and research, is not just ideal - it's essential.

In This Episode, You’ll Discover:

• Your call to action: shift from delivering curriculums to creating the conditions where authentic development can unfold (fabulously flourishing children!)

• Why the rhythm of a child’s day matters more than rigid schedules and how to honour it in real classrooms

• What developmental science really tells us about learning timelines – hope you’re not expecting a straight line!

• How to tune into the feel of the classroom, give great value to 'noticing' and use simple tools for reflection and change

• Practical ways to resist a one-size-fits-all model and reclaim responsive, respectful, authentic early years practice: yes to being a Teacher, not a 'deliverer!'

…and why respecting real child development might be the most radical (and research-informed) thing you can do.

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.

I know this episode will inspire you to know more and to connect further with Dr. Alistair Bryce-Clegg, EY consultant, author, trainer and a passionate advocate for play.

Check out Alistair's website - abcdoes.com head to ‘contact us’ and you will find social media links plus Alistair’s direct email address. What are you waiting for?