

TTS Talking Early Years
TTS
COMING SOON: Series 6 - SEN in the Early Years 👀
Welcome to the TTS Talking Early Years Podcast. Each week, we’ll be joined by guest experts, early years practitioners, and our in-house educational experts as we discuss everything Early Years!
SIGN-UP NOW with your email address and be the first to hear about our brand new podcast episodes. Plus, unlock access to exclusive content, personalised resource recommendations, and amazing offers.
We’ll be sharing practical guidance and inspiration for your settings, signposting you to relevant resources, and providing exclusive supporting content that will help you inspire the next generation of learners. Our bitesize episodes are the perfect addition to your morning routine or evening downtime, so grab yourself a cup of tea and get comfortable as we unlock the potential for learning in the Early Years.
🛒 To shop for resources relevant to the topics discussed in this podcast, visit the TTS website here.
Welcome to the TTS Talking Early Years Podcast. Each week, we’ll be joined by guest experts, early years practitioners, and our in-house educational experts as we discuss everything Early Years!
SIGN-UP NOW with your email address and be the first to hear about our brand new podcast episodes. Plus, unlock access to exclusive content, personalised resource recommendations, and amazing offers.
We’ll be sharing practical guidance and inspiration for your settings, signposting you to relevant resources, and providing exclusive supporting content that will help you inspire the next generation of learners. Our bitesize episodes are the perfect addition to your morning routine or evening downtime, so grab yourself a cup of tea and get comfortable as we unlock the potential for learning in the Early Years.
🛒 To shop for resources relevant to the topics discussed in this podcast, visit the TTS website here.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 18, 2025 • 16min
Episode 14 | Language and Number sense with Rob Jennings
Rob Jennings, co-founder of the Dyscalculia Network and a maths specialist teacher, shares invaluable insights on language and number sense, focusing on children with dyscalculia. He highlights the critical role of concrete materials and visual learning in early years education. The discussion touches on effective teaching strategies that make learning enjoyable while addressing the challenges of neurodiversity, including the common co-occurrence of learning difficulties like dyslexia and ADHD.

Sep 11, 2025 • 16min
Episode 13 | Defining dyscalculia and why talk helps with Rob Jennings
Rob Jennings, a specialist maths teacher and co-founder of the Dyscalculia Network, discusses the often-misunderstood learning disorder dyscalculia. He sheds light on the importance of early identification and support, highlighting how a lack of recognition can have lasting effects into adulthood. The conversation dives into the connection between language skills and mathematics, the role of digital technology in learning, and the need for interactive teaching methods to help children overcome these challenges.

10 snips
Sep 4, 2025 • 24min
Episode 12 | Effective Oracy Interventions with Adam Marycz
In this insightful discussion, Adam Marycz, an early years education consultant with over 14 years in teaching and nursery management, shares effective strategies for fostering oracy in children. He emphasizes the significance of understanding children's needs and providing them with comfortable spaces for interaction. Adam also offers tips on enhancing language skills during mealtimes and how micro-moments can make a difference in child development. Learn how to nurture children's internal dialogue and support their communication in everyday settings.

7 snips
Aug 28, 2025 • 20min
Episode 11 | The power of speaking and listening with Adam Marycz
In this engaging discussion, Adam Marycz, an early years education consultant, shares his insights on the impact of screen time on children's communication skills. He highlights how one-way interactions from screens can shape language development and accents. Adam emphasizes the importance of creating language-rich environments that foster critical thinking and allow for processing time. Lastly, he discusses the challenges of background noise in learning spaces and suggests strategies for enhancing meaningful conversations among young learners.

7 snips
Aug 21, 2025 • 17min
Episode 10 | The Oracy Gap: Who gets left behind? with Adam Marycz
In this discussion, Adam Marycz, an early years education consultant with a rich background in teaching, dives into the impact of socioeconomic status on children's oracy skills. He emphasizes the importance of 'cultural capital' and equitable access to educational resources. The conversation also touches on how the Early Years Pupil Premium can support learning, and the need for educators to effectively utilize tools like Recordable Pegs and Talking Pens. Adam advocates for recognizing diverse communication styles to bridge the oracy gap in education.

4 snips
Aug 14, 2025 • 18min
Episode 9 | What is Oracy and why is it important? with Adam Marycz
In this engaging discussion, Adam Marycz, an Early Years Education Consultant with a wealth of experience as a teacher and nursery manager, dives into the significance of oracy in early education. He highlights how effective speaking and listening can set children up for future success. Adam emphasizes the current lack of understanding around oracy and its role post-COVID-19. Educators learn practical strategies to foster communication skills while addressing the oracy gap, ultimately enriching children’s vocabulary and comprehension.

4 snips
Aug 7, 2025 • 17min
Episode 8 | Rolling out Consistent Oracy Strategies with Amy Gaunt
In this engaging chat, Amy Gaunt, Director of Learning at Voice21, highlights the vital role parents play in supporting oracy among young learners. With over 80% of parents advocating for oracy in schools, Amy discusses enlightening parents through workshops to spark inspiration at home. The conversation delves into the impact of digital technology on communication skills and the need for screen-free learning. Amy also shares insights on viewing oracy as a 'golden thread' in education and offers resources to help implement these strategies effectively.

9 snips
Jul 31, 2025 • 17min
Episode 7 | Debate, Drama, and Storytelling in Oracy Education with Amy Gaunt
Amy Gaunt, Director of Learning at Voice21, brings her expertise in oracy education to the discussion. She highlights practical classroom strategies, including debate, drama, and storytelling, that enhance communication skills. The conversation emphasizes creating 'oracy muscles' and fostering ongoing oracy development. Gaunt also explores the significance of integrating oracy into extracurricular activities and the importance of supporting students during critical transitions in their educational journey. Listeners gain valuable insights to enrich their teaching approaches.

11 snips
Jul 24, 2025 • 18min
Episode 6 | Supporting oracy in the classroom with Amy Gaunt
Join Amy Gaunt, Director of Learning at Voice21, as she dives into the world of oracy education. She explores how teachers can create high expectations for student voices and the significance of valuing diverse accents and dialects. The conversation highlights the importance of exploratory talk, the role of non-purposeful discussions, and the delicate balance of scaffolding versus independence in classroom dialogue. Amy's insights inspire educators to make every voice heard and the classroom a vibrant space for communication.

8 snips
Jul 17, 2025 • 17min
Episode 5 | Defining and unpicking oracy with Amy Gaunt
Amy Gaunt, the Director of Learning at Voice21, dives into the fascinating world of oracy—skills critical for effective communication. They discuss how an oracy-rich curriculum not only boosts academic success but also fosters healthy relationships. Amy explains the four strands of their oracy framework and emphasizes the need for human skills in a tech-dominated age. Discover the power of what’s unsaid and how developing these skills can profoundly impact children's futures, preparing them for life beyond the classroom.