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
5 snips
Oct 30, 2025 • 19min
Episode 20 | Speech and Language across the curriculum with Louisa Reeves
Louisa Reeves, a speech and language therapist and Director at Speech and Language UK, shares her expertise on integrating communication skills into the curriculum. She emphasizes the pivotal role of teachers in adapting lessons to meet diverse student needs. Louisa discusses creating a communication-focused school culture and the importance of advocating for policy change to support language development. She also expresses hope for future progress and encourages educators to get involved in campaigns that bolster the voices of families and children with communication challenges.
6 snips
Oct 23, 2025 • 20min
Episode 19 | How to develop oracy teaching skills with Louisa Reeves
Louisa Reeves, Director of Policy and Evidence at Speech and Language UK and a qualified speech therapist, shares her deep expertise on speech and language development. She discusses the challenges of developing oracy skills, emphasizing the link between language, behavior, and mental health. Practical strategies for the classroom are provided, including effective questioning and processing time techniques. Louisa also addresses the complexities of screen time and social media's impact on communication, urging a shift towards supportive language-rich environments.
6 snips
Oct 16, 2025 • 19min
Episode 18 | Acting on Speech and Language Challenges with Louisa Reeves
Louisa Reeves, Director of Policy and Evidence at Speech and Language UK and a skilled speech therapist, dives into speech and language challenges faced by children. She discusses how upbringing influences communication skills and emphasizes the significance of early intervention. Louisa advocates for celebrating home languages, which help in learning English and cognitive growth. She also highlights the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on children's communication skills, offering valuable insights and resources for parents and practitioners.
Oct 9, 2025 • 17min
Episode 17 | Establishing Communication for Life with Louisa Reeves
Louisa Reeves, Director of Policy and Evidence at Speech and Language UK and a qualified speech and language therapist, shares her insights on the essential role of language and communication. She highlights how oracy fosters equity and understanding across communities. Louisa discusses the widening social oracy divide due to factors like COVID and the cost-of-living crisis. She also reveals alarming survey findings on children's speech challenges and advocates for supportive, language-first approaches to learning and behavior.
4 snips
Oct 2, 2025 • 18min
Episode 16 | Oracy Strategies for Supporting Differentiation in Maths with Rob Jennings
Rob Jennings, co-founder of the Dyscalculia Network and expert in maths difficulties, joins Dr. Shaddai Tembo to discuss dyscalculia and its impact on learning. They highlight the importance of early intervention and provide a checklist for spotting signs of dyscalculia. Rob argues against repetitive maths practice without addressing foundational skills and advocates for multimodal approaches using concrete resources. He envisions a future with greater awareness and relevance in maths education that aligns with real-life applications.
Sep 25, 2025 • 17min
Episode 15 | Maths Anxiety, Dyscalculia, and the Role of Safe Talk with Rob Jennings
Rob Jennings, a maths teaching specialist and co-founder of the Dyscalculia Network, joins Dr. Shaddai Tembo to tackle maths anxiety and dyscalculia head-on. They explore how dyscalculia contributes to anxiety, the importance of 'safe talk' in classrooms, and tailored assessment strategies. Rob shares practical tips for parents and educators, emphasizing consistent reinforcement of classroom techniques at home. They also discuss the gender dynamics in maths learning and the value of fostering peer support to combat stigma.
5 snips
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.
6 snips
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.
