
TTS Talking Early Years
COMING SOON: Series 6 - SEN in the Early Years đ
Welcome to the TTS Talking Early Years Podcast. Each week, weâll be joined by guest experts, early years practitioners, and our in-house educational experts as we discuss everything Early Years!
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Weâll 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.
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Latest episodes

Apr 13, 2023 ⢠22min
Episode 20: Forest School truths with Mel McCree and Sarah Lawfull
This episode of the TTS Talking Early Years podcast wraps up what has been a jam-packed series 1; discovering the wonderful world of outdoor learning. In this final episode of series 1, Alistair and guests, Mel Mcree and Sarah Lawfull, jump right back into the topic of Forest School and why itâs so important.
Alistair Bryce-Clegg asks Mel and Sarah the million-dollar question; in an Instagram and Pinterest-dominated world, what exactly is the REALITY of Forest School and why is this reality so important?
Sarah and Mel talk about the importance of Forest School activities being led by the childâs genuine interests, but also finding the right balance of educators sharing their own competency, passion, and skills to enrich and scaffold childrenâs learning in the great outdoors.
đ To shop for resources relevant to Forest School in the early years, click here.
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(The views expressed throughout this podcast are the speakers' own, and TTS does not take responsibility for the views and guidance highlighted as part of this recording.)
Please note: When referencing the speakers views, theory and work for development of your own materials, please ensure academic reference of the speaker is cited.

Apr 8, 2023 ⢠19min
Episode 19: Risk-taking and Forest School with Mel McCree and Sarah Lawfull
Episode 19 of the TTS Talking Early Years podcast continues the conversation about all things Forest School. Alistair Bryce-Clegg is joined again by renowned Forest School experts and advocates, Mel McCree and Sarah d Sarah Lawfull.
Research and evidence show that the Forest School approach actively develops childrenâs risk awareness and confidence in managing their own risk-taking abilities. Although it is such an integral part of early years education, we know it can sometimes be a daunting approach to adopt, especially in a risk-averse society.
Sharing their knowledge and experience with us, Mel and Sarah discuss the role of the adult vs the child when adopting the Forest School approach and how Forest School promotes safe opportunities for children to take appropriate and managed risks.
đ To shop for resources relevant to Forest School in the early years, click here.
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(The views expressed throughout this podcast are the speakers' own, and TTS does not take responsibility for the views and guidance highlighted as part of this recording.)
Please note: When referencing the speakers views, theory and work for development of your own materials, please ensure academic reference of the speaker is cited.

Apr 5, 2023 ⢠20min
Episode 18: The Forest School approach to learning with Mel McCree and Sarah Lawfull
In this TTS Talking podcast episode, Alistair Bryce-Clegg is joined by renowned Forest School experts, Mel McCree and Sarah Lawfull.
Sharing their knowledge and passion for everything Forest School, Sarah and Mel share their tips and guidance to help practitioners develop their confidence when taking childrenâs learning outdoors and why the Forest School approach is an integral part of early childhood.
đ To shop for resources relevant to Forest School in the early years, click here.
Listened and loved it? Sign-up here for exclusive follow-up content and be the first to hear about new episodes.
(The views expressed throughout this podcast are the speakers' own, and TTS does not take responsibility for the views and guidance highlighted as part of this recording.)
Please note: When referencing the speakers views, theory and work for development of your own materials, please ensure academic reference of the speaker is cited.

Apr 1, 2023 ⢠20min
Episode 17: An introduction to the Forest School approach with Mel McCree and Sarah Lawfull
In this TTS Talking podcast episode, Alistair Bryce-Clegg is joined by renowned Forest School experts, Mel McCree and Sarah Lawfull. Sharing their passion for the Forest School approach, Sarah and Mel explain to Alistair the 6 key principles and how this ethos benefits child development.
The Forest School ethos offers children a play-based approach to learning in the great outdoors. The approach focuses on all children having the opportunity to develop in a hands-on learning environment with experiences that aim to enhance key skills from the early years onwards.
đ To shop for resources relevant to Forest School in the early years, click here.
Listened and loved it? Sign-up here for exclusive follow-up content and be the first to hear about new episodes.
(The views expressed throughout this podcast are the speakers' own, and TTS does not take responsibility for the views and guidance highlighted as part of this recording.)
Please note: When referencing the speakers views, theory and work for development of your own materials, please ensure academic reference of the speaker is cited.

12 snips
Mar 29, 2023 ⢠22min
Episode 16: Fostering a love for sustainability in the Early Years with Cheryl Hadland
Cheryl Hadland, Managing Director at Tops Day Nurseries, shares tips on fostering a love for sustainability in Early Years education. She discusses practical ways to create a sustainable learning environment, teaching children about the benefits of environmental activities, and the importance of role modeling sustainable behaviors. Cheryl also emphasizes the significance of teaching children about the environment, habitats, and developing empathy for wildlife.

Mar 25, 2023 ⢠21min
Episode 15: Early Years Climate Action Plans with Cheryl Hadland
Cheryl Hadland, Founder, and Managing Director at Tops Day Nurseries, joins Alistair Bryce-Clegg in this episode to talk about climate action plans in the Early Years.
A climate action plan aims to address climate challenges, relevant to the individual setting based on factors such as the environment, financial impact, society and the community, plus so much more.
Throughout this episode Cheryl shares the benefits of having a plan for your setting, as well as tips and advice for achieving best practice.
đ To shop for resources relevant to nature-based learning, click here.
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(The views expressed throughout this podcast are the speakers' own, and TTS does not take responsibility for the views and guidance highlighted as part of this recording.)
Please note: When referencing the speakers views, theory and work for development of your own materials, please ensure academic reference of the speaker is cited.

Mar 23, 2023 ⢠20min
Episode 14: Planting and eating sustainably with Cheryl Hadland
Cheryl Hadland, Founder, and Managing Director at Tops Day Nurseries, joins Alistair Bryce-Clegg in this episode to talk about practical ways to adopt a more sustainable approach in Early Years settings.
Cheryl shares her passion for planting and eating sustainably, sharing practical tips and guidance to overcome some of the challenges practitioners may experience when introducing planting and gardening in early years settings.
From nurturing plants indoors, to seeding and planting vegetables outdoors, Alistair and Cheryl touch on their many years of experience to inspire you with new ideas for your setting.
đ To shop for resources relevant to nature-based learning, click here.
Listened and loved it? Sign-up here for exclusive follow-up content and be the first to hear about new episodes.
(The views expressed throughout this podcast are the speakers' own, and TTS does not take responsibility for the views and guidance highlighted as part of this recording.)
Please note: When referencing the speakers views, theory and work for development of your own materials, please ensure academic reference of the speaker is cited.

Mar 16, 2023 ⢠19min
Episode 13: Recycling and reusing in the Early Years with Cheryl Hadland
Cheryl Hadland, Founder, and Managing Director at Tops Day Nurseries, joins Alistair Bryce-Clegg in this episode to talk all things sustainability in the Early Years.
Cheryl explains the importance of recycling and reusing in the Early Years, sharing practical tips to help make your resources go further and, in return, adopt a more sustainable approach.
Talking passionately about recycling and reusing, Cheryl suggests that the idea of being thrifty with how nursery settings use, repair and reuse resources is something that should be celebrated.
đ To shop for resources relevant to nature-based learning, click here.
Listened and loved it? Sign-up here for exclusive follow-up content and be the first to hear about new episodes.
(The views expressed throughout this podcast are the speakers' own, and TTS does not take responsibility for the views and guidance highlighted as part of this recording.)
Please note: When referencing the speakers views, theory and work for development of your own materials, please ensure academic reference of the speaker is cited.

Mar 9, 2023 ⢠18min
Episode 12: Creating engaging outdoor learning experiences with Niki Buchan
In this episode, International Educational Consultant and nature-based learning advocate, Niki Buchan, offers practical suggestions for creating a positive ethos for nature-based learning in all different types of environments.
Niki encourages practitioners to consider the following;
đł Taking learning beyond the setting by visiting local parks and utilising local amenities
đź Having arrangements in place with local suppliers and/or family members to help bring nature to the setting when itâs not always directly accessible
đ Creating a minibeast or bug sanctuary on-site
đ Plus, so much more!
đ To shop for resources relevant to nature-based learning, click here.
Listened and loved it? Sign-up here for exclusive follow-up content and be the first to hear about new episodes.
(The views expressed throughout this podcast are the speakers' own, and TTS does not take responsibility for the views and guidance highlighted as part of this recording.)
Please note: When referencing the speakers views, theory and work for development of your own materials, please ensure academic reference of the speaker is cited.

Mar 2, 2023 ⢠20min
Episode 11: Enhancing your outdoor provision with Niki Buchan
During this episode, Niki Buchan, international educational consultant and nature-based learning advocate, encourages practitioners to be more open and reflective (and a lot less fearful!) in their approach to outdoor provision.
Niki has worked in settings worldwide and has a wealth of expertise and knowledge when it comes to enriching childrenâs learning opportunities outdoors.
Throughout this episode, Niki and Alistair explore the different approaches they have experienced internationally and how practitioners can reflect and take inspiration to adapt their practice and enhance learning outcomes.
đ To shop for resources relevant to nature-based learning, click here.
đď¸ Listened and loved it? Sign-up here for exclusive follow-up content and be the first to hear about new episodes.
(The views expressed throughout this podcast are the speakers' own, and TTS does not take responsibility for the views and guidance highlighted as part of this recording.)
Please note: When referencing the speakers views, theory and work for development of your own materials, please ensure academic reference of the speaker is cited.