
Early Excellence Podcast
Join us as we discuss a diverse range of EYFS and KS1 best practice and provision, resourcing your Early Years environment and keep you up to date news and reviews from Ofsted & the DfE
Latest episodes

Feb 21, 2025 • 41min
Exploring Early Literacy with Karen Boardman
We welcome Dr Karen Boardman from Edge Hill University to the podcast this week as we discuss all things early literacy.Episode LinksExplore Early Excellence Training on Strengthening Early Literacy in the EYFSFind Out More on the Work of Dr Karen BoardmanDiscover our Range of Literacy Resources

Feb 14, 2025 • 26min
Beach Schools with Rhianne Stephens
This week, we’re joined by Rhianne Stephens from Ely and Caerau Integrated Children’s Centre in Cardiff. We discuss the setting’s regular visits to the beach throughout the year and the fantastic impact of connecting with nature.Episode LinksJoin our Upcoming Inspiring Leaders ConferenceDiscover our Range of Outdoor Resources

Feb 7, 2025 • 33min
The Power of Pets with Jayne Hosmer
This week we’re joined by Jayne Hosmer from the charity Pets as Therapy as we explore the impact of pets on our youngest children.Episode LinksFind out more about the work of Pets as Therapy

Jan 31, 2025 • 1h 1min
Professional Love in the EYFS with Dr Jools Page
This week we’re joined by Dr. Jools Page as we explore her highly important research on professional love within EYFS settings.Episode LinksWatch the Video "Professional Love: The Dance of Reciprocity."Read the Blog "What is Professional Love?"Explore EYFS CPD Training

Jan 24, 2025 • 38min
Reflections of an Early Career Teacher: An Update with Sara Adams
This week, Sara Adams returns to give us an update on her time as an Early Career Teacher working in Nursery. As part of the episode, we discuss the diverse needs of the children, reflective practice and the wonder of mathematics in the EYFS.Episode LinksJoin our Free ECT Webinar Listen to Sara's first ECT EpisodeNew to the EYFS? Join This Key Online Training PackageHave you Booked your Place at One of our Inspiring Leaders Conference Events Yet?

Jan 17, 2025 • 59min
Why Children Need Joy with Ben Kingston-Hughes
The brilliant Ben Kingston-Hughes joins us this week as we explore the power of joy when working with young children.Episode LinksOrder Your Copy of Ben’s Book "Why Children Need Joy"Join us for our Inspiring Leaders Conference

Jan 10, 2025 • 44min
Inspiring EYFS Practice: A Senior Leader's Perspective with Anna Wells
Anna Wells joins us this week as we explore inspirational practice from a senior leader's perspective. We discuss observation and monitoring and the key markers in terms of effective EYFS practice.Episode LinksBook your place on the Inspiring Leaders ConferenceExplore Training for Senior Leaders

Dec 6, 2024 • 47min
SEND Focus: Developing Learning Environments in Specialist Provision
In this week's episode, we're joined by Rhyannan Porter and Evie Askew from Mayfield School in Cumbria. We discuss how well-planned continuous provision has been developed to help meet the diverse range of children's needs at the school.Episode LinksFind out more about Early Excellence support with SENDBook your place on Early Excellence CPD TrainingTransform your Learning Environment with Early Excellence

Nov 29, 2024 • 39min
Getting Started with Drama in the EYFS with Sam Marsden
We're joined by drama specialist and author, Sam Marsden, this week as we explore the wonderful possibilities of drama for early years children. We discuss the holistic nature of drama and the great links to communication and language, problem solving and creativity. Sam also shares simple ideas to help you get started with drama in the EYFS.Episode LinksOrder a copy of Sam Marsden's book - Drama Games for Early Years: (4-7 Years) (A Pocketful of Drama)Discover our EYFS Training ProgrammeJoin us at one of our Touring EYFS Roadshow Events Near You

Nov 22, 2024 • 33min
Exploring Floorbooks and Displays with Llewella Ivins
We're joined by Llewella Ivins this week as we explore how to use floorbooks and displays effectively to capture and celebrate learning.Episode LinksDiscover our EYFS Training ProgrammeJoin us at one of our Touring EYFS Roadshow Events Near You