Early Excellence Podcast

In this, our 60th episode, we’re joined by Nicky Turner the Early Years Lead for the Astrea Academy Trust. As part of our conversation, we explore what we mean by cultural capital in the early years.Read our Blog "All About Building on Children’s Interests"Access Training on How to Explore and Develop Children’s InterestsWatch our Free Training Video on Developing High Quality Domestic Role Play Provision 

This week, we talk with Nicola Musgrove. Nicola is a former early years practitioner, a further education college tutor and is mum to two children with autism. As part of the interview, Nicola discusses her own experiences of autism and also offers key advice for teachers and practitioners working in the EYFS.Nicola's Husband Tim is running the London Marathon to raise money for The National Autistic Society. Click Here to Sponsor TimOrder Kerry Murphy's Book "A Guide to SEND in Early Years"Listen to our Episode with Kerry Murphy

This week, we’re joined on the podcast by Ben Kingston-Hughes. Ben is an author, trainer, keynote speaker and also the Managing Director of Inspired Children. Our conversation takes many twists and turns but focuses on the vital importance of early childhood.Join our Conference with Ben Kingston-HughesOrder a copy of Ben's BookExplore our Training & EventsListen to our interview with Prof. Sam Wass "The Secret Lives of Young Learners"

This week, Andy and Llewella explore how too many weekly enhancements can be an unhelpful part of practice and consider what the alternatives are.Explore our webinar "Too Much Provision, Not Enough Teaching"Order a copy of our Guide to Continuous Provision Read our Blog "What is Continuous Provision?"Listen to our "Building on Children’s Interests in the EYFS" podcast

In this week’s episode, we talk to Dr Mine Conkbayir about the importance of self-regulation, co-regulation and meeting children’s emotional needs.Explore our upcoming Let's Explore Self-Regulation webinarOrder The Neuroscience of the Developing Child bookDiscover more about Dr Mine Conkbayir

In this week’s episode we chat to Jess Martin and Natalie Hewitt from Highgate Primary Academy, part of the Astrea Academy Trust. We discuss the school’s recent Ofsted inspection and what the experience was like from the perspective of the EYFS team.Listen to The Early Excellence Head-to-Head PodcastRead Ofsted's New Publication "What EY Providers & Practitioners Need to Know"

In this week’s episode, we talk to Professor Nirmala Rao from Hong Kong University about her research, global approaches to early education and an international award for early years practice. Register for Khalifa International Award for Early Learning FieldExplore the work of Professor RaoExplore more on Early Excellence

In our first podcast episode of 2023, we chat with Sarah Carey, one of our colleagues at Early Excellence, about a brand new podcast for Headteachers and School Leaders.Gain access to the Head-to-Head Podcast

In this week’s episode, Andy and Llewella explore the increasing popularity of tuff spot trays in early years settings. They discuss how Tuff Spot trays are used, look closely at some of the potential drawbacks of being over reliant on tray based activities and ask the question: Is it time to move away from the Tuff Spot tray? Watch our free Guide to Continuous Provision webinarRead our Blog Building on Children’s Interests in the EYFSExplore our EYFS Training Programme

The podcast discusses the benefits of working within a structure while responding to individual needs and interests. It explores topics in school curriculum and emphasizes the importance of children's inquiries leading the learning process. The integration of math and literacy is explored, along with the importance of revisiting prior learning and making connections in teaching.