

Early Excellence Podcast
Early Excellence
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
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 13, 2022 • 31min
Exploring Books to Support PSED
In this week’s Podcast Episode, Andy Burt and Llewella Ivins take a closer look at a range of books that can support children’s Personal, Social & Emotional Development. They share some of their favourite books including Knuffle Bunny, Julian is a Mermaid and the Big Book of Families. Join them to explore the key themes and messages in these beautiful texts, and hear how they can be used as an effective part of classroom practice.Shop our Book CollectionsExplore our Child Development WebinarsJoin our Understanding How to Support Children's Well-being & Involvement in the EYFS Webinar

May 6, 2022 • 43min
A Guide to SEND in the Early Years
This week, Andy interviews Kerry Murphy, Early Years Lecturer and Consultant, about her new book A Guide to SEND in the Early Years. Andy and Kerry discuss and reflect on EYFS practice, how best to support children with SEND and also challenge some common misconceptions.
Order Kerry’s book: A Guide to SEND in the Early Years
Explore our Child Development Webinars
View other recommended professional texts

Apr 29, 2022 • 34min
Strengthening Subject Leadership: Curriculum Progression Right From Start
In this week’s Podcast Andy talks to Phil Armstrong, our Head of Regional Development for the South, about the role of an EYFS Leader and the importance of wider Subject Leadership. They reflect on how best to strengthen understanding of the core principles of Early Years for Subject Leaders to ensure these are translated into practice, the curriculum and assessment as part of a whole school approach.
Explore our Subject Leaders Programme
Read our Blog about Curriculum Progression
Explore our EYFS Leadership Webinar

Apr 8, 2022 • 12min
What is Continuous Provision?
In this week’s Podcast, the team taker a close look at Continuous Provision, explore EYFS terminology and reflect onthe importance of creating a consistent and enabling environment.
Order our Guides to Continuous Provision
Explore our FREE Room Planning service
Read the blog

Apr 1, 2022 • 32min
Exploring Powerful Learning Through Domestic Role Play
In this week’s Podcast, Andy talks to Amanda Belbin from Bincombe Valley Primary School, Weymouth. Amanda explains how meaningful talk and carefully planned enhancements have helped to put domestic role play at the heart of their practice.Watch our free Domestic Role Play webinarShop our Domestic Role Play ResourcesFollow Bincombe Valley on TwitterRead Amanda’s Domestic Role Play Blog

Mar 25, 2022 • 16min
Maximising Learning in Continuous Provision – Domestic Role Play in EYFS
Developing a well organised Domestic Role Play Area is vital for supporting young children’s learning. In the Podcast this week we set out some key principles and explore tips and ideas to help you establish meaningful and quality domestic role play that remains in place all year.Watch our webinar recording Creating Conversations! Inspire Language through Role PlayExplore our Domestic Role Play Resources to enhance your areaRead the Blog

Mar 18, 2022 • 26min
Owning Your Curriculum: A Close Look at the Learning Environment
Do your Early Years’ classroom spaces truly reflect your vision for learning? Have they come together by accident or been carefully planned to offer rich, meaningful and joyful experiences for young children? In this weeks Podcast, we explore how our learning environment needs to be valued as a key part of the curriculum.Join our Spring National BriefingWatch our Spring into Spring Twilight EventRead the Blog

Mar 11, 2022 • 34min
Tackling the Year 1 Cliff Face: Getting it Right From the Start
In this week’s Podcast, Andy interviews James Hitchens, the Headteacher from Penryn Primary Academy & Nursery in Cornwall. James discusses the school’s journey of rapid improvement from a RI Ofsted inspection in 2017 as he shares their vision, approach and the thinking behind it. From the creation of inspiration learning environments to the value they place on continuous provision in EYFS and into Year 1, James highlights the positive impact this has on the teaching and learning, the staff as well as the children’s wellbeing and happiness.Order our KS1 Continuous Provision GuideExplore our Ideas & Inspiration PageAccess Bespoke Training and School Improvement Support

Mar 4, 2022 • 22min
Navigating the Sea of Talk
The new EYFS framework stresses the importance of talk in supporting children’s learning. In this week’s episode, we explore how to put talk at the very heart of your practice.
Join our “Understanding Language & Communication in the EYFS” Webinar Package
Explore our free Audits & Planning Guides
Read the Blog

Feb 18, 2022 • 28min
Rainbow Birds: A Celebration of Artistic Achievements and Original Thinking at Co-op Academy Oakwood
In this week’s Podcast, Andy interviews Maeve Birdsall & Jasmine Priestley from Co-op Academy Oakwood in Leeds. Together with Claire Clithero, they have written and published a book that shows the positive impact on children when they value and nurture creativity.Order the Rainbow Birds Book OnlineExplore more about Oakwood Academy