
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

Nov 15, 2024 • 47min
The Great Outdoors! Exploring Effective Outdoor Learning with Evan McCormick
Evan McCormick joins us this week as we explore the key principles of effective practice outdoors. As part of the episode, we discuss the high level of organisation needed outdoors as well as resourcing, planning and the role of the adult.Episode LinksIs Outdoor Learning a key area for development at your school or setting? Find Out About our TrainingOur Team of Curriculum Consultants are available to support you in developing your outdoor space. Find Out About our Outdoor Planning ServiceListen To Evan's First Podcast Episode

Nov 8, 2024 • 42min
Curriculum Development in the EYFS with Charlotte Kelly from Oldfield Brow Primary School
Charlotte Kelly joins us for this week's podcast episode as we reflect on a period of curriculum development at the school. As part of our chat, we explore the changes to the learning environment , well-planned resourcing and a focus on progression in the EYFS. We're proud to say that Oldfield Brow are now one of our Early Excellence Partner Schools, find out more about your nearest partner school events by following the link below29/01/2025 - Let's Step Outside in the EYFS - Oldfield BrowEpisode LinksDiscover More Events Near YouJoin our Touring EYFS Roadshow

Nov 1, 2024 • 1h 2min
SEND - Key Questions Answered with Louise Herbert and Gareth Shaw
Louise Herbert and Gareth Shaw join us this week as we offer valuable SEND advice and answer key questions to support practice.Episode LinksAccess our Free SEND Framework MaterialsJoin us for our New Course on Strengthening SEND Practice

Oct 25, 2024 • 35min
Effective Enhancements in Key Stage 1
This week we're joined by Nova Robinson as we explore what we mean by effective enhancements and reflect on how we make this work within a key stage one context.Episode LinksListen to our Podcast Episode - Getting Started with Continuous Provision in Key Stage 1Access Early Excellence Key Stage 1 trainingDownload our Free Key Stage 1 Audits and Planning Guides

Oct 18, 2024 • 29min
A Natural Storyteller! with Pippa Pixley
Author and illustrator Pippa Pixley joins us for this week’s episode as we discuss the importance of creative experiences, interactive storytelling and nurturing a love of nature.Episode LinksFind Out More about Pippa’s WorkBook Your Place on one of our Early Excellence Roadshow Events

Oct 11, 2024 • 53min
Empowering Young Learners with Dr Natalie Canning
Dr Natalie Canning joins us for this week’s episode of the podcast as we discuss her key research on empowering young learners in the EYFS.Episode LinksFind out More on Dr Natalie Canning’s Research on Empowering Young LearnersRead our Blog on Nurturing Children’s Self-Confidence and Security in the EYFSBook your Place on an Early Excellence Roadshow Event

Oct 4, 2024 • 32min
Mixed Age Classes with Nova Robinson
We’re joined by Nova Robinson this week as we discuss the challenges but also the benefits of age classes. We explore the importance of a clear understanding of child development and offer key advice for meeting the needs of all of the children.Episode LinksBook your place on our Support for Teachers with Mixed Age Classes Webinar Series

Sep 27, 2024 • 48min
New School Year Checklist with Llewella Ivins
The first few weeks are such a busy yet crucial time in the EYFS year. Llewella Ivins joins us this week as we put together a checklist to make sure we haven’t missed anything!Episode LinksDownload our EYFS checklist for ECTsAccess our Indoor Provision Audit Tool

Sep 20, 2024 • 42min
Getting the Balance Right with Anna-Marie Bevan
This week, we’re joined by Anna-Marie Bevan, the Head of Ely and Caerau Integrated Children’s Centre in Cardiff. We discuss the journey of development at the setting, the rich experiences provided and the importance of striking the right balance between child initiated and adult-guided learning.Episode LinksExplore our upcoming CPDJoin our EYFS Roadshow

Sep 13, 2024 • 43min
Young and Old Together: Exploring Intergenerational Practice with Judith Ish-Horowicz
Judith Ish-Horowicz, the co-founder and director of the UK’s first intergenerational nursery, joins us for our first episode of the new school year. As part of our chat, Judith tells us all about the inspirational multi-generational work at Apples and Honey Nightingale and the benefits for all involved.Episode LinksWatch Judith Ish-Horowicz presenting a TEDx Talk about her workFind out more about Apples and Honey Nightingale CIC