Early Excellence Podcast

Mienna Jones, a veteran nursery owner and consultant with 34 years in early years education, joins Karen Snook, the founder of St. Albans Mums, to delve into the Unplugged Early Years movement. They discuss the impact of technology on child development, advocating for nurturing, hands-on learning experiences. The conversation explores how mobile devices hinder social interactions and emphasize the importance of emotional security in learning environments. Their insights aim to inspire a shift towards meaningful connections over screens in early childhood education.

Explore the vital role of self-regulation in early childhood education, as experts share insights from Rawmarsh Nursery School. Discover how resilience and adaptability can enhance learning experiences while building strong partnerships between educators and parents. The conversation highlights the benefits of outdoor education and emotional well-being, particularly in challenging times. Strategies for navigating emotional challenges in children, along with the critical need for consistency and long-term commitment in educational practices, round out this engaging discussion.

Kirsty Page, Deputy Headteacher at Gampton Church of England Primary School and early years lead across ACE Academy Trust, shares her valuable insights on early childhood education. She emphasizes the significance of effective learning characteristics and how they shape educational practices. Kirsty discusses the evolving role of educators, the importance of creativity through open-ended resources, and the need for smooth transitions between educational stages. Additionally, she advocates for innovative assessment methods that prioritize both character and academic development for students.

Re-release: Originally aired on 1 Nov 2024Louise 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

Hayley Peacock, the visionary founder of Little Barn Owls Nurseries and Atelier 21 Future School, dives into the transformative Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education. She highlights the pivotal role of play in child development and how educators can nurture independence and inquiry. Hayley discusses her personal journey, the emotional impacts of her experiences in Italy, and the challenges of instilling innovative practices amid traditional pressures. Emphasizing the need for respectful relationships, she advocates for recognizing each child's unique potential.

Join Kate Gingles, the Early Years Lead at Newcastle High School for Girls, as she passionately discusses creating joyful math learning experiences for young girls. Kate emphasizes innovative strategies that encourage confidence and curiosity in mathematics, moving away from rigid traditional methods. The conversation dives into the importance of playful learning environments, leveraging open-ended resources, and integrating math into everyday activities to spark curiosity. Discover how to foster a lifelong love for math in early childhood education!

In this discussion, Lizzie Battersby, an English specialist from Royal Marsh, and Nova Robinson, a product developer at Early Excellence, delve into the magical world of 'going home discovery bags'. They highlight how these resources enrich early childhood language skills through imaginative play. The duo examines the influence of technology on language development and emphasizes the importance of parent involvement. Their insights on building trust with families and enhancing children's learning experiences make for an enlightening conversation.

Emma Hudson, Early Years Lead at Willerby Carr Lane Primary School, shares insights on revising Early Years Foundation Stage environments. She emphasizes the significance of refining provisions to enhance core interactions among children. The conversation delves into the importance of peer coaching and professional development, adapting spaces to children's evolving interests, and creating engaging displays that reflect their work. Emma highlights how thoughtful design can boost collaboration, communication, and overall learning experiences for both children and staff.

Andy Burt and Sarah Carey explore the challenges of assessment in early years education, highlighting the importance of child development and effective practices. Sarah introduces EExREC, a new tool designed to support educators and improve understanding of young children’s needs.Episode LinksExplore the EExREC Baseline Assessment Tool

Trisha Lee, an author and expert in children's storytelling, dives into the transformative power of narrative in education. She discusses her innovative 'helicopter stories' method, which encourages kids to express their creativity and develop storytelling skills. Trisha shares touching anecdotes, like Connor's tornado fascination, illustrating how personal interests can shape learning. She also highlights storytelling’s role in nurturing empathy and belonging among children, making it a vital tool for effective education.