
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

Apr 19, 2024 • 52min
Exploring International Education and Early Years Practice: Interview with Janette Quinn
Janette Quinn, Director at COBIS, discusses global education, effective early years practices, and nurturing learning environments. Topics include embracing opportunities, building relationships, and child-centered education.

Apr 12, 2024 • 1h
A Focus on SEND in the EYFS
Alex Sutcliffe from Ravenshead Church of England School discusses meeting the needs of children with SEND. They emphasize the importance of learning environments, physical challenges, early intervention, child-centered design, open-ended materials, and inclusive practices. The podcast explores promoting physical development, fostering creativity, and creating communication-friendly settings for children with special needs.

Mar 22, 2024 • 58min
Exploring Researchful Practice: Interview with Dr. Frances Giampapa
This podcast delves into the connection between EYFS practice and research, showcasing Dr. Frances Giampapa's insights on integrating research into daily work. It emphasizes the empowerment of early years teachers through personalized research projects and collaboration. The discussion also explores discoveries in early child development research, toolkit development for educators, and projects supporting well-being through art and storytelling.

Mar 15, 2024 • 37min
Get Gardening & Growing! with Clare King
This week, we’re joined by Clare King, one of our Curriculum Consultants at early Excellence, as we talk about the importance of gardening and growing with young children. We offer practical advice on getting started, what you’ll need, and how to successfully grow vegetables with young children.Shop our Outdoor ResourcesWatch our Free "Get Set for Outdoor Learning" WebinarOrder our Guide to Continuous Provision Outdoors

Mar 8, 2024 • 39min
Getting Started with Continuous Provision in Key Stage One: Interview with Nova Robinson
With more schools recognising the growing interest in continuous provision for Key Stage 1 education, Andy Burt and Nova Robinson delve into its implementation. From understanding the needs of Key Stage 1 children to navigating transitions from early years, this conversation offers invaluable insights into initiating this transformative approach. Join us as we uncover the practical steps, challenges, and resources needed to embark on the continuous provision journey, drawing upon the expertise shared in this enlightening discussion.Join us on one of our KS1 Roadshow eventsOrder our KS1 Guide to Continuous ProvisionExplore the Ideas and Inspirations section of our website

Mar 1, 2024 • 37min
Inspirational Learning Environments: A Tour of the EYFS at Whitefield Primary School
This week, we visit Whitefield Primary School in Liverpool and take a tour of their inspirational EYFS learning environmentsWatch our Free Planning your Environment WebinarShop our Inspirational ResourcesDownload our free Audits and Planning Guides

Feb 23, 2024 • 60min
A Focus on The Characteristics of Effective Learning: Interview with Sayeh Mariner
Explore the significance of self-regulation skills and effective learning characteristics in early childhood education. Learn about strategies to nurture these traits, including introducing the 'mistakeasaurus' concept to enhance children's problem-solving skills. Discover the holistic benefits of reflection and discussion in promoting communication, language skills, and self-regulation for maximizing learning potential.

Feb 16, 2024 • 30min
Making Mixed-Age Classes Work: Interview with Rachel Yeung
Rachel Yeung, a teacher from Hawkshead Primary School, discusses the benefits and challenges of teaching in a mixed-age class. She emphasizes understanding each child's needs, creating a conducive learning environment, and the positive impact on children's development. The podcast also delves into strategies for individualized planning, engaging students in 3D shape learning, and the benefits of mixed-age classes in early education.

Feb 9, 2024 • 52min
Reflections of an Early Career Teacher: Interview with Sara Adams
This week, we’re joined by Sara Adams as we discuss her experiences and reflections as an early career teacher. As part of the conversation, we explore the importance of an effective learning environment, building meaningful relationships with children and peer learning. Watch our free ECT WebinarExplore our free Audits and GuidesDiscover all our CPD courses and Webinars

Feb 2, 2024 • 57min
Unleashing Creativity: Interview with The Herd Theatre
We’re joined by Sam Caseley and Ruby Thompson from the Herd Theatre for this week’s episode as we hear all about their transformative Replay Project. We discuss the vital importance of nurturing creative thinking and the wonderful impact of immersive open-ended environments on young children.Explore more about the Herd TheatreWatch a trailer about the Replay projectFind out more about the Replay project