Early Excellence Podcast

Apr 11 2025 157 ep. 39 mins 19

Early Excellence Podcast artwork

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

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Slow Knowledge and the Unhurried Child with Alison Clark

Apr 11 2025 45 mins

Re-release: Originally aired on 5 May 2023. We talk to Alison Clark about her recent book Slow Knowledge and the Unhurried Child. As part of the conversation, Alison discusses the pressures within Early Childhood Education and makes the case for slow pedagogies when working with young children.Episode LinksWatch the low Pedagogy-Making Time for Children’s Learning and Develo

How the National Gallery Inspires Young Minds with Alison Wain

Apr 04 2025 27 mins

Alison Wain from the National Gallery explores the role of creativity in children’s learning, how young learner engage with art differently than adults, and the gallery’s efforts to make art education accessible. She also shares details about the new family learning centre and the gallery’s 200th anniversary celebrations, including free programs for children and families.Epis

Exploring Early Literacy and Phonics Skills with Nicky Turner

Mar 28 2025 71 mins

Re-release: Originally aired on 3 Nov 2023. Nikki Turner, from the Astrea Multi-Academy Trust, joins us to discuss early literacy, emphasizing storytelling, music, and physical development as key to learning. The discussion highlights the importance of rich language exposure and a holistic teaching approach.Episode LinksBook your Place on Early Excellence TrainingVisit the Early Ex

Story Steps: The Power of Storytelling with Trisha Lee

Mar 21 2025 49 mins

Trisha Lee joins us to explore the power of storytelling and poetry in early childhood education, the role of improvisation, and the importance of a rich story diet. Plus, she shares exciting news about her new program, Story Steps!Episode LinksDiscover Trisha Lee's Story Steps ProgrammeSupport Reading and Storytelling Skills at Home with the NEW Going Home Discovery BagsJoin our C

Celebrating Outdoor Learning with Sarah Watkins

Mar 14 2025 52 mins

Re-release: Originally aired on 8 Dec 2023. This episode explores the benefits of outdoor learning in early childhood education, from mental health and development to fostering independence and community. Sarah Watkins discusses the challenges of reclaiming outdoor spaces, balancing risk, and ensuring older students don’t miss out on these vital experiences.Episode LinksOrder you

Understanding the Impact of Premature Birth with Caroline Woodman

Mar 07 2025 44 mins

Caroline Woodman joins us this week as we explore the impact of premature birth on children’s development. Caroline shares her own story and that of her son, Reuben, who was born prematurely. She emphasizes the importance of early intervention, understanding developmental challenges, and the need for educational professionals to be aware of the unique needs of premature children.

Physical Engagement with Dr Simone Tomaz

Feb 28 2025 46 mins

Dr Simone Tomaz joins us this week as we explore the importance of physical opportunities for young children and how these experiences support other areas of development. The discussion also covers the balance between sleep, screen time and physical engagement in young children.Episode LinksFind Out About the Work of Dr Simone TomazExplore How to Provide Big Physical Experiences Ou

Exploring Early Literacy with Karen Boardman

Feb 21 2025 40 mins

We welcome Dr Karen Boardman from Edge Hill University to the podcast this week as we discuss all things early literacy.Episode LinksExplore Early Excellence Training on Strengthening Early Literacy in the EYFSFind Out More on the Work of Dr Karen BoardmanDiscover our Range of Literacy Resources

Beach Schools with Rhianne Stephens

Feb 14 2025 25 mins

This week, we’re joined by Rhianne Stephens from Ely and Caerau Integrated Children’s Centre in Cardiff. We discuss the setting’s regular visits to the beach throughout the year and the fantastic impact of connecting with nature.Episode LinksJoin our Upcoming Inspiring Leaders ConferenceDiscover our Range of Outdoor Resources

The Power of Pets with Jayne Hosmer

Feb 07 2025 33 mins

This week we’re joined by Jayne Hosmer from the charity Pets as Therapy as we explore the impact of pets on our youngest children.Episode LinksFind out more about the work of Pets as Therapy