The Early Years Development Show

In this episode of The Early Years Development Show, we're joined by Felicity Hawkins—founder of Fledgling Education, former assistant headteacher, and creative education consultant—who brings a powerful perspective on empowering children through creativity, emotional understanding, and inclusive learning.Felicity shares her journey from leadership in schools to launching her own venture focused on child-led, art-based education. We explore how creative learning supports confidence, the importance of emotional regulation, and why modelling feelings as adults matters more than ever in parenting and education. She also gives us a sneak peek at her innovative new emotional wellbeing app for children and offers practical advice for parents and educators on how to build empathy, resilience, and a sense of self in little ones.From real-life examples to heartwarming moments, this conversation is packed with wisdom for anyone passionate about child development and mental health.Notes from the Show:

In this episode of The Early Years Development Show, we are joined by Abby Eaton, wellness consultant and Temple Spa manager, who shares her inspiring journey through motherhood, postnatal depression, and finding a path back to wellness through self-care and community.Abby opens up about the realities of postnatal mental health, the challenges many new parents face, and why carving out time for yourself is essential—not selfish. She also reveals how Temple Spa's philosophy of honouring your body, mind, and soul helped her rebuild confidence and balance in her life.From small daily habits to the power of community support, this episode is packed with relatable insights and practical tips for new and expecting parents looking to nurture their own mental and emotional health.Notes from the Show:

In this episode of The Early Years Development Show, we are joined by Rachel Brooks, Managing Director of Swimtime, one of the UK's leading swimming lesson providers. Rachel shares her incredible journey—from being a Swimtime parent to leading the business—and reveals why swimming is one of the most essential life skills for children.With over 25 years of experience, Swimtime has helped thousands of children and adults gain confidence in the water. Rachel discusses how their fun, inclusive, and safety-focused approach makes learning to swim an enjoyable and rewarding experience for all ages. From boosting cognitive development to building social skills and tackling water anxiety, this episode dives deep into the lifelong benefits of swimming.Notes from the Show:

Transforming Bedtime Struggles into Sweet DreamsIn this episode of The Early Years Development Show, we are joined by Fay Smith, a highly experienced and passionate sleep consultant. Fay shares her incredible journey, transitioning from a career in mental health social work to helping families achieve better sleep through evidence-based practicesFay and her business partner, Jenna Wilson, have supported over 1,250 families across the UK. Drawing on their backgrounds in childcare law and mental health, they emphasise the vital role sleep plays in the wellbeing of children and parents alike, particularly in maternal mental health.As certified members of the British Sleep Society, the British Paediatric Sleep Society, and the Association of Professional Sleep Consultants, Fay's work combines compassion with science to make a real difference in families' lives.Notes from the show:Website: Baby and Child Sleep Consultant | Little Dream Consulting littledreamsconsulting.comInstagram: Little Dreams Consulting (@littledreamsconsultingltd) Clock change: How to manage daylight savings - Little Dreams Consultinghttps://www.littledreamsconsulting.com/how-to-manage-daylight-savings/For people who might need additional help:If you are experiencing problems with your child's sleep, please do not hesitate to get in touch – we would love to help. Find your nearest Little Dreams sleep consultant here - https://www.littledreamsconsulting.com/find-a-sleep-consultant/ Like to find out more about Rhythm Time?

In this episode of The Early Years Development Show, we dive into the challenges and triumphs of childhood nutrition with expert paediatric dietitian and feeding therapist, Emma Shafqat. Drawing from over a decade of experience, Emma shares her personal journey of raising a child with severe reflux and multiple food allergies, which has fueled her passion for helping families tackle fussy eating and complex dietary needs.We explore Emma's practical solutions for parents navigating food-related struggles, discussing how to manage mealtime battles, support children with food allergies, and foster a positive relationship with food. Her insights are not only rooted in her professional expertise across the NHS, special needs schools, and private practice, but also in her personal experiences as a parent.From expert strategies on dealing with fussy eaters to empowering parents with the confidence to manage dietary challenges, this episode offers invaluable advice for anyone raising a child with complex nutritional needs.You can find out more about Emma at - dietitianwithadifference.co.ukNotes from the show:The checklist for fussy vs problem eaterssubscribepage.io/weightgain Signs and symptoms for CMPA https://dietitianwithadifference.co.uk/cmpa-symptoms/Like to find out more about Rhythm Time?

Empowering Mums: Nurturing Yourself and Your Child ✨In this episode of The Early Years Development Show we journey through the world of early childhood development with the remarkable Claire Russell from Play Hooray. As a former early years teacher, Claire brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, sharing invaluable insights into the transformative role of play in a child's life.But our conversation doesn't stop there. We delve into Claire's inspiring new venture focused on empowering mothers to navigate the joys and challenges of parenthood. From discussing strategies to overcome mum guilt to prioritising maternal mental health, this episode offers a holistic look at the journey of motherhood.Join us as Claire shares her wisdom on how to foster a nurturing environment for both yourself and your child. Learn practical tips for integrating play into daily routines, and discover ways to support your own well-being while being the best mum you can be. This episode is a treasure trove of advice and inspiration for mums looking to balance self-care and child-rearing in a harmonious way.Tune in and empower yourself with the tools and knowledge to thrive in your parenting journey!You can find Claire on Instagram @play.hoorayLike to find out more about Rhythm Time?