The Voice of Early Childhood

This podcast episode and article are a research-informed exploration of how outdoor environments, adult language and risk narratives shape children's agency. Drawing on the Reimagining Outdoor Learning Toolkit, we examine how educators can move beyond checklists, embrace managed risk, and create outdoor spaces where children's autonomy, confidence and curiosity can genuinely flourish.   Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/reimagining-outdoor-learning-understanding-agency-from-risk-to-resilience/       This episode is in partnership with BookedIn   BookedIn is the CPD booking platform that connects organisations with verified speakers, trainers and consultants – so you can find the right fit faster, based on your brief, audience and outcomes.   To find out more visit: https://waitlist.bookedin.online/   Our 2027 conference info & tickets: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2027/   Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: ·       Impacts of outdoors on children's behaviour and attention: The science behind outdoor play series, with Dr Gemma Goldenberg: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/impacts-of-outdoors-on-childrens-behaviour-and-attention/ ·       The therapeutic nature of outdoor play, with Jenny Smillie: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/the-therapeutic-nature-of-outdoor-play/   Get in touch and share your voice: Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/   Episode break down: 00:00 – Welcome and guest introduction 01:35 – How the outdoor agency research began 03:06 – Children's agency in policy and practice 05:17 – What makes outdoor learning unique? 08:41 – How weather and adult perceptions shape risk 10:21 – The dry robe dilemma: when protection restricts play 12:10 – How home experiences and family attitudes shape outdoor play 16:10 – The Outdoor Agency Model: environment, adults and community 20:47 – Outdoor learning beyond the early years and PE 23:53 – Exploring the Reimagining Outdoor Learning Toolkit 27:00 – Using action research to develop your own practice 28:38 – Photo tours: putting children's voices at the heart of research 30:02 – Supporting children to understand and manage risk 31:26 – What changed? Revisiting children's outdoor experiences 32:23 – Building stronger partnerships between home and settings 36:47 – Understanding and responding to parents' worries 39:26 – Final takeaways: trust, agency and ownership of childhood 40:59 – Closing reflections, further resources and thanks For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

This article and podcast episode explore why marketing should be viewed as an investment rather than a cost, why profitability matters for sustainability, the role a setting's website plays in both occupancy and recruitment, and why social media needs a clear purpose. They also consider the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) and why, useful as it can be, it should support rather than replace human judgement, creativity and responsibility.   Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/marketing-your-early-childhood-setting-is-an-investment-not-a-cost/     This episode is sponsored by Childcare Marketing Group Childcare Marketing Group is a specialist marketing partner dedicated to supporting nurseries, preschools and early years providers. Built by people who understand the childcare sector, CMG helps nursery owners and managers attract more children, recruit great staff and build stronger, more sustainable businesses. From websites, SEO and social media to advertising, video, reputation management and enquiry conversion, the group brings everything together under one joined-up approach. At its heart, Childcare Marketing Group is about helping childcare providers stand out, tell their story with confidence and connect with the families and teams who are right for them. To find out more and sign up to the wait list visit: https://childcare.marketing/uk   Our 2027 conference info & tickets: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2027/   Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: ·       Sustainable business growth in early childhood, with Jordan Tully: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/sustainable-business-growth-in-early-childhood/ ·       Building a lasting early years brand, with Harry Mills: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/building-a-lasting-early-years-brand/     Get in touch and share your voice: Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/   Episode break down: 00:00 – Introduction 04:12 – Why early childhood settings need to prioritise marketing 05:31 – Marketing as an investment rather than a cost 07:56 – Why profit matters for sustainable early childhood provision 10:15 – Perception, leadership and valuing educators 12:15 – Marketing your setting as an employer 15:24 – What makes an effective careers page? 18:26 – Making enquiries and applications simple 20:15 – Social media: moving beyond likes to meaningful objectives 22:11 – Aligning marketing across different platforms 23:57 – Sharing educators' achievements on social media 26:25 – Using AI as a marketing tool 28:35 – Knowing your audience and using accessible language 30:20 – Building a clear and recognisable brand 31:18 – Why human creativity still matters when using AI 33:43 – Where should settings start when improving their marketing? 34:50 – Why your website should be the anchor of your marketing 35:42 – Organic website traffic versus paid advertising 36:50 – Marketing as an expression of your values and ethos 38:07 – Building a sustainable business and planning ahead 39:04 – Why successful settings still need to keep investing For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

Receiving a SEND diagnosis is a transformative moment for families. This podcast episode and article explore how practitioners bridge the gap between statutory requirements and empathetic support, empowering parents as "experts" on their children. We examine the graduated approach, the SENDCo's pivotal role in transitions, and the necessity of inclusive, multi-agency collaboration.   Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/beyond-the-diagnosis-navigating-the-send-journey-with-families/     This episode is sponsored by Shaping Lives   Shaping Lives is a national, Ofsted 'Good' training provider, partnering with employers across England to build stronger, more resilient workforces. With specialist expertise in the Early Years sector, we deliver high-quality apprenticeship and commercial training that supports staff development, performance, and retention.   Our approach has earned us the trust of over 1,000 businesses and supported more than 2,500 learners annually. Our 4.8 Trustpilot rating reflects our commitment to quality and results. Our tailored programmes are built around your business needs, with 80% of employer partners reporting improved staff retention.   Every learner benefits from a dedicated Personal Tutor with sector experience, one-to-one support, and structured learning aligned to industry standards. 93% of learners report better work performance after completing our training, driving real value for your nursery. Partner with us to develop confident, skilled teams ready for the future.   To find out more visit: shapinglives.co.uk   Our 2027 conference info & tickets: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2027/   Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: ·       Integrating evidence-based practice into the early years curriculum: How ABA principles align with the EYFS, with Mikaela Green: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/integrating-evidence-based-practice-into-the-early-years-curriculum-how-aba-principles-align-with-the-eyfs/ ·       What is sound-based emotional regulation? With Nicola Maria Rose: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/what-is-sound-based-emotional-regulation/   Get in touch and share your voice: Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/   Episode break down: 00:00 –Welcome to the podcast and introduction to Andy Hogg 03:40 – Andy's work and bridging the gap between policy and practice 04:41 – Academic and life skills curricula 05:23 – Understanding the graduated approach 05:55 – Assess: establishing a baseline and gathering evidence 06:13 – Plan: setting targets and involving families and children 07:17 – Do: putting provision in place and gathering evidence 07:48 – Review: adapting targets and monitoring progress 09:09 – Why support needs to continually evolve with the child 10:10 – The SENCO as a 'transition architect' 11:25 – Supporting children through everyday transitions 11:58 – Visual timetables and first-and-next boards 12:42 – Key person support and communication strategies 13:16 – Universal approaches to communication and inclusion 13:51 – Using PECS and creating a total communication environment 14:56 – Recognising smaller steps of progress 15:35 – High-incidence and low-incidence needs 16:41 – Making high-incidence support part of universal provision 17:15 – Specialist provision for low-incidence needs 17:56 – Multi-agency working and the team around the child 18:46 – The setting as a hub for multi-agency support 20:30 – The SENCO's role in coordinating professionals 21:05 – Supporting parents through joined-up meetings 22:15 – Recognising the emotional impact on families 22:55 – Why supporting parents supports the child 23:08 – Final reflections: bridging policy and practice 23:25 – Closing thanks and further TVOEC resources For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

Maggie Bolger and Ann Marie Christian explore the changing safeguarding landscape in early childhood, including KCSIE, the EYFS, safer recruitment, reporting concerns and the September changes. They argue that stronger safeguarding is not simply about having the right policies in place, but about creating cultures where children, families and educators are heard, concerns are connected and everyone understands their responsibility for keeping children safe.   Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-childhood-safeguarding-changes-2026-moving-beyond-compliance-to-a-culture-of-safety/   This episode is sponsored by Get Otii.   Otii helps nurseries stay audit-ready, inspection-proof, and totally on top of their operations – without drowning in paperwork or panic. Track what matters. Get real-time prompts. Never miss a thing.   To find out more visit: https://www.get-otii.com/   Our 2027 conference info & tickets: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2027/   Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: ·       The case for systemic change in Ofsted's approach, by Lucy Lewin: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/the-case-for-systemic-change-in-ofsteds-approach/ ·       Ofsted's renewed early years inspection framework: What educators need to know, by Jayne Coward (Ofsted): https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/ofsteds-renewed-early-years-inspection-framework-what-educators-need-to-know/    Get in touch and share your voice: Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/   Episode break down: 00:00 – Introduction to the episode and guests 02:10 – Maggie introduces herself and Get Otii 02:51 – Ann Marie introduces herself and her safeguarding background 04:09 – Where is safeguarding in early childhood at the moment? 04:34 – Strengthening safeguarding in early childhood 06:14 – The challenges of guidance for private nurseries 09:12 – Understanding KCSIE and its five parts 10:32 – Part one: safeguarding guidance for all staff 11:31 – Part two: the management of safeguarding 12:28 – Part three: safer recruitment 13:49 – Part four: managing allegations against staff and volunteers 15:01 – Part five: child-on-child abuse 16:42 – References and DBS checks: what has changed? 18:30 – What can be learnt from safeguarding cases and incidents? 19:12 – Recording concerns and creating a clear safeguarding trail 23:15 – Creating a culture where concerns can be reported 24:26 – Safer recruitment and concerns about existing staff 26:15 – Retaining safeguarding information and non-recent abuse 27:05 – The role and responsibilities of the DSL 28:04 – DSL and DDSL co-working and information sharing 29:14 – Creating a shared understanding of safe and appropriate practice 30:07 – Why immediate reporting to the DSL matters 32:06 – Induction, agency staff and making policies accessible 34:17 – Safeguarding as a central responsibility in settings 35:58 – Agency staff, recruitment checks and safeguarding training 37:01 – Going beyond minimum safeguarding requirements 38:09 – Listening to parents and responding to complaints 40:32 – What should smaller settings do before September? 41:33 – Creating a safeguarding checklist and prioritising changes 42:47 – Starting with strategic safeguarding priorities 43:27 – Safer eating, weaning, sleeping and screen use 45:44 – Using guidance, AI and doing your own due diligence 47:23 – The wider consequences of increased safeguarding scrutiny 47:42 – Mergers, acquisitions, insurance and recruitment 49:19 – The potential ripple effect of increased inspections 50:21 – What early childhood can learn from schools 52:10 – Safeguarding responsibility when opening and running a nursery 54:14 – Reputational risk, social media and communicating with parents 55:35 – Profit, ethics and responsibility in early childhood 56:49 – Safeguarding awareness and professional boundaries 58:28 – Balancing safeguarding scrutiny with the positives of the profession 59:18 – Remembering the joy of working with children 1:00:18 – Preparing for the changes and doing your own due diligence 1:00:58 – Final reflections and episode wrap-up 1:01:30 – Ann Marie's safeguarding workshop at the 2027 conference 1:01:45 – Further safeguarding article and closing thanks For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

Many childhood behaviours labelled as difficult, oppositional or defiant may make far more sense than we realise. This article and podcast episode explore a biological perspective on defiance, screens, difficult behaviour and why modern parenting has become so exhausting. We explore why children adapt when something important is missing from their experience, and how shifting our attention from behaviour to environment can transform how we understand children. Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/from-behaviour-to-signal-a-different-way-to-understand-children/   This episode is in partnership with BookedIn BookedIn is a CPD booking platform that connects organisations with verified speakers, trainers and consultants – so you can find the right fit faster, based on your brief, audience and outcomes.  You can discover, compare, and manage bookings in one place – designed to help you book with more clarity and confidence. Whether you're booking CPD or are a speaker yourself, they're opening early access soon, and if you want to be first to hear when it's live, join the waiting list today!  To find out more and sign up to the wait list visit: https://waitlist.bookedin.online/   Our 2027 conference info & tickets: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2027/  Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: •       The science of play: How shared activities transform family dynamics, with Professor Sam Wass - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/the-science-of-play-how-shared-activities-transform-family-dynamics/ •       Active vs passive screen time, with Musa Roshdy - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/active-vs-passive-screen-time/  Get in touch and share your voice: Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/  Episode break down: 00:00 – Introducing the episode and Geoff Owen 02:26 – What does it mean to view behaviour as a signal? 05:18 – The fish-in-the-river analogy: looking at the environment 09:32 – Children's biological expectations and the 'ancient blueprint' 11:45 – How adults broadcast their emotional state 15:13 – Children on the periphery of everyday life 19:35 – Seeing children as capable, competent, valued and trusted 21:55 – How Geoff's own childhood shaped his thinking 22:50 – The Continuum Concept and adversarial approaches to parenting 24:57 – Independence, maturity and modern parenting 27:20 – Conditioning, reframing behaviour and parental self-blame 29:24 – Proximity, carrying and children's expectations 31:28 – Adaptive behaviour: what are children adapting to? 37:51 – Regulation, co-regulation and how children experience adult responses 39:29 – Adult self-awareness and the influence of our own childhood experiences 45:55 – How children communicate before spoken language 46:38 – Parenting as a 'side activity' and including children in everyday life 48:50 – Containment, boundaries, punishment and rewards 50:18 – Practical takeaways for parents and educators 52:00 – Stepping back from adult-led conversations 53:37 – Balancing language support with silence, space and child-led conversation 55:04 – Closing reflections 56:00 – Where to find Jeff's article  For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

Laughter is often treated as a pleasant extra, or even a distraction from learning. Drawing on their work across psychology, education, health and community contexts, Dr Jacqueline Harding and Dr Jawad Shah explore how shared laughter can support connection, curiosity, hope and resilience, while making space for children's full emotional lives. What becomes possible when joy is taken seriously?   Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/the-brain-that-loves-to-laugh/   This episode is in partnership with BookedIn   BookedIn is a CPD booking platform that connects organisations with verified speakers, trainers and consultants – so you can find the right fit faster, based on your brief, audience and outcomes.   You can discover, compare, and manage bookings in one place – designed to help you book with more clarity and confidence.   Whether you're booking CPD or are a speaker yourself, they're opening early access soon, and if you want to be first to hear when it's live, join the waiting list today!   To find out more and sign up to the wait list visit: https://waitlist.bookedin.online/   Our 2027 conference info & tickets: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2027/   Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: ·       The brain that loves to play, with Dr Jacqueline Harding: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/the-brain-that-loves-to-play/ ·       Why children need joy, with Ben Kingston-Hughes: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/why-children-need-joy/ ·       Bringing the joy back to early childhood, with Aaron Bradbury: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/bringing-the-joy-back-to-early-childhood-2/   Get in touch and share your voice: Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/   Episode break down: 00:18 – Introduction to the podcast and guests 03:45 – Why did you write the book The Brain That Loves to Laugh? 07:11 – Human connection, safety and laughter 09:55 – Creating an emotional ecosystem around children 13:11 – Play, laughter and neuroplasticity: The Kentucky spinal unit 16:30 – The universality of laughter, joy and resilience 18:27 – Why laughter is not 'fluffy' and the language of hope 20:27 – Hope as a protective factor and the role of community 22:33 – Moving beyond fear-based pedagogy: Play, joy and attainment 27:04 – Laughter, emotional connection and the purpose of education 29:43 – What happens in the brain when we laugh? 31:49 – Is play fundamental to early childhood and learning? 34:36 – Using humour and fun to support learning 36:55 – Does laughter lead to chaos? Connection, behaviour and joy 37:50 – Why negative experiences can overshadow the positive 40:03 – Modelling mistakes, humour and emotional resilience 43:03 – Peer relationships, problem-solving and resilience 43:43 – Co-regulation, self-regulation and resilience 44:00 – Final reflections on joy, laughter and play 45:43 – See Dr Jacqueline Harding at our 2027 Conference For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

Too many children are quietly struggling to hear in early years settings, and it is often missed until their speech, learning and behaviour are already affected. This article and podcast episode share the story behind the Universal Glue Ear Screening Programme, explain what glue ear is and why it matters, and show how a free termly glue ear check can protect every child.​   Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/the-hidden-hearing-crisis-in-early-years-and-the-free-solution-every-nursery-can-use/ ​   This episode is in partnership with My Little Ears   We are a paediatric hearing clinic dedicated to improving early identification and management of glue ear in children. Glue ear is the leading cause of temporary hearing loss in children, affecting 1 in 5 preschool children at any given time in the UK.   To find out more visit: https://mylittleears.co.uk/   Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: ·       A guide to potty training with Rebecca Mottram: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/a-guide-to-potty-training/ ·       Nutritious mealtimes for under 5's with Catherine Lippe: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/nutritious-mealtimes-for-under-5s/   Get in touch and share your voice: Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/   Episode break down: 00:00 – Glue ear: the hidden hearing crisis in early childhood 00:50 – What is glue ear and how does it affect hearing? 03:28 – How common is glue ear in children? 04:33 – Why young children are more susceptible to glue ear 05:58 – Why glue ear resolves differently for each child 06:40 – Why early detection needs to happen beyond the clinic 07:22 – The universal glue ear screening programme for nurseries and schools 09:22 – What glue ear may look like in children 10:49 – 'Not listening' or not hearing? 11:37 – Changes in play, behaviour and communication 13:51 – Key signs educators may notice 14:44 – Signs at home and the effects on speech 15:43 – Hearing muffled speech: a practical demonstration 17:31 – Auditory processing and possible longer-term effects 19:31 – Listening effort, fatigue and memory 20:22 – Why glue ear can recur 21:51 – Factors that may increase the likelihood or severity of glue ear 23:16 – Screening findings: 63% of children in one nursery 25:30 – What happens after glue ear is detected? 27:02 – Supporting access to sound with bone-conduction hearing aids 27:58 – Auto-inflation therapy 29:34 – ENT referrals and grommet surgery 31:05 – What parents and educators can do if they are concerned 32:35 – The free glue ear awareness course 33:03 – Final reflections and further information For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

How do books shape children's sense of identity, belonging and understanding of others? In this podcast episode and article, we explore the importance of representation in children's literature and why inclusive storytelling matters in early childhood education. Reflecting on personal experiences, this conversation considers how books can help children feel seen, valued and included. We also discuss the role of sensory storytelling, immersive learning and culturally inclusive resources in supporting empathy, accessibility and belonging for all children. How can educators ensure every child sees themselves reflected in the stories around them?   Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/who-gets-to-feel-seen-in-our-classrooms-culturally-inclusive-practice-through-books/   This episode is in partnership with BookedIn   BookedIn is a CPD booking platform that connects organisations with verified speakers, trainers and consultants – so you can find the right fit faster, based on your brief, audience and outcomes.   You can discover, compare, and manage bookings in one place – designed to help you book with more clarity and confidence.   Whether you're booking CPD or are a speaker yourself, they're opening early access soon, and if you want to be first to hear when it's live, join the waiting list today!   To find out more and sign up to the wait list visit: https://waitlist.bookedin.online/   Our 2027 conference info & tickets: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2027/   Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: ·       Stories that connect us: How books foster belonging in the early years – Laura Henry-Allain MBE https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/stories-that-connect-us-how-books-foster-belonging-in-the-early-years-2/ ·       Supporting children's language through shared stories and sustained dialogue – Fufy Demissie https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/supporting-childrens-language-through-shared-stories-and-sustained-dialogue/ ·       Extremely early literacy – Dan Berman https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/extremely-early-literacy/   Get in touch and share your voice: Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/   Episode break down: 00:00 – Introducing Sukhy Kaur and culturally inclusive children's books 02:21 – Representation, visibility and belonging 03:53 – Creating sensory stories that are accessible to all children 07:55 – Normalising diversity through children's literature 10:03 – Encouraging children to ask questions about difference 11:23 – Understanding children's curiosity about difference 13:01 – Sukhy's personal journey and Sikh identity 14:37 – Experiencing bullying for wearing a turban 16:07 – Becoming a teacher to make a difference 16:39 – Developing the first book during COVID 17:19 – The story behind Is That Paras's Turban? 18:15 – Bringing books to life through workshops and puppet shows 19:50 – Supporting children and educators through immersive workshops 20:40 – Extending learning through resources and lesson plans 21:39 – Moving from teaching into authorship 22:47 – The year-long process of producing a sensory book 23:45 – Seeing the books in libraries and hearing from families 24:48 – Forthcoming books about festivals and cultural foods 25:25 – Advice for aspiring authors 26:53 – The challenges of marketing children's books 27:42 – Sharing culturally inclusive practice at educational events 28:36 – Using props and storytelling to support different ways of learning 29:17 – Sukhy's workshop at the TVOEC Conference 2027 30:05 – "Every child should be able to open a book and feel that they exist within the story" For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

Drawing on personal experience, research and the Greater Than 3 mentor programme, Robert Harris explores why men remain underrepresented in early childhood. He considers the impact of gender diversity on children, the stigma and gatekeeping men can face, and how mentorship, representation and more inclusive pathways could help create lasting change across the profession.   Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/moving-beyond-3-percent-recruiting-more-men-into-early-years/   This episode is in partnership with Male Childcare and Teaching Jobs.   Male Childcare and Teaching Jobs advocate for greater male participation in education and caregiving roles, offering support and guidance to enhance gender inclusion in nurseries and schools.   To find out more visit: https://malechildcareandteachingjobs.co.uk/   Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like to hear more at https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/articles/men-in-early-childhood/   Get in touch and share your voice: Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/   Episode break down: 00:00 – Introduction to Dan Berman and Robert Harris 01:24 – The benefits of greater male presence in early childhood 03:54 – Male role models, play and challenging gender norms 07:30 – The three per cent figure and barriers within infant care 10:05 – Introducing the Greater Than Three mentor programme 15:06 – Creating intentional pathways into the profession 16:51 – DC Men in ECE and the importance of collective advocacy 20:05 – Racial and cultural representation within the workforce 23:22 – Being a Black male educator: visibility, scrutiny and advocacy 25:07 – Stigma surrounding sexuality and safeguarding 29:10 – Challenging bias in recruitment and hiring 30:18 – Retention, judgement and low pay 31:32 – Children need to see what they can become 32:32 – Building stronger foundations for representation and advocacy 32:55 – Further reading and future conversations 33:41 – Closing reflections   For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

What if children's distress is not just a problem to solve, but a signal of their need to be seen? This article and podcast episode explore how children's expectations about availability and effectiveness of support from close others develop through repeated interactions with multiple caregivers. Using a psychological lens - in particular looking at attachment theory - we explore how educators and parents/carers can shape these expectations of care through their everyday responses to children's distress.  Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/will-you-notice-me-what-children-learn-from-how-we-respond-to-their-distress/  This episode is in partnership with BookedIn BookedIn is a CPD booking platform that connects organisations with verified speakers, trainers and consultants – so you can find the right fit faster, based on your brief, audience and outcomes.  You can discover, compare, and manage bookings in one place – designed to help you book with more clarity and confidence. Whether you're booking CPD or are a speaker yourself, they're opening early access soon, and if you want to be first to hear when it's live, join the waiting list today!  To find out more and sign up to the wait list visit: https://waitlist.bookedin.online/   Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: ●      An introduction to John Bolwby - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/an-introduction-to-john-bowlby/ ●      An introduction to Mary Ainsworth - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/an-introduction-to-mary-ainsworth/ ●      Unconditional positive regard in early childhood: What we can still learn from Carl Rogers and Mister Rogers? - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/unconditional-positive-regard-in-early-childhood-what-we-can-still-learn-from-carl-rogers-and-mister-rogers/ ●      Understanding the impact of childhood trauma and how to develop trauma-informed practices - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/understanding-the-impact-of-childhood-trauma-and-how-to-develop-trauma-informed-practices/   Get in touch and share your voice: Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/   Episode break down: 00:00 – Welcome and episode focus 02:05 – Understanding distress as communication 04:14 – Why children's distress can be misunderstood 05:55 – Can you notice me? 06:57 – Repeated interactions and attachment 10:08 – Secure base script knowledge 10:46 – How children learn whether support is available 12:30 – Scripts, shortcuts and everyday experiences 15:10 – What attuned responses look like in practice 16:45 – Opening the gates of learning 17:55 – Acknowledging distress 19:57 – Feeling seen before setting limits 20:13 – Acknowledging feelings, not validating behaviour 21:34 – Sensitive limit setting 21:50 – Multiple caregivers and attachment networks 22:12 – Moving beyond one primary attachment relationship 23:54 – The role of educators and professional caregivers 25:54 – A village of caregivers 26:24 – Patterns over perfection 26:41 – Good enough care 29:30 – Children need patterns, not perfect adults 29:54 – Current research and longitudinal findings 32:30 – Secure base script knowledge and later wellbeing 33:26 – Supporting parents and the network of care 35:08 – Reflecting on the long-term impact of early relationships 36:19 – Responding to distress over time 37:17 – Intergenerational patterns of care 37:36 – A key shift in mindset 37:47 – From fixing the problem to being there 38:57 – Closing reflections and thanks For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

The first five years are a once-in-a-lifetime window of opportunity for brain development. During this period, food does far more than fill tummies, it helps support learning, behaviour, emotional wellbeing and lifelong health. This article and podcast episode explore the emerging evidence around ultra-processed foods and why food quality matters during the early years.   Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/growing-brains-growing-bodies-understanding-ultra-processed-foods/     This episode is sponsored by Little Dish   Hillary Graves founded Little Dish in 2006 to provide fresh, nutritionally balanced meals for young children that tasted as good as homemade food, unlike shelf-stable alternatives with long shelf lives. Today, the award-winning range includes nine toddler meal recipes made with natural ingredients, available nationwide in the chilled aisles of major supermarkets and online.   Little Dish has expanded into frozen foods with Superstars, a new range of family favourites focused on better nutrition, including Chicken Nuggets with Hidden Veg, Crispy Fish Bites with Added Veg and Golden Veggie Bites with Mozzarella.   Every Little Dish product is developed with support from baby and child nutritionist Charlotte Stirling-Reed and approved by a panel of 250 Tiny Tasters across the UK. Ready in minutes, the range offers busy parents, grandparents and guardians stress-free healthy meals kids love.   To find out more visit: www.littledish.co.uk    Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: ·       How can we support children in the early years to flourish? With Jayne Carter: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/how-can-we-support-children-in-the-early-years-to-flourish/ ·       A guide to potty training with Rebecca Mottram: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/a-guide-to-potty-training/   Get in touch and share your voice: Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/   Episode break down: 00:00 – Welcome and introduction to Louise 02:30 – Introducing ultra-processed foods in early childhood 03:05 – Why early brain development matters 05:45 – How food shapes brain connections, habits and behaviour 07:30 – What are ultra-processed foods (UPFs)? 10:15 – How to recognise UPFs through ingredients 12:00 – The NOVA classification and why food labels can be confusing 13:10 – Surprising examples of UPFs, including bread and baby food 15:20 – Why the concern is also about what UPFs replace 17:45 – Children's higher nutritional needs and brain energy demands 19:30 – Fortification, breakfast cereals and missing nutrients 21:05 – Fruit pouches, "no added sugar" claims and free sugars 24:10 – What happens when fruit is industrially processed 28:00 – Home-blitzed fruit, weaning and food texture 30:05 – Fruit sugars, teeth and moderation 31:40 – Vegetables, natural sweetness and balanced menus 33:30 – Texture progression, oral motor skills and speech development 35:30 – Developing children's palates through variety and repeated exposure 37:20 – Gagging, choking, allergies and safe food exploration 39:15 – Talking to children about what food does for their bodies 41:05 – Avoiding reward-based language around food 42:25 – Food relationships, marketing and emotional eating habits 43:45 – EYFS guidance, sugar and the need to explain why 45:00 – Advice for parents and educators: reducing UPFs without blame 45:35 – Early childhood settings, safeguarding and the role of menus 45:59 – Closing reflections and thanks   For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

Professional development is something every early childhood setting invests in, yet it does not always lead to meaningful or lasting change. Training sessions may be delivered, feedback forms may be completed, and educators may leave feeling inspired. But the more important question is what happens afterwards: does practice change in ways that benefit children? In this live podcast conversation and article, Dr Julian Grenier CBE reflects on what effective continuing professional development, or CPD, can look like in early childhood contexts. A central message is that high-quality professional development is not defined by a single event, but by how learning is sustained, supported and embedded over time. Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/what-does-good-quality-cpd-look-like/   This episode is in partnership with BookedIn   BookedIn is a CPD booking platform that connects organisations with verified speakers, trainers and consultants – so you can find the right fit faster, based on your brief, audience and outcomes.   You can discover, compare, and manage bookings in one place – designed to help you book with more clarity and confidence.   Whether you're booking CPD or are a speaker yourself, they're opening early access soon, and if you want to be first to hear when it's live, join the waiting list today!   To find out more and sign up to the wait list visit: https://waitlist.bookedin.online/ Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: ·       Using the early years pupil premium to strengthen practice and equity, with Dr Julian Grenier - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/using-the-early-years-pupil-premium-to-strengthen-practice-and-equity/ ·       Astrea Academy Trust Project - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/projects/astrea-academy-trust-project/?playlist=56a5917&video=17c6a45   Get in touch and share your voice: Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/   Episode break down: 00:00 – Live podcast recording at Nursery World in London 02:10 – What does good-quality CPD look like? 03:22 – Introducing Dr Julian Grenier and the focus on effective professional development 04:00 – Moving beyond "train and pray" approaches to CPD 05:28 – Why professional development needs to be sustained over time 06:45 – Taking years, not days: embedding change in practice 08:05 – Motivation, relevance and why change is difficult 09:28 – What handwashing in healthcare teaches us about sustaining change 10:55 – Supporting educators through feedback, modelling and removing barriers 12:05 – Everyday coaching moments as professional development 13:10 – Aligning CPD with children, families and community context 14:28 – Working with external consultants and speakers 15:55 – Choosing fewer priorities and embedding them well 17:05 – Balancing inspiration with sustained change 18:05 – Building explicit knowledge of practices, not just enthusiasm 19:20 – Bridging theory, research and practice 20:15 – What evidence-informed CPD looks like in early childhood 21:18 – Evaluating CPD beyond feedback forms 22:10 – Looking for change one month, three months and one year later 23:02 – Final advice: focus on a few things and do them well 23:30 – Closing reflections and thanks For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

Raising happy, healthy, successful kids with the Core4Connectors - A relationship-based approach. Today's parents and carers are shifting their hopes for children from outward success to inner security. This article and podcast episode explore how relationship-based parenting from birth, rooted in trust, respect, honesty, and communication, creates the emotional safety that allows children to thrive. When children feel seen, heard, and secure, happiness and success follow naturally. Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/what-is-relationship-based-parenting/     This episode is in partnership with BookedIn   BookedIn is a CPD booking platform that connects organisations with verified speakers, trainers and consultants – so you can find the right fit faster, based on your brief, audience and outcomes.   You can discover, compare, and manage bookings in one place – designed to help you book with more clarity and confidence.   Whether you're booking CPD or are a speaker yourself, they're opening early access soon, and if you want to be first to hear when it's live, join the waiting list today!   To find out more and sign up to the wait list visit: https://waitlist.bookedin.online/   Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: ●      Perception, positivity and parents with Wendy Kettleborough - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/perception-positivity-parents/ ●      The politics of parenting with Dr Helen Simmons - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/the-politics-of-parenting/ ●      Beyond partnership with families with Philippa Thompson - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/beyond-partnership-with-families/   Get in touch and share your voice: Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/   Episode break down: 00:00 - Welcome to the episode and introduction to Cara 02:18 - Cara's background in linguistics, education and Core4 Parenting 03:42 - The "teacher teacher" approach: parenting, education and identity 05:10 - Interacting with children vs being in relationship with them 06:35 - Relational intelligence and the Core4Connectors 08:52 - Respect, trust, belief and being willing to talk 10:40 - Building trust through boundaries and consistent language 13:08 - The role of language in building relationships 14:32 - Commands, declarative language and moving away from imperatives 16:25 - Meaning-based communication and the power of non-verbal cues 18:18 - The "talking triangle": body language, tone, energy and words 20:05 - How children read facial expressions and emotional cues 21:18 - The trigger trap reaction cycle 22:45 - Using calm energy before words: Cara's coat anecdote 25:25 - Why connection comes before instruction 26:48 - Positive and negative imperatives: when commands are useful 28:20 - The five-to-one-and-done strategy 30:08 - Supporting children's autonomy, cognition and self-talk 31:30 - A key language shift: "if you choose to…" 33:28 - Natural consequences, ownership and critical thinking 35:05 - Introducing Talk to Them Early and Often 36:20 - Why early language matters from birth to three 37:05 - Who the book is for and where to find it 37:55 - Final reflections on autonomy, conflict and connection For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

The stories we carry shape how we lead, often without us realising. In early years, these narratives influence who we see as a leader and how we show up. This article and podcast episode explore how leadership stories are formed, the impact they have, and how shifting them can open up more intentional and inclusive ways of leading.   Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/earlty-years-leadership-stories/   This episode is in partnership with The Early Years Leadership Conference and BookedIn.   To find out more about The Early Years Leadership Conference and grab your tickets visit: https://theearlyyearsleadershipconfer6.godaddysites.com/   To find out more about BookedIn and starting booking training visit: https://waitlist.bookedin.online/   Our 2027 conference info & tickets: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2027/   Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: ·      What is professional confidence? – with Dr Lewis Fogarty - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/professional-confidence-finding-the-confidence-to-speak-out/ ·      Accidental leadership in early years – With Jenny Weidner - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/accidental-leadership-in-early-years/   Get in touch and share your voice: Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/   Episode break down: 00:00 Introduction and welcome to the live podcast 01:35 About The Voice of Early Childhood and Booked-in Voices 03:05 Introducing Jenny Weidner and today's leadership discussion 04:10 Leadership stories: where our ideas about leadership come from 08:15 The influence of role models and leadership reference points 13:10 Positive and negative leadership experiences 16:05 Internal leadership stories and self-doubt 19:15 Accidental leadership and feeling unprepared for leadership roles 23:00 Imposter syndrome and leadership identity 25:10 Leadership beyond job titles 29:05 Developing professional confidence and recognising leadership in others 31:20 Untold leadership stories and the impact of personal experiences 35:05 Burnout, responsibility and the 'rescuer' mindset 37:20 Moving from accidental to intentional leadership 39:10 Audience reflections: leadership reference points 41:35 Final reflections and closing remarks For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

This article and podcast episode explore how integrated early childhood approaches can strengthen systems of support for children and families. Using Maryland Family Network as a case study, we reflect on key themes including access to childcare, family support, early intervention, and cross-sector collaboration, offering insights that educators and policymakers can adapt within diverse international contexts.  Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/strengthening-early-childhood-services-a-case-study-from-maryland/  This episode is in partnership with Male Childcare and Teaching Jobs.  Male Childcare and Teaching Jobs advocate for greater male participation in education and caregiving roles, offering support and guidance to enhance gender inclusion in nurseries and schools.  To find out more visit: https://malechildcareandteachingjobs.co.uk/   Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like to hear more at https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/articles/men-in-early-childhood/  Our 2027 conference info & tickets: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2027/    Get in touch and share your voice: Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/  Episode break down: 00:00 – Introduction 01:00 – What is Maryland Family Network? 03:10 – Federal and state-funded programmes 05:30 – The Patty Center network explained 07:40 – Child care resource and referral systems 10:00 – Real-time childcare vacancy data 12:10 – Systems thinking in early childhood education 14:20 – "It takes a village": recognising overlooked roles 16:30 – The Blueprint for Maryland's Future 20:00 – Investment in early childhood and policy challenges 22:40 – Patty Centers and Judy Centers 24:50 – Universal pre-K and unintended consequences 28:10 – Family childcare providers and community access 30:30 – Public versus private pre-K provision 32:20 – Collaboration challenges in early childhood systems 34:40 – Roundtables versus action 36:10 – Leadership, personality types, and systems work 37:40 – Community-based education and collective responsibility 38:50 – Final reflections on systems change 39:40 – Closing remarks and thanks For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

This article and podcast episode explore how the early years pupil premium (EYPP) can be used to strengthen practice and promote greater equity across the early childhood community. Drawing on research and professional experience, they reflect on why relationships with families matter, what evidence tells us about effective use of funding, and how a focus on high-quality provision can benefit all children—particularly those facing disadvantage. They also consider the importance of professional judgement, teamwork and sustained approaches to improvement in creating meaningful and lasting impact.   Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/using-the-early-years-pupil-premium-to-strengthen-practice-and-equity/    This episode is in partnership with the Education Endowment Foundation:   The EEF is an independent charity dedicated to breaking the link between family income and educational achievement. They do this by supporting schools, colleges, and early years settings to improve teaching and learning through better use of evidence.   To find out more visit: https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/     Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: ·       The Best Start in Life strategy and what it means for the sector, with Dr Zoe Raven and Charlotte Goddard - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/the-best-start-in-life-strategy-and-what-it-means-for-the-sector/ ·       Ofsted's renewed early years inspection framework: What educators need to know, with Jayne Coward - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/ofsteds-renewed-early-years-inspection-framework-what-educators-need-to-know/   Get in touch and share your voice: Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/   Episode break down: 00:00 – Introduction and welcome 01:35 – Dr Julian Grenier's background 03:45 – What is EYPP? 06:20 – Building relationships with families 09:10 – Why EYPP matters 12:10 – Research and what makes the biggest difference 16:05 – Professional development and improving quality 18:40 – Balancing quality with targeted support 22:10 – The EEF EYPP planning tool 25:15 – Whole-team approaches and sustained change 28:20 – Measuring impact in meaningful ways 31:45 – Early mathematics and communication 34:05 – Rethinking school readiness 36:10 – Strengthening equity in early childhood 37:35 – Final reflections and closing remarks For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com  

Sound based emotional regulation is an emerging approach which uses carefully designed auditory experiences including voice, rhythm and specific sound frequencies to help children regulate their nervous systems. This article and podcast episode explore the science behind sound-based emotional regulation, why it matters in early childhood, and how sound can support emotional wellbeing in a variety of developmentally appropriate ways.   Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/what-is-sound-based-emotional-regulation/   This episode is sponsored by HushAway   HushAway® is a sound-based emotional regulation initiative designed to support children's nervous systems, particularly those who are neurodivergent or experience sensory overwhelm. Using gentle soundscapes, calming voice, predictable rhythms, and ASMR-informed audio, HushAway® creates the conditions in which children can feel safe, settled, and ready to engage. Rather than focusing on behaviour management, HushAway® supports regulation at a physiological level, recognising that emotional regulation begins in the body, not with instructions. The approach is grounded in lived experience, early-years practice, and emerging research around sound, co-regulation, and nervous system safety. HushAway® works with children, families, and educators to embed compassionate, neuro-affirming regulation support into everyday environments, helping children feel understood, not corrected.   To find out more visit: www.hushaway.com   Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: ·       It's not time out, it's time in' for both of us by Julie Robinson and Charlotte Hannah: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/its-not-time-out-its-time-in-for-both-of-us/ ·       Aligning learning environments with the needs of the brain by Dr Kathryn Murray: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/aligning-learning-environments-with-the-needs-of-the-brain/   Get in touch and share your voice: Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/   Episode break down: 00:00 – Introducing the episode: sound-based emotional regulation 02:10 – Guest introduction: Nikki's background and expertise 03:45 – Why emotional regulation matters in early childhood 05:30 – Behaviour as communication and understanding children's internal state 07:40 – The nervous system and co-regulation 09:50 – Why sound is powerful for emotional regulation 12:00 – What sound-based emotional regulation involves in practice 14:10 – Supporting children to develop independent regulation 16:20 – Introducing Hushaway: purpose and key features 18:50 – The inspiration behind Hushaway: sleep, routines and unmet needs 21:30 – Frequencies, ASMR and immersive storytelling 24:00 – Evidence base and research informing sound-based approaches 25:40 – Why sound regulation matters in today's context 27:10 – Using sound in educational settings and classrooms 28:40 – Considerations for educators: choosing appropriate sounds 29:10 – Advice for parents and educators 29:40 – Final reflections and key messages For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

Professional curiosity is often spoken about in early childhood practice, yet its meaning can remain abstract until it is grounded in everyday interactions with children, families and colleagues. This article and podcast episode explore what professional curiosity looks like in practice, why it matters, and how it can be nurtured within early childhood communities.   Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/professional-curiosity-creating-cultures-of-reflection-safety-and-growth/     This episode is in partnership with The Early Years Leadership Conference   To find out more and grab your tickets visit: https://theearlyyearsleadershipconfer6.godaddysites.com/   Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: ·      What is professional confidence? – with Dr Lewis Fogarty - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/professional-confidence-finding-the-confidence-to-speak-out/ ·      Hurt from conception: The impact of domestic abuse on children – with Tina Pokuaah - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/hurt-from-conception-reflecting-on-the-impact-of-domestic-abuse-on-children/   Get in touch and share your voice: Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/   Episode break down: 00:00 – Introducing the topic: what is professional curiosity? 02:31 – Defining professional curiosity: going deeper, not asking more 03:11 – Reflection as a foundation for learning 04:24 – Balancing curiosity with respect and non-intrusiveness 06:23 – Psychological safety and creating open cultures in settings 07:51 – Communication skills and asking questions in the right way 09:01 – Supporting apprentices and recognising different starting points 11:24 – Building reflective team cultures (example of shared communication approaches) 12:42 – Learning from each other and empowering educators as leaders 14:38 – Risks of lacking professional curiosity (complacency and stagnation) 16:04 – Impact on staff wellbeing, retention and relationships 17:42 – Early intervention and the dangers of assumptions 19:34 – Challenging bias and recognising personal perspectives 21:24 – Role modelling curiosity, vulnerability and reflective leadership 22:44 – Strengthening relationships with families through curiosity 24:22 – Generational impact of professional curiosity on children's learning 26:44 – Curiosity in training, CPD and professional development 28:58 – Supporting educators to develop their own pedagogy 30:45 – Moving beyond fixed approaches and embracing critical thinking 32:11 – The importance of collaboration beyond individual settings 34:38 – Introduction to the early childhood leadership conference 37:01 – Creating community, safe spaces and inclusive dialogue at events 39:02 – Amplifying diverse voices, including apprentices 41:15 – Encouraging participation and shared learning at conferences 43:28 – Final reflections: what should listeners take away? 43:44 – Closing remarks and episode wrap-up For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

This article explores the TWiTCH (Talk with Tales for Children) programme, outlining its pedagogical foundations and structure, alongside findings from an independent pilot evaluation. It highlights how coach-led professional development and dialogic story practices can strengthen educators' confidence and support children's language, reasoning, and engagement during shared book reading.   Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/supporting-childrens-language-through-shared-stories-and-sustained-dialogue/   This episode is in partnership with TWiTCH and Sheffield Hallam University   To find out more about the TWiTCH programme visit: https://research.shu.ac.uk/twitchefficacytrial/   To take part in the TWiTCH programme, submit an interest form: https://forms.office.com/e/Rq3pwJGUiT?origin=lprLink   Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: ·       Helicopter stories: Bringing every child's story to life, with Trisha Lee: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/helicopter-stories-bringing-every-childs-story-to-life/ ·       Stories that connect us: How books foster belonging in the early years with Laura Henry-Allain: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/stories-that-connect-us-how-books-foster-belonging-in-the-early-years-2/   Get in touch and share your voice: Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/   Episode break down: 00:00 – Welcome and episode overview 00:36 – Guest introduction: Fufy Demissie 00:54 – Fufy's background and experience 01:27 – What is the TWiTCH programme? 02:37 – Origins: language gap and research context 03:11 – Funding, development, and trial expansion 03:55 – What TWiTCH stands for 04:11 – Structure: nine stories across the year 04:46 – Week one: story immersion and strategies 05:36 – Week two: RCRI and reasoning discussions 06:40 – Decontextualised talk and critical thinking 07:25 – Week three: continuous provision and play 08:11 – Embedding vocabulary through practice 08:32 – Repetition of cycle across stories 08:52 – Dialogue, dilemmas, and child engagement 09:30 – Practitioner concerns and outcomes 10:18 – Pedagogical approaches underpinning TWiTCH 10:44 – Use of puppets and modelling language 11:05 – Hanan approach and responsive interaction 12:31 – Importance of repeated reading 13:31 – Educator training and coaching model 14:33 – Coaching visits and reflective practice 15:21 – Practitioner agency and flexibility 16:48 – Programme reach and implementation scale 17:52 – Inclusion of childminders 18:40 – Pilot findings: practitioner confidence 19:36 – Impact on reading and discussion practices 20:05 – Increased confidence in reading aloud 20:46 – Outcomes for children's language development 21:41 – Next steps: large-scale trial 22:36 – Recruitment of settings 23:50 – Trial design and evaluation approach 24:40 – Measuring children's language outcomes 25:52 – Future potential and expansion 27:05 – Key takeaway: value of repetition 28:01 – Final reflections on practice 28:41 – Closing remarks and how to get involved For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

What might early childhood practice look like if relationships truly came first?   In this article and podcast episode, we explore the idea of unconditional positive regard through the work of two influential figures who shared more than a surname: Carl Rogers and Fred Rogers. Although they worked in different spaces, both highlighted the power of acceptance, connection, and respect in supporting children's growth.   Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/unconditional-positive-regard-in-early-childhood-what-we-can-still-learn-from-carl-rogers-and-mister-rogers/   This episode is in partnership with BookedIn BookedIn is a CPD booking platform that connects organisations with verified speakers, trainers and consultants – so you can find the right fit faster, based on your brief, audience and outcomes. You can discover, compare, and manage bookings in one place – designed to help you book with more clarity and confidence. Whether you're booking CPD or are a speaker yourself, they're opening early access soon, and if you want to be first to hear when it's live, join the waiting list NOW! To find out more and sign up to the wait list visit: https://waitlist.bookedin.online/   Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: ·       Growth mindset in early childhood by Matt Bawler: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/growth-mindset-in-early-childhood-2/ ·       Proactively promoting positive mental health by Matt Bawler: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/proactively-promoting-positive-mental-health/   Get in touch and share your voice: Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/   Episode break down: 00:00 – Introduction and welcome 02:15 – Katie and David share their journeys into counselling and early childhood education 05:20 – Why they wrote together about unconditional positive regard 08:15 – What unconditional positive regard looks like in everyday practice 11:00 – How to balance empathy with clear boundaries using the ACT approach 14:30 – Practical examples of setting limits with children 16:45 – How boundaries can communicate care, safety and love 19:10 – Why connecting Carl Rogers and Fred Rogers matters for the early childhood community 22:30 – The ongoing lack of respect and support for early childhood educators 26:00 – Emotional labour and how educators manage feelings in the classroom 27:15 – Natural emoting, surface acting and deep acting explained 31:30 – When "faking it" protects relationships and when it leads to burnout 34:00 – Why teaching in early childhood is emotionally intense and highly complex 37:00 – Helping children build a richer vocabulary for emotions 41:00 – Why modelling emotions is central to children's social and emotional learning 44:00 – Reflecting on whether children feel genuinely wanted and valued 46:00 – Final reflections and episode close For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

This article and podcast episode explore what it means for children to flourish in early years. They outline key characteristics of flourishing; positive relationships, emotional resilience, curiosity, and a sense of belonging, connecting these to effective early years teaching and learning. They provide practical strategies to embed flourishing, creating supportive environments, fostering emotional development and promoting strong partnerships with families.   Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/how-can-we-support-children-in-the-early-years-to-flourish/   This episode is in partnership with BookedIn BookedIn is a CPD booking platform that connects organisations with verified speakers, trainers and consultants – so you can find the right fit faster, based on your brief, audience and outcomes. You can discover, compare, and manage bookings in one place – designed to help you book with more clarity and confidence. Whether you're booking CPD or are a speaker yourself, they're opening early access soon, and if you want to be first to hear when it's live, join the waiting list NOW! To find out more and sign up to the wait list visit: https://waitlist.bookedin.online/   Our 2026 conference info & tickets: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2026/   Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: ●      Growth mindset in early childhood, by Matt Bawler: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/growth-mindset-in-early-childhood-2/ ●      Understanding neuroscience in early childhood, by Mandy Worsley: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/understanding-neuroscience-in-early-childhood/   Get in touch and share your voice: Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/   Episode break down: ·       00:00 - Welcome to the episode + guest introduction ·       03:45 - Unpicking "flourishing": why it's tricky to define + adult perspective ·       06:15 - Flourishing is individual: not one-size-fits-all + children's "place in the world" ·       08:25 - Moving from "becoming" to "being": focusing on the child in the now ·       09:55 - The "so what?": language, skills, and environment that supports flourishing ·       11:35 - What flourishing can look like in practice: confidence, empathy, coping "toolkit" ·       14:40 - Flourishing for younger children and babies: adult attunement, gaze, and early interaction ·       17:40 - Noticing when children need more support: proximity, reassurance, applying knowledge ·       20:30 - Characteristics of effective learning + links to flourishing (EYFS context) ·       22:45 - Practical strategies: relationships, greetings, routines, predictability, visual timetables ·       25:25 - Environment and provision: safe/calm spaces, indoors/outdoors, co-creating with children ·       27:40 - Adult language and modelling: thinking aloud, problem-solving, responsive play partner ·       29:50 - Positive affirmations: building motivation and long-lasting positive memories ·       32:00 - Educator learning and CPD: adults flourishing to support children flourishing ·       34:05 - Closing thanks + where to find Jane's accompanying article   For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

The new government-backed Potty Training Guide moves away from the old 'readiness' model and promotes early, gradual learning and preparation from infancy. This article and podcast episode explore what the guidance means for families and settings, why coming out of nappies should be the final step in learning, and how practitioners and parents/carers can support confident, healthy toilet learning.   Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/a-guide-to-potty-training/   This episode is in partnership with BookedIn BookedIn is a CPD booking platform that connects organisations with verified speakers, trainers and consultants – so you can find the right fit faster, based on your brief, audience and outcomes. You can discover, compare, and manage bookings in one place – designed to help you book with more clarity and confidence. Whether you're booking CPD or are a speaker yourself, they're opening early access soon, and if you want to be first to hear when it's live, join the waiting list NOW! To find out more and sign up to the wait list visit: https://waitlist.bookedin.online/   Our 2026 conference info & tickets: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2026/   Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: ●      Tummy time is an outdated notion, by Christine Wilkinson & Rachel Tapping: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/tummy-time-is-an-outdated-notion/ ●      Starting school: Supporting transitions to reception and key stage 1, by Delyth Linacre: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/starting-school-supporting-transitions-to-reception-and-key-stage-1/   Get in touch and share your voice: Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/   Episode break down: 00:00 – Welcome & guest introduction: Rebecca Mottram 03:10 – Why potty learning is in the spotlight & new England guidance overview 07:10 – Reframing potty learning as a developmental journey (moving away from "ready") 11:45 – "Nappies off" as the final step: capability, gradual skill-building, avoiding sudden transitions 17:05 – Practical foundations before nappies come off: sensory feedback & bathroom routines 20:50 – Rebecca's new book Positively Potty 22:10 – Nappies: cloth vs disposable & using nappies "mindfully" 25:55 – When should children be out of nappies? 29:20 – Starting school: curiosity over judgement 34:30 – Working in partnership with parents: earlier, joined-up support 36:40 – Regression and plateaus: learning isn't linear 39:10 – Motivating without treats: rewarding effort and engagement 41:20 – Play as the engine of potty learning: props, stories, role play 43:25 – Accidents & language: staying neutral; inclusive toileting practice   For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

This reflective piece explores the power of Helicopter Stories to unlock children's thinking, imagination and emotional expression. Through real-life examples, it illustrates how storytelling can offer deep insight into children's inner worlds, build community, and provide an inclusive, child-centred approach where every voice is valued and every story matters.   Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/helicopter-stories-bringing-every-childs-story-to-life/   This episode is in partnership with BookedIn BookedIn is a CPD booking platform that connects organisations with verified speakers, trainers and consultants – so you can find the right fit faster, based on your brief, audience and outcomes. You can discover, compare, and manage bookings in one place – designed to help you book with more clarity and confidence. Whether you're booking CPD or are a speaker yourself, they're opening early access soon, and if you want to be first to hear when it's live, join the waiting list NOW! To find out more and sign up to the wait list visit: https://waitlist.bookedin.online/   Our 2026 conference info & tickets: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2026/   Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: ·       Stories that connect us: How books foster belonging in the early years, by Laura Henry-Allain MBE – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/stories-that-connect-us-how-books-foster-belonging-in-the-early-years-2/ ·       The value of storytelling, by Olivia Corbin-Phillip – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/the-value-of-storytelling/   Get in touch and share your voice: Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/   Episode break down: 00:00 – Welcome and introductions 02:18 – What Helicopter Stories is and where it comes from (Vivian Gussin Paley) 04:40 – The magpie story and You can't say you can't play 06:31 – How Trisha met Vivian and their correspondence/friendship 09:04 – Why Trisha wrote the "how-to" book and the aim for global reach 10:30 – Key benefits: belonging, community, and knowing children more deeply 15:02 – Higher order thinking: representing characters without adult modelling 16:47 – Example story: "cake… house… eating…" and what acting-out reveals 18:50 – Mosaic approach / "hundred languages": communication beyond words 20:15 – Why verbatim matters & one-word stories ("Dog") 22:26 – Celebrating the poetry of children's language (Andre's story) 24:21 – When adults over-correct: protecting children's confidence as storytellers 25:36 – Challenging themes and possible disclosures: responding appropriately 28:35 – Story as processing: why storytelling can feel therapeutic 30:42 – Age range: who Helicopter Stories works for 32:04 – Getting started: practical steps, frameworks, and resources 34:03 – Growth of Helicopter Stories: where it's being used 35:10 – Closing reflections For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

In early childhood, stories are more than words on a page. They are bridges—between experiences, identities, and possibilities. This idea sits at the heart of a powerful conversation with Laura Henry-Allain MBE: award-winning early education specialist, author, and creator of the ground-breaking CBeebies series JoJo and Gran Gran. In this podcast episode, Laura shares her insights on the transformative potential of books in early childhood settings, and how storytelling can offer every child a sense of belonging.   Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/stories-that-connect-us-how-books-foster-belonging-in-the-early-years/   This episode is sponsored by Ladybird Books: We make growing up the best story ever! From your baby's first book to starting school, at Ladybird we publish something for every milestone. Discover a range of your little one's favourite characters, from Peppa Pig to Topsy and Tim, and much more.   To find out more visit: https://www.penguin.co.uk/discover/ladybird   Our 2026 conference info & tickets: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2026/   Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: ·       The value of storytelling, by Olivia Corbin-Phillip, https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/the-value-of-storytelling/ ·       Extremely early literacy, by Dan Berman, https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/extremely-early-literacy/   Get in touch and share your voice: Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/   Episode break down: 00:00 – 2026 Conference: Laura Henry-Allain MBE as keynote speaker 02:20 – Introducing Laura Henry-Allain MBE 06:10 – Why books matter: emotion, curiosity, access, and "windows" for children 08:30 – Representation and belonging: children seeing themselves in stories 11:10 – Books on a budget: second-hand options + widening access 13:10 – Beyond the book corner: placing books across the setting 15:10 – Books at home: everyday reading and communication 17:10 – Supporting families: lending libraries, story sacks, and building confidence 20:10 – Practical tip: tote bag "reading pack" instead of defaulting to screens 23:10 – Laura's "reading is everywhere" poster: what it is & how settings use it 26:00 – Balancing technology: audio stories and listening skills 28:30 – Laura's publishing journey: beginnings with her grandmother 31:20 – Writing life: timelines for publishing, working ahead, and varied roles 34:30 – Author visits: modelling storytelling 36:20 – Complex themes: why children are not "too young" 38:10 – Talking about race and difference 41:50 – Practice example: self-portraits, skin-tone resources, and sensitive reflection 44:30 – Intentional inclusion: planning, provocations, and the "global village" 47:20 – 2026: national year of reading & Laura's keynote plans 49:10 – TVOEC bookshelf project: using books to support complex conversations 50:10 – Laura's podcast: author interviews + extension activities/resources 52:10 – Mirrors, windows and sliding doors: widening perspectives through books 54:10 – Closing reflections For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

The early childhood community in England is experiencing a significant shift in how early years provision is inspected and understood. Ofsted's renewed early years inspection framework, now in place, shapes this episode and article. Drawing on a conversation with Jayne Coward from Ofsted, it explores what has changed, what remains central, and what this means for educators, children and families.   For the full article and documents mentioned in the episode visit: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/ofsteds-renewed-early-years-inspection-framework-what-educators-need-to-know/   This episode is in partnership with Ofsted.   You can hear more from Ofsted at our 2026 conference: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2026/   Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: ·       The case for systemic change in Ofsted's approach, by Lucy Lewin: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/the-case-for-systemic-change-in-ofsteds-approach/ ·       Ofsted's and the DfE's voices must be heard whether we like them or not… by Adam Marycz: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/ofsteds-and-the-dfes-voices-must-be-heard-whether-we-like-them-or-not/ ·       Ofsted: 'Sole arbiter of quality', by Dr Sue Allingham: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/ofsted-sole-arbiter-of-quality/   Get in touch and share your voice: Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/   Episode break down: 00:00 – Welcome and topic introduction 03:10 – What is the renewed inspection framework? 04:30 – Putting babies and children first 06:05 – The EYFS as the backbone of inspection 07:20 – Moving from fear to collaboration 08:40 – Consultation, pilots and feedback 10:00 – Inspector expertise and training 11:20 – Planning call and the end of the learning walk 13:00 – Professional dialogue during inspection 14:05 – Understanding context and community 15:30 – Curriculum, pedagogy and play 17:20 – Early years toolkit examples 19:05 – Conference reminder and podcast break note 20:00 – Workload, autonomy and 'not performing for Ofsted' 21:45 – Managing nerves and pressure 23:10 – Paperwork and what inspectors look at 24:10 – Talking with staff, key persons and apprentices 25:40 – Final message to educators For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

This article and podcast episode explore how Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) principles can be understood through EYFS language and practice. Mikaela Green, clinical director of therapeutic services and principal of First Bridge School, shows how strategies such as breaking learning into small steps, celebrating success, and creating enabling environments align seamlessly with EYFS priorities. Drawing on research evidence and examples from First Bridge Education, Mikaela highlights how educators can use evidence-based approaches to motivate children, reduce barriers, and support inclusive learning. Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/integrating-evidence-based-practice-into-the-early-years-curriculum-how-aba-principles-align-with-the-eyfs/   This episode is sponsored by Funding Loop   Funding Loop automates the process for nurseries of collecting funding forms from parents and typing that information into council portals. Funding Loop is used by over 2000 nurseries including over 80% of the top 25 nursery chains in the UK including Busy Bees.   To find out more visit: https://www.fundingloop.co.uk/home   Our 2026 conference info & tickets: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2026/   Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: ·       Supporting regulation in the early years: A progressive approach, by Jill Jones and Rebecca Martin - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/supporting-regulation-in-the-early-years-a-progressive-approach/ ·       Elevating children's thinking: Conceptual understanding through inquiry and play, by Sue Tee - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/elevating-childrens-thinking-conceptual-understanding-through-inquiry-and-play/   Get in touch and share your voice: Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/   Episode breakdown: 00:00 – Podcast intro and welcome 01:39 – Introducing guest Michaela Green and her roles 01:52 – Michaela's background and experience in early intervention and ABA 03:02 – Defining applied behaviour analysis (ABA): a science of learning 04:13 – ABA's history with autism, misconceptions and negative connotations 05:07 – ABA beyond autism: applications in health, sport and dementia 06:40 – Unpicking ABA principles through the EYFS: enabling environments and stimulus control 08:38 – Partnerships with parents: why family involvement is essential 09:40 – Following children's motivation and building learning around their interests 11:10 – Reinforcement, resilience and critical thinking in early learning 13:45 – Intrinsic versus extrinsic motivation and the role of rewards 14:18 – Teaching children to "like new things" and widening their worlds 18:07 – Why skilled clinical oversight matters and risks of poor implementation 19:23 – Why ABA is not a pick-up-and-go approach for settings 21:39 – First steps for settings interested in ABA and when it may be needed 22:16 – Distinguishing children who need intensive ABA from those who do not 25:07 – Practical universal strategies: predictable routines and calmer transitions 26:12 – Using visual supports and objects of reference to aid understanding 27:32 – Labelling resources and supporting independent choice in the environment 28:25 – Calm spaces, regulation and supporting children overwhelmed by noise 28:42 – Following interests (like cars) to help children feel safe and secure 29:38 – Recognising good early years practice and natural links with the EYFS 30:14 – How ABA and the EYFS framework complement one another in practice 31:07 – Combining specific ABA targets with a rich, play-based EYFS environment 33:06 – Identifying children who may benefit from more intensive, targeted teaching 34:16 – Red flags at the two-year check and why "wait and see" is not enough 37:33 – What one-to-one ABA teaching can look like for an individual child 39:02 – Example: teaching imitation and clapping through fun, motivating activities 41:00 – Using ongoing assessment and data to check whether learning is happening 41:44 – Critical consideration one: individual differences and personalised programmes 45:16 – Critical consideration two: risk of overstructure and keeping play meaningful 46:34 – Balancing intensive teaching with natural environment learning 48:11 – Critical consideration three: ethical implementation and moving beyond compliance 49:20 – ABA's historical context, harms of past practices and how the field has evolved 52:28 – Evidence versus practice: strong research base, regulation and quality control 55:15 – ABA as a supportive lens, not a replacement for holistic EYFS practice 56:03 – Changing environments, not children: using ABA to ease transitions 57:29 – Host reflections on myth-busting, critical thinking and environment-focused practice 58:00 – Open-door invitation to visit First Bridge and see the approach in action 58:22 – Where to find Michaela's article and episode For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

In Young Minds Big Maths, university mathematicians and early years educators collaborate to explore mathematics. We discuss how the project led us to create a booklet to help educators discover maths through play in their settings. The booklet uses real-life examples of ramp play—something children love—to show how building and experimenting with ramps reveals rich mathematical ideas.   Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/exploring-maths-through-ramp-play-with-young-minds-big-maths/   This episode is sponsored by Funding Loop   Funding Loop automates the process for nurseries of collecting funding forms from parents and typing that information into council portals. Funding Loop is used by over 2000 nurseries including over 80% of the top 25 nursery chains in the UK including Busy Bees.   To find out more visit: https://www.fundingloop.co.uk/home   Our 2026 conference info & tickets: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2026/   Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: ·       Elevating children's thinking: Conceptual understanding through inquiry and play, by Sue Tee - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/elevating-childrens-thinking-conceptual-understanding-through-inquiry-and-play/ ·       Promoting STEAM in early years: It's easier than you think! By Paula Walshe - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/promoting-steam-in-early-years-its-easier-than-you-think/ ·       What's the problem with tuff tray maths? By Shardi Vaziri - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/whats-the-problem-with-tuff-tray-maths/   Get in touch and share your voice: Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/   Episode break down: Episode breakdown: 00:00 – Welcome & podcast intro 01:20 – Setting the scene: young minds, big maths through play 01:42 – Meet Rachel, Catherine and Sarah 02:24 – About the nursery schools and community context 02:51 – How the collaboration with a mathematician began 06:27 – Maths as the "dirtiest lens" in the EYFS 07:25 – Starting with patterns in nature and children's interest in circles 09:55 – Meeting the mathematicians & a new model of CPD 16:37 – Moving into ramp play as a focus for maths learning 17:11 – Ramp play across different settings 22:54 – The rich mathematics in ramp play (angles, variables, data) 26:55 – Children's own ways of measuring and defining 32:28 – Children's questions, language and ongoing learning for educators 35:14 – Being brave: advice for starting collaborations 40:34 – Three key ideas from the project 41:28 – Ramp play booklet 41:51 – Closing reflections & invitation to share your own maths-through-play stories For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

Play is not a luxury—it's a biological necessity. From early childhood through adulthood, play fuels cognitive growth, emotional resilience, social competence, and physical development. This article and podcast episode explore why play matters, how it shapes learning, and what educators and caregivers must consider to protect and promote it. Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/why-play-how-to-make-play-an-essential-part-of-early-education/   This episode is sponsored by Funding Loop   Funding Loop automates the process for nurseries of collecting funding forms from parents and typing that information into council portals. Funding Loop is used by over 2000 nurseries including over 80% of the top 25 nursery chains in the UK including Busy Bees.   To find out more visit: https://www.fundingloop.co.uk/home   Our 2026 conference info & tickets: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2026/   Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: ·       Elevating children's thinking: Conceptual understanding through inquiry and play, by Sue Tee - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/elevating-childrens-thinking-conceptual-understanding-through-inquiry-and-play/ ·       Advocacy, agency and rights in early childhood, by Dr Jo Albin-Clark and Dr Nathan Archer - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/advocacy-agency-and-rights-in-early-childhood/   Get in touch and share your voice: Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/   Episode break down: 00:00 – Welcome and episode introduction 01:36 – Framing the central question: why play? 02:37 – Play as nature's plan for learning and why sitting harms 04:11 – Parental pressure, misinformation and the 'earlier is better' myth 05:03 – A global pushdown of academics in early childhood (US and UK) 05:47 – Educators torn between child development knowledge and policy demands 06:29 – Policymakers' power and Alfie Kohn's analogy 08:22 – Losing play from five onwards and revisiting child development 09:41 – Free play as child-initiated, child-chosen learning 10:24 – Guided play and supporting self-regulation (the statues game) 11:17 – Joy, fun and intrinsic motivation in learning 11:45 – Outdoor, nature and cooperative play versus competition 13:37 – The brevity of childhood and 'what is the hurry?' 14:24 – Knowing when to step back in children's conflicts 15:49 – Understanding and valuing rough and tumble play 16:07 – Risky or adventurous play and learning to assess risk 17:39 – Reading cues for when to intervene in rough and tumble play 18:33 – Rethinking 'calm down' and supporting different arousal states 20:22 – Play as a way to express and process emotions 21:47 – Co-creating rules, personal space and managing movement and sound 23:16 – Developmental readiness for sitting still (around six) 24:10 – Unrealistic expectations of three-year-olds (sitting still and pencil grip) 24:47 – Behaviour as a response to developmental mismatch and lack of movement 25:22 – Fidgeting, movement and alternative ways of paying attention 27:11 – Children who 'don't know how to play' and aggressive play 28:54 – Modelling, scaffolding and gently redirecting play 29:36 – Using invitations and provocations to deepen play 31:55 – 'Play Matters' and reconnecting with theory, research and advocacy 33:32 – Remembering our own childhood joy as a guide for practice 35:35 – Big body play, physical health and strong bodies 36:27 – Integrating literacy and maths through active, playful experiences 37:04 – Multi-sensory, embodied learning and why it sticks 39:13 – Play as integrated, holistic learning across content areas 40:39 – Reflective questions for educators about honouring play 41:33 – Small steps for change and everyday acts of advocacy For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

Emotional intelligence refers to the ability to recognise, understand and manage one's own emotions whilst also being able to empathise with and respond appropriately to the emotions of others. This article and podcast episode delve into this subject to explore what we can do to support emotional intelligence in the earliest years.   Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/the-importance-of-developing-emotional-intelligence-in-childrens-early-years/   This episode is in partnership with Male Childcare and Teaching Jobs.   Male Childcare and Teaching Jobs advocate for greater male participation in education and caregiving roles, offering support and guidance to enhance gender inclusion in nurseries and schools.   To find out more visit: https://malechildcareandteachingjobs.co.uk/   Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like to hear more at https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/articles/men-in-early-childhood/   Our 2026 conference info & tickets: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2026/   Get in touch and share your voice: Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/   Episode break down: 00:00 – Welcome! 02:00 – Karl's personal journey 10:00 – Why early years? 13:00 – Settling in as a natural process 16:00 – Meeting interests and needs 17:00 – Recognising children's emotions 19:00 – Following an approach or ethos 21:00 – Supporting parents as well as children 24:00 – Stories to support complex feelings 27:00 – Checking in on all children 28:00 – Children with special educational needs 31:00 – Adapting to individual needs 35:00 – Validating children's feelings For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

There has never been a more urgent time to reflect on how we, as a profession, present ourselves to the world. The early childhood community is rich in knowledge, experience and deep commitment to children's learning and wellbeing. Yet, we continue to wrestle with misunderstanding, mistrust and misrepresentation—externally and, at times, internally. This podcast episode and article draw attention to the language we use in early childhood education—how it defines us, how it connects (or disconnects) us from the wider world, and how it influences perceptions of what we do. Language shapes reality. The words we choose matter. Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/reframing-early-childhood-how-language-impacts-our-professional-identity/   This episode is sponsored by Childcare Marketing:   Our team of passionate childcare marketing and childcare professionals have the experience to take your childcare business and its online presence to the next level. Starting with a bespoke childcare website design, we then focus on strategic marketing activity aligned to your goals and objectives. Whether is revenue, recruitment or reputation, our goal is to help you grow and sustain your business.   To find out more visit: childcaremarketing.co.uk   Our 2026 conference info & tickets: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2026/   Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like more from Jan: ·       What is an early years curriculum? - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/what-is-an-early-years-curriculum/ ·       Data in early childhood - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/data-in-early-childhood/ ·       It's not really about dinosaurs… - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-curriculum/   Get in touch and share your voice: Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/   Episode break down: 00:00 – Welcome and introduction03:30 – Why language matters in early childhood education06:25 – Who defines professional language?09:05 – Rethinking the word 'play'13:25 – Emotional attachment to terminology16:15 – Using the right language to elevate our practice19:15 – Building confidence to talk about curriculum and learning22:45 – Science, history, and geography in the early years27:05 – Breaking down the education–care divide30:15 – Recognising all roles in the profession32:35 – How do you value different voices in your setting or network?33:45 – Addressing disadvantage and the role of early education37:25 – A one-size-fits-all approach doesn't work41:35 – Recognising and responding to different forms of cultural capital44:45 – The importance of knowing children and families deeply47:05 – What do we mean by curriculum?49:35 – Using GLD data to ask better questions53:05 – Language, learning goals, and conversations with families55:15 – Rethinking 'academic' and 'intellectual'58:00 – Final reflections and key messages For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

This article and podcast episode with Dr Dan Wuori, author of The Daycare Myth, challenge outdated perceptions of early childhood education, highlighting the need for policy reform, professional respect, and fair pay. Drawing on decades of experience, Dr Wuori calls for a reimagining of early learning as essential, complex, and deserving of greater societal value.   Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/the-daycare-myth-shifting-the-narrative-on-early-childhood-education/   This episode is in partnership with Male Childcare and Teaching Jobs.   Male Childcare and Teaching Jobs advocate for greater male participation in education and caregiving roles, offering support and guidance to enhance gender inclusion in nurseries and schools.   To find out more visit: https://malechildcareandteachingjobs.co.uk/   Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like to hear more at https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/articles/men-in-early-childhood/   Our 2026 conference info & tickets: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2026/   Get in touch and share your voice: Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/   Episode break down: 00:00 – Welcome! 02:00 – The Daycare Myth 07:00 – How the profession is viewed 14:00 – A journey into the profession 21:45 – Encouraging more men into the profession 26:00 – Inconsistency for young children 29:00 – A stagnant level of men in early childhood 31:00 – The joy of working in early childhood 33:00 – We need to do a better job working with policy makers 35:00 – Further information For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

The UK Government's Best Start in Life strategy, released in July 2025, sets out a cross-departmental vision to improve services for children and families in England. While it acknowledges the importance of early childhood, this article and podcast episode explores the significant gaps in funding, workforce support, and inclusion—raising critical questions about its implementation and long-term impact. Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/the-best-start-in-life-strategy-and-what-it-means-for-the-sector/ This episode is in partnership with Nursery Management Show: Nursery Management Show is the largest show dedicated to nursery management and leadership. Join us on the 28th November 2025 for one day of insightful content, discussion and networking for the early years sector, plus access to industry leaders, suppliers and providers. To find out more visit: https://nurserymanagementshow.co.uk/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=brand_terms&utm_content=general&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23062247191&gbraid=0AAAAA9sh3mbG3FTDmUu7UbuKto_rjDnAW&gclid=CjwKCAjw3tzHBhBREiwAlMJoUoUljJvWMDBu15irIlZUiQNRF7umNlD8pTG0XXW-8q8zSK5rQnKXhxoC7wMQAvD_BwE Our 2026 conference info & tickets: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2026/ Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: · Should 4-year-olds really be expected to sit still? With Poppy LeMar - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/should-4-year-olds-really-be-expected-to-sit-still/ · Elevating children's thinking: Conceptual understanding through inquiry and play with Sue Tee - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/elevating-childrens-thinking-conceptual-understanding-through-inquiry-and-play/ Get in touch and share your voice: Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/ Episode break down: 00:00 – Welcome! 02:00 – What is the Best Start in Life strategy? 04:15 – A critical eye on the strategy 06:00 – Funding and optional extras 08:00 – Funding in economically deprived areas 10:00 – Qualifications & a graduate workforce 15:00 – The experience based route to being qualified 16:00 – Family Hubs and community 18:30 – Support for children with SEND 20:00 – Ofsted inspections & inclusion 22:00 – Social enterprises & non for profit 27:00 – Government Policy at the Nursery Management Show 29:30 – School readiness within the strategy 34:00 – Further reading & information For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

This article and podcast episode take a close look at some of the key questions around nutrition for under 5's; from what "free sugars" really are and why young children don't need much sugar, to how we can approach weaning confidently, prepare finger foods safely, and understand portion sizes in the early years. Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/nutritious-mealtimes-for-under-5s/ This episode is sponsored by Nursery Kitchen: Nursery Kitchen's Food Innovation Team creates exciting, nutritionally balanced meals using the best and freshest ingredients. With wholesome nursery menus filled with variety and global flavours, children are encouraged to be more adventurous with food. This approach supports the development of a varied palate and a lasting appreciation for healthy eating. Nursery Kitchen recognises that food education is just as important as the food itself. The team is committed to inspiring children to enjoy nutritious meals and to understand where their food comes from. To find out more visit: https://nurserykitchen.co.uk/ Early Years Foundation Stage Nutrition Guidance: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6839b752210698b3364e86fc/Early_years_foundation_stage_nutrition_guidance.pdf Our 2026 conference info & tickets: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2026/ Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: · From picky eating to positive mealtimes: Supporting varied eating habits – with Charlotte Goddard and Catherine Lippe: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/from-picky-eating-to-positive-mealtimes-supporting-varied-eating-habits/ Get in touch and share your voice: Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/ Episode break down: 00:00 – Introduction to Catherine and Nursery Kitchen 05:20 – How much sugar should under 5's be consuming? 13:00 – The weaning stage: Purees and blending foods 17:00 – Choking hazards and guidelines on this 22:00 – Portion sizes and food groups 29:00 – Lunchboxes and allergies 39:00 – Small pieces of foods 42:00 – Where to find out more For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

New research reveals the profound impact of play on family bonding, language development, and emotional connection Kinder and the University of East London's Institute for the Science of Early Years released preliminary research exploring how play ignites language skills, builds emotional connection, and bridges family disconnect. Using wearable technology monitoring real-time responses during home play sessions, the study demonstrates that simple play moments spark joy, encourage language development, reduce stress, and nurture emotional wellbeing. Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/the-science-of-play-how-shared-activities-transform-family-dynamics/ This episode is sponsored by Kinder: To find out more visit: https://www.kinder.com/ The Kinder® brand was founded in 1968 and is inspired by bringing small but special moments to everyday life. Kinder creates innovative products made for sharing, family and togetherness across all ages. Kinder products include Kinder Surprise, Kinder Chocolate and Kinder Bueno.  Our 2026 conference info & tickets: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2026/ Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: · It's time to rethink attention, by Professor Sam Wass and Dr Gemma Goldenberg: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/its-time-to-rethink-attention/ Get in touch and share your voice: Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/ Episode break down: 00:00 – Welcome & introduction 02:45 – Research on play in the home vs the lab 05:25 – Shared & non-functional play 09:30 – Synchrony & connectedness during play 15:00 – Shared rhythm & parent-child relationships 16:30 – Semantic interrelatedness 20:00 – Child initiated vs adult initiated play 23:30 – Does technology reduce shared play? 29:00 – The need for predictability & repetitive behaviours for babies 36:30 – Future research at Kinder 39:30 – Key takeaways For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

Indoor air quality (IAQ) directly impacts child and staff health in early years settings and schools. This article and podcast episode explores why clean air matters, what we've learned from COVID-19, and three essential actions to reduce airborne disease transmission: monitor, filter, and ventilate. Read Anne Marie McConway's article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/a-breath-of-fresh-air/ This episode is sponsored by Long Covid Kids Charity Long Covid Kids is a UK charity which represents and supports families, children, and young people living with Long Covid and related post-viral illnesses. Through awareness campaigns, research advocacy, and expert-by-experience guidance, the charity works to increase understanding, aid early diagnosis, and improve intervention responses. The volunteer team provides support, guidance, and signposting for affected families navigating the many challenges of paediatric Long Covid. To find out more visit: https://www.longcovidkids.org/ Download the free Clean Air Guide here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/a-breath-of-fresh-air/ Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: Advocating for two-year-olds by Cassie Holland - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/advocating-for-two-year-olds/ Advocacy, agency and rights in early childhood by Dr Jo Albin-Clark & Dr Nathan Archer Get in touch and share your voice: Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/ Our 2026 conference info & tickets: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2026/ Episode break down: 00:00 – Welcome & introductions 04:00 – Why does indoor air quality matter? 06:00 – Which diseases are airborne? 08:45 – Government guidelines 10:00 – Carbon dioxide monitors 16:00 – Long Covid infections increasing 21:00 – We can't eliminate all risk 25:00 – Do air filters work? 28:00 – There are solutions to cleaner air 29:00 – The 3 essential steps to take 33:30 – Getting the children involved 34:30 – A cultural shift towards clean air 35:30 – Health benefits of outdoor fresh air 38:00 – Lack of staff training 40:00 – Attendance crisis in settings & schools 42:00 – Clean air should not be a selling point 44:00 – Clean air initiatives in England 47:00 – Free Clean Air Guide For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

How early is too early for literacy? It is never too early! This article and podcast episode explore the significance of early literacy from the prenatal period onwards. Drawing on brain development research and practical strategies, it highlights the power of narration, modelling, and bonding through books—laying strong foundations for language and a lifelong love of reading.   Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/extremely-early-literacy/   This episode is in partnership with Male Childcare and Teaching Jobs.   Male Childcare and Teaching Jobs advocate for greater male participation in education and caregiving roles, offering support and guidance to enhance gender inclusion in nurseries and schools.   To find out more visit: https://malechildcareandteachingjobs.co.uk/   Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like to hear more at https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/articles/men-in-early-childhood/   Our 2026 conference info & tickets: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2026/   Get in touch and share your voice: Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/   Episode break down: 00:00 – Welcome! 01:30 – New host introduction 04:00 – United for Literacy Initiative 05:00 – Dolly Parton's Imagination Library 08:45 – Prenatal early literacy 13:15 – The 30 million word gap 14:20 – Language immersion through narration 16:00 – You can never spoil a baby 17:10 – Book prescriptions by physicians 18:40 – Instilling a love for books early 20:00 – Books for babies 23:00 – Creating dedicated reading spaces 26:00 – Diversity & representation in books 30:00 – Screens vs physical books 35:45 – Presence & teachable moments 39:45 – Reading doesn't start at age 3+ 41:00 – PreemieWorld Foundation – supporting premature babies 43:00 – Future episodes For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers a pivotal role in reshaping daily practice by streamlining the administrative processes, therefore freeing up valuable time and reducing time burden administrative tasks. AI can also support individuals with learning difficulties, dyslexia and visual impairments alongside non-native English speakers. However, AI is far from being inclusive whilst also raising significant ethical concerns that need to be considered. This podcast episode and article explores all of this and more.   Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/beyond-the-algorithm-exploring-inclusion-and-diversity-within-ai/   This episode is sponsored by Magic Notes by Beam Beam is a national leader in tech-enabled welfare services, and created Magic Notes - an AI tool designed by frontline workers to help reduce admin and transform the productivity of frontline teams. The tool creates structured and compliant reports and case studies from recordings of meetings between frontline workers and their clients. Magic Notes was first developed by Beam to support its own frontline teams, before being made available to other frontline workers. It has since been co-developed with frontline practitioners during pilots with several local authorities, including Kingston, Ealing, and Swindon, and is used by over half of all local authority social care teams across the UK.   To find out more visit: https://magicnotes.ai/   Our 2026 conference info & tickets: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2026/   Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: ·       How can AI positively impact education? By Richard Waite: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/how-can-ai-positively-impact-education/ ·       Active vs passive screen time by Musa Roshdy: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/active-vs-passive-screen-time/ ·       Using artificial intelligence in early years by Joshua Barr: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/using-artificial-intelligence-in-early-years/   Get in touch and share your voice: Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/   Episode break down: 00:00 – Welcome! 03:30 – Defining & unpicking AI 06:00 – The need for human intelligence 07:00 – Reducing the burden of admin 08:00 – AI reflecting the voice of the individual 10:45 – Using AI for accessability 14:00 – AI and ethics – whose voice is heard? 15:00 – Diversity crisis in technology 18:30 – Changing the narrative around STEM subjects 20:30 – Representing the child's voice 25:00 – The need for training in using AI 30:00 – Using Magic Notes 34:00 – Risk assessing the use of AI 34:45 – The impact on the child and family 37:30 – Changing the gender narrative in tech 39:00 – Closing reflections 40:45 – Further listening & reading For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

The International Baccalaureate (IB) emphasizes concept-driven inquiry. In the Primary Years Programme (PYP) learners explore broad and transferable ideas, enabling deeper thinking and application across different contexts. This powerful way of thinking and learning begins with our younger learners who inquire into the world around them and develop conceptual understanding through both educator-led experiences and play.   Read Sue's article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/elevating-childrens-thinking-conceptual-understanding-through-inquiry-and-play/   This episode is sponsored by the International Baccalaureate: Founded in 1968, the International Baccalaureate (IB) pioneered a movement of international education and now offers four high quality, challenging educational programmes to students aged 3-19. The IB gives students distinct advantages by providing strong foundations, critical thinking skills, and proficiency for solving complex problems while encouraging multiculturalism, curiosity, and a healthy appetite for learning and excellence. In a world where asking the right questions is as important as discovering answers, the IB champions critical thinking and flexibility in study by crossing disciplinary, cultural, and national boundaries. Supported by world-class educators and coordinators, the IB currently engages with more than two million students in over 5,900 schools across 160 countries.    To find out more visit: https://www.ibo.org/   Our 2026 conference info & tickets: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2026/   Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: ·       Enquiry led learning: A curious classroom by Stuart Cloke – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/enquiry-led-learning-a-curious-classroom/ ·       What is an early years curriculum? By Jan Dubiel and Ruth Swailes – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/what-is-an-early-years-curriculum/ ·       The Cornish Curriculum by Mandy Richardson - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/the-cornish-curriculum/   Get in touch and share your voice: Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/   Episode break down: 00:00 – Welcome! 03:00 – What is the International Baccalaureate? 04:30 – What is conceptual understanding? 09:30 – Taking a curious stance as an educator 12:00 – Looking beyond what children are doing 13:30 – Having the time for analysing observations 15:50 – Educator planned inquiries 18:50 – Learning the concept of responsibility 22:30 – Self-expression in different ways 24:30 – A responsive planning process 29:00 – Concepts or skills & facts? 31:00 – Adult extended inquiries 36:00 – Honouring children's thinking 37:00 – Key takeaways For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

This article and podcast episode challenges the conventional practice of tummy time, drawing on research from Pikler, Feldenkrais, and Goddard Blythe to argue that babies thrive when allowed to move freely and naturally. It explores how self-initiated movement supports neurological development, reflex integration, and emotional regulation—highlighting the importance of trust, observation, and respectful environments over intervention and milestone-driven practice.   Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/tummy-time-is-an-outdated-notion/   This episode is sponsored by Pikler UK Pikler UK promotes the principles of the Pikler® approach: respectful care, free movement development, and self-initiated play in the early years. We offer training and resources for parents and professionals, supporting secure relationships and natural development. Rooted in the work of Dr Emmi Pikler, we nurture trust in each child's competence from the very beginning.   To find out more visit: https://pikler.co.uk/   The Pikler UK conference: https://pikler.co.uk/shop/conference-25   Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: ·       The Pikler Triangle: The tip of the iceberg – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/the-pikler-triangle-the-tip-of-the-iceberg/ ·        An introduction to Emmi Pikler – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/introduction-emmi-pikler/   Get in touch and share your voice: Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/   Episode break down: 00:00 – Welcome! 01:45 – Reflexes & tummy time 04:00 – School readiness linked to reflexes 06:00 – Is my child behind? 08:50 – Should we help babies to roll over? 11:00 – Building resilience through freedom of movement 13:40 – Development through loving presence 14:30 – How does it feel for the child being rushed to the next step? 18:20 – Learned helplessness 21:00 – Movement as communication & relationship building 25:00 – Containment – restrictive movement 28:00 – Issues arising from containment 30:00 – Pikler UK conference 2025: Born ready 31:20 – Challenging the notion of school readiness For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

In this re-released episode and article David Meechan critically explores the reception baseline assessment (RBA), questioning its purpose, reliability and impact on children, teachers and families. Drawing on his research and personal experience, he highlights practical ways educators and leaders can navigate the RBA while advocating for assessment approaches that truly reflect and support child-centred learning in the early weeks of school.  Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/whats-the-problem-with-the-reception-baseline-assessment/ Our 2026 conference info & tickets: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2026/ Get in touch and share your voice: Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/ Episode breakdown:  03:30 - How David's work started on the RBA 05:50 - Requesting his son's withdrawal from the assessment  07:55 - Inconsistencies of withdrawal from the assessment 09:30 - Moral issues with assessment and testing 11:30 - Research into the baseline assessment 14:40 - Signing away a child's data footprint 15:57 - The datafication of early years 19:00 - Are the children's best interests at heart?  20:40 - Taking teachers out of classrooms 21:58 - Key findings from David's baseline research 23:50 - Treating children as a means to an end 27:35 - Making the most of the reception baseline assessment 29:00 - A holistic approach to the baseline assessment 30:40 - Reliability of the baseline assessment 32:00 - Reducing lived experiences to abstract numbers 34:15 - Positives taken from the baseline assessment  36:00 - Giving value to assessment 40:00 - Tips for teachers conducting the baseline assessment Hear and read more on The Voice of Early Childhood website: www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

Reception teacher Poppy LeMar responds to Bridget Phillipson's claim that “half can't sit still” at age four, explaining that while children can sit briefly, their self-regulation is still developing. She highlights what sitting still actually looks like in a reception classroom, challenges misconceptions, and encourages better understanding between families and educators. She also advocates for inclusion and realistic expectations.   Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/should-4-year-olds-really-be-expected-to-sit-still-?/ This episode is sponsored by Funding Loop Funding Loop automates the process for nurseries of collecting funding forms from parents and typing that information into council portals. Funding Loop is used by over 2000 nurseries including over 80% of the top 25 nursery chains in the UK including Busy Bees.   To find out more visit: https://www.fundingloop.co.uk/home   Our 2026 conference info & tickets: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2026/   You might also like… ·       Proactively promoting positive mental health by Matt Bawler – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/proactively-promoting-positive-mental-health/ ·       Self-regulation, co-regulation & mental health by Dr Mine Conkbayir – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/self-regulation-co-regulation-and-mental-health/ ·       ‘It's not time out, it's time in' for both of us: Co- and self-regulation by Julia Robinson & Charlotte Hannah – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/its-not-time-out-its-time-in-for-both-of-us/ ·       Understanding neuroscience in early childhood by Mandy Worsley – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/understanding-neuroscience-in-early-childhood/   Get in touch and share your voice: Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/   Episode break down: 00:00 – Welcome! 01:50 – Should 4-year-olds really be expected to sit still? 04:00 – Expectations on starting school 06:30 – Safety requirements 08:00 – From sitting still to sitting safely 11:00 – Sitting still is outdated 12:30 – ‘Fidget toys' and sensory resources 16:00 – Putting children at the back of the carpet 18:00 – Negative spaces in the classroom 21:45 – ‘Marketing' & reframing as a teacher… 24:00 – Freedom to sit how children want 27:00 – Expectations for learning 28:00 – Engaging in deep play 30:00 – Children struggling to play 34:00 – What is your understanding of school readiness? 38:30 – Preparing your child for school 40:00 – Communication & trust is number 1 For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

Screen time isn't inherently passive — or problematic. This article and podcast episode explores the difference between active and passive screen time in early childhood, and how digital play, when used intentionally, can support critical life skills like empathy, resilience, and problem-solving. A balanced, developmental approach can help educators and caregivers make informed choices about children's use of screens.   Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/active-vs-passive-screen-time/   This episode is sponsored by Nurture   Nurture is an interactive learning app designed for children aged 4–7, developed to teach essential life skills that traditional schools often overlook. Through immersive, story-driven games and a unique dual‑screen experience (mobile/tablet + TV), the platform focuses on mindfulness, emotional regulation, growth mindset, resilience, money smarts, and critical thinking. Built on a science-backed educational framework and crafted by educators, child development experts, and Emmy-winning storytellers, Nurture aims to transform screen time into purposeful play.   To find out more visit: www.nurture.is   Our 2026 conference info & tickets: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2026/   Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: ·       Life skills over academic achievement by Carmela Garcia Manas & Zanna Clarke - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/life-skills-over-academic-achievement/ ·       How can AI positively impact education? By Richard Waite - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/how-can-ai-positively-impact-education/   Get in touch and share your voice: Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/   Episode break down: 00:00 – Welcome & introductions 03:30 – Screen time as a concern 05:30 – What does active screen time mean? 07:00 – Digital social environment 08:30 – Gaming as active screen time 13:00 – Musa's role of game design and research 15:00 – Structure & habit of screen time 16:30 – Co-engagement in screen time 19:30 – Games as safe environments to take risks 21:00 – Asking children the right questions 22:00 – Are games similar to books? 24:00 – Agency and co-creation through screen time 25:00 – What is Nurture? 26:30 – Taking screen time offline & into the real world 28:45 – A balanced digital diet: Passive screen time is also valuable 30:00 – Learning consequences in safe spaces 31:00 – Co-regulation through gaming 33:25 – Eye health & screen use 35:00 – Digital wellbeing 36:00 – Digital expression & creativity (toolbox of expression) 37:00 – Tips for parents who are nervous about allowing screen time 38:00 – A digital canyon – falling behind 41:00 – Key takeaways For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

This reflective piece explores how perspectives on risky play have changed over time, highlighting its importance for children's development. Darren Barkhouse draws on personal experiences and cultural comparisons – challenging today's risk-averse attitudes and advocates for supportive environments where children can explore, take risks, and grow. The article and podcast episode invite educators and families to reconsider their own approaches to risk in play.   Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/changing-perspectives-on-risky-play/   This episode is sponsored by Funding Loop Funding Loop automates the process for nurseries of collecting funding forms from parents and typing that information into council portals. Funding Loop is used by over 2000 nurseries including over 80% of the top 25 nursery chains in the UK including Busy Bees.   To find out more visit: https://www.fundingloop.co.uk/home   Our 2026 conference info & tickets: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2026/   Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: ·       A nature-deficit childhood by Julia Packwood - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/a-nature-deficit-childhood/ ·       The therapeutic nature of outdoor play by Jenny Smillie - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/the-therapeutic-nature-of-outdoor-play/ ·       The science behind outdoor play by Dr Gemma Goldenberg - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/author/gemma-goldenberg/   Get in touch and share your voice: Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/   Episode break down: 00:00 – Welcome & introductions 04:30 – Reflecting back to early experiences of risky play 08:25 – Positive stress situations & building resiliency 13:00 – Controlled learning environments for exploration 18:00 – Teaching children to risk assess for themselves 20:00 – Less risky play or a different type of risky play? 22:00 – Asking why rather than saying no 28:00 – A cultural lens on risky play 34:00 – The power of boredom 35:00 – Control, scaffolding learning & Vygotsky 37:00 – The impacts of media and technology 43:00 – Building relationships and trust 46:00 – Your own toolbox as an educator or parent/carer For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

Transitions are significant milestones in a child's early learning journey, deeply shaping their sense of security, confidence, and readiness to engage with new experiences. Transitions to an early years setting from home and to starting school can be particularly significant periods of time for young children. In this article and podcast episode school improvement officer and director of early years, Delyth Linacre, talks to us about vital considerations for transitions to and within school, including tips for both educators and families.    Read Delyth's article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/starting-school-supporting-transitions-to-reception-and-key-stage-1/   Download the free transition support PDF's here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/starting-school-supporting-transitions-to-reception-and-key-stage-1/   This episode is sponsored by Funding Loop Funding Loop automates the process for nurseries of collecting funding forms from parents and typing that information into council portals. Funding Loop is used by over 2000 nurseries including over 80% of the top 25 nursery chains in the UK including Busy Bees.   To find out more visit: https://www.fundingloop.co.uk/home   Our 2026 conference info & tickets: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2026/   Get in touch and share your voice: Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/   Episode break down: 00:00 – Welcome! 02:00 – What are transitions 03:00 – What do transitions look like in your setting? 04:00 – Transition as a process, not an event 05:00 – A gradual and child-centred approach 06:00 – Involving all stakeholders 07:00 – The importance of effective communication 08:00 – Capturing parent and child voice 09:00 – Considering barriers to effective transitions 10:30 – Knowing each individual child 13:40 – Transition plans and building on what the child knows 14:30 – Identifying what is and needs to be the same 15:40 – Peer buddies as transition support 16:30 – Identifying early interventions 18:00 – Transitions from reception to year 1 21:30 – A transition plan spanning the whole reception year 22:00 – Focus on the similarities rather than differences 28:00 – Collaborating across settings and understanding each other's practice 30:45 – How can parents support transitions? 37:00 – Starting reception free support document 37:45 – Books to support transitions 38:20 – Free PDF transition guidance document For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

Children today are spending significantly less time outdoors than just a generation ago and this raises the question for parents and educators to consider, what are the implications of a childhood disconnected from nature? In this article and podcast episode Julia Packwood, early years outdoor specialist, highlights current research and explores how simply spending time outdoors can build the foundations for a healthier and happier childhood.   Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/a-nature-deficit-childhood/   This episode is sponsored by Funding Loop   Funding Loop automates the process for nurseries of collecting funding forms from parents and typing that information into council portals. Funding Loop is used by over 2000 nurseries including over 80% of the top 25 nursery chains in the UK including Busy Bees.   To find out more visit: https://www.fundingloop.co.uk/home   Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: ·       The therapeutic nature of outdoor play by Jenny Smillie – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/the-therapeutic-nature-of-outdoor-play/ ·       The science behind outdoor play series by Dr Gemma Goldenberg – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/author/gemma-goldenberg/   Our 2026 conference info & tickets: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2026/   Get in touch and share your voice: Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/   Episode break down: 00:00 – Welcome! 03:45 – What is nature-deficit disorder? 07:00 – Noticeable benefits of being outdoors 09:20 – Reclaiming childhood 12:30 – Risk-benefit analysis 13:45 – What does childhood look like now? 16:55 – Less screen time, more green time 28:15 – Barefoot benefits & grounding 30:20 – Safety sweeps 34:00 – Air quality 37:20 – Conservation 43:50 – Calls to action to government and communities 50:00 – It starts with us reflecting inwards 52:00 – Further reading For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

This article and podcast episode explore the benefits of covering climate change and sustainability in early years settings, for both children and staff. It also outlines England's Department for Education's expectations on nurseries, relating to climate change, and introduce the England's leading environmental education programme for nurseries, ‘Eco-Schools: Early Years'.    Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/how-to-take-the-first-steps-on-your-sustainability-journey/   This episode is sponsored by Keep Britain Tidy.   Keep Britain Tidy is a leading independent environmental charity that works to inspire, educate and enable everyone in this country to value the environment on their doorstep. Keep Britain Tidy includes the programmes Eco-Schools, Eco-Schools: Early Years, the Green Flag Award for parks and green spaces and the Blue Flag/Seaside Awards for beaches, as well as annual campaigns.   To find out more about Eco-Schools: Early Years visit: https://www.eco-schools.org.uk/early-years/   Get in touch and share your voice: Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/   Episode break down: 00:00 – Welcome! 02:00 – Children are perfect climate ambassadors 03:20 – Sustainability eco leads 05:40 – Eco-Schools: Early Years 09:30 – Educating the staff and using model nurseries 10:30 – Eco-challenges 12:00 – Involving families 14:45 – Government guidance 17:30 – Climate action plan is a journey 18:00 – Carbon calculator 19:00 – Getting the whole team on board 20:20 – Combatting eco-anxiety 23:00 – Tools to address climate change early 24:00 – Equipping children with language around sustainability 26:00 – Understanding sustainability as part of routines 28:00 – Eco-Schools: Early Years going beyond the EYFS 30:00 – Applications now open for Eco-Schools: Early Years For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

Education consultant Joanne Lo explores how self-reflection and personal wellbeing are essential foundations for effective leadership in schools and early years settings. Drawing on mindfulness and social-emotional learning, she shares practical strategies for fostering resilience, building supportive cultures, and modelling wellbeing as an educational leader.   Read Joanne's article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/it-starts-with-us-looking-inwards-as-educational-leaders/   This episode is sponsored by Funding Loop   Funding Loop automates the process for nurseries of collecting funding forms from parents and typing that information into council portals. Funding Loop is used by over 2000 nurseries including over 80% of the top 25 nursery chains in the UK including Busy Bees.   To find out more visit: https://www.fundingloop.co.uk/home   Our 2026 conference info & tickets: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2026/   Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: ·       Accidental leadership in early years by Jenny Weidner: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/accidental-leadership-in-early-years/ ·       My experience of burnout as a Black manager by Lorraine Kara: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/my-experience-with-burnout-as-a-black-manager/ ·       Supporting employee wellbeing by Enya Last: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/supporting-employee-wellbeing/   Get in touch and share your voice: Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/   Episode break down: 00:00 – Introductions 03:00 – Invisible pressures carried by leaders 03:45 – Non-verbal communication 04:30 – Normalising every single emotion 09:00 – Giving yourself permission to just ‘be' 10:00 – Noticing how your emotions affect your body 12:00 – Setting goals for the week or day ahead, then reflect 14:00 – Stress-ees becoming stress-ors! 15:00 – Having a sunny disposition 16:30 – Using language that serves you, language of kindness 17:20 – Zone of control 19:00 – Children emotionally checking in with themselves 21:00 – Creating a safe space to just ‘be' 23:00 – Reflective practices 24:00 – Checking in with your team 25:30 – How do we ‘sell' this to our teams? 26:20 – Flattening the hierarchy & tuning into passions 27:00 – Connecting with each team member 28:00 – Toxic vs positive culture examples 29:00 – Creating a climate of belonging 31:00 – What are we doing that isn't supporting our teams? 33:00 – Understanding different cultural contexts 33:45 – Observing your teams as well as children 35:00 – Seeking to understand before judging 35:50 – Body language stats! 38:45 – As a leader you are developing people 40:00 – There's always a way to handle stress & difficult conversations 40:25 – When you're in charge you often neglect yourself 42:00 – 2-minute check-ins 42:45 – You can choose to be toxic or positive 44:00 – Shifting from how we were, to how we will be 44:45 – Building relational trust 45:20 – Equipping our feelings with vocabulary 46:30 – Joanne's childhood & professional journey 53:00 – Children's summer camps 54:00 – Asking for permission to help & allowing time 59:00 – Episode reflections 01:00:00 – Enquire about working with Joanne For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

Childhood trauma, often referred to as ‘complex' or ‘developmental' trauma, is extremely common but is not often discussed in the context of our work as early childhood educators. And yet, children are showing up to our settings/programs every day carrying the weight of these circumstances and, according to research, a trajectory of negative health outcomes for the lifespan as a result. But Mary Hewitt shares with us that there is hope: early positive relationships and experiences with informed educators have the power to protect, buffer, and even reverse the devastating impacts of childhood trauma.   This episode is sponsored by Mangotree Kids. Mangotree Kids provides African drumming programs and inclusive toys and educational resources which promote the beauty of culture. Our main focus is enhancing the quality and diversity of products that represent Black children, ensuring they see themselves and their culture reflected in the toys they play with.   Our Jolly Djembe Club workshop introduces nursery children to the art of Djembe drumming in a fun and engaging way, and promotes wellbeing through our Rhythmic Meditation exercise. The program ends with a wonderful parents showcase. Mangotree Kids also provides a stress relief program called Beat the Stress for nursery staff.   To find out more visit: https://www.mangotreekids.com/     Read Mary's article here:  https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/understanding-the-impact-of-childhood-trauma-and-how-to-develop-trauma-informed-practices/   Our 2026 conference info & tickets: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2026/   You might also like… -      Proactively promoting positive mental health by Matt Bawler – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/proactively-promoting-positive-mental-health/ -      Self-regulation, co-regulation & mental health by Dr Mine Conkbayir – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/self-regulation-co-regulation-and-mental-health/ -      ‘It's not time out, it's time in' for both of us: Co- and self-regulation by Julia Robinson & Charlotte Hannah – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/its-not-time-out-its-time-in-for-both-of-us/ -      Understanding neuroscience in early childhood by Mandy Worsley – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/understanding-neuroscience-in-early-childhood/   Share your voice: Do you have a topic or guest you would like to hear on the podcast? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/   Episode break down: 00:00 – Welcome! 03:00 – Topic warning – A difficult conversation 03:45 – What is trauma? 07:30 – How do traumas show up as behaviours? 08:40 – Trading connection for protection 10:00 – Dissociation – Shutting down & disconnecting 11:20 – Arousal response – Fight or flight mode, aggressive state & confrontation 12:45 – Examples of traumatic experiences 17:00 – Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) research 21:00 – Effects of trauma on the body and brain 22:00 – Survival brain taking over – Stress response is maladaptive 24:00 – Mary's personal ACEs story 26:00 – Positive childhood experiences (PCEs) 31:00 – Elevated stress response – Living in high alert 36:00 – Floodlight approach 39:00 – Educators as agents of protection and buffers 42:00 – Rhythm and heartbeat – First sign of safety 43:30 – Drumming as co-regulation & eliciting a sense of safety 47:00 – Music & movement to elicit PCEs 48:30 – Rhythm of your day – A sense of safety 50:00 – Side by side rather than face to face 52:00 – Stage-like approach to regulation 55:00 – Removing the shame & therefore resistance 01:00:00 – ‘Little big moments' 01:02:00 – Feeling seen, heard & that you matter 01:04:00 – The lasting impact educators have on children 01:07:00 – Further reading 01:09:30 – Key takeaways & related podcast episodes For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

When most people hear the term Pikler their thoughts go to the Pikler triangle, a piece of equipment designed for climbing. When used appropriately this opens up opportunities for the very young to explore the edges of their physicality. The Pikler triangle could also be seen as a metaphor for the opportunities the Pikler approach provides to the relationship between children, their physical development and play – which this podcast episode and article delve into.   Read Charlotte's and Rachel's article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/the-pikler-triangle-the-tip-of-the-iceberg/   This episode is sponsored by Pikler UK Pikler UK promotes the principles of the Pikler® approach: respectful care, free movement development, and self-initiated play in the early years. We offer training and resources for parents and professionals, supporting secure relationships and natural development. Rooted in the work of Dr Emmi Pikler, we nurture trust in each child's competence from the very beginning.  To find out more visit: https://pikler.co.uk/ Pikler UK conference: https://pikler.co.uk/events   Read more: An introduction to Emmi Pikler – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/introduction-emmi-pikler/   Get in touch and share your voice: Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/   Episode break down: 00:00 – Welcome! 02:00 – What is the Pikler approach? 06:00 – The Pikler triangle: A deeper meaning 10:00 – School readiness & an overly hurried approach 12:00 – What can your child ALREADY do? 15:00 – The specific design of the Pikler triangle 18:00 – Independence, risk taking & autonomy 22:15 – Teaching for the future 24:00 – Careful observation for risky play & challenge 30:00 – The attitude of the adult 38:00 – Reducing judgement & supporting intrinsic motivation 41:00 – Self-esteem, confidence & ‘readiness' 43:45 – Pikler UK conference 46:45 – Is tummy time good for children? – Episode coming soon 48:00 – Read more on Emmi Pikler & the Pikler triangle For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

Do you want to know how to build a sustainable and successful early years brand to underpin your early years business? From sector insights to interesting case studies and practical advice – this article and podcast episode are a great point of reference for those who are starting out as well as those long-established providers who are looking to stand the test of time.   Read Harry's article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/building-a-lasting-early-years-brand/   This episode is in partnership with Male Childcare and Teaching Jobs.   Male Childcare and Teaching Jobs advocate for greater male participation in education and caregiving roles, offering support and guidance to enhance gender inclusion in nurseries and schools.   To find out more visit: https://malechildcareandteachingjobs.co.uk/   Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like some of our other business focused episodes: ·       Navigating the realities of business ownership in the early years – Dr Jane Todd – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/navigating-the-realities-of-business-ownership-in-the-early-years-sector/ ·       Accidental leadership in early years – Jenny Weidner – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/accidental-leadership-in-early-years/   Plus hear and read more on men in early childhood: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/articles/men-in-early-childhood/   Get in touch and share your voice: Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/   Episode break down: 00:00 – Welcome! 03:30 – The difference between a business and a brand 08:00 – Being a trustworthy brand 12:30 – Transparency and brand buy in 22:00 – Brand and recruitment 24:30 – A brand that appeals across generations 26:00 – Tips for sharing your brand 26:45 – Employee generated content 28:00 – Structuring your business adverts 34:30 – Consistency, time and investment are key 36:00 – Brand longevity and corporate branding For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

Words hold a lot of power for children, they shape who they are and who they become. Yet 41% of children experience verbal abuse by adults, which can lead to lasting damage. Jessica Bondy, founder of Words Matter, discusses how by using positive, encouraging language we can build a child's confidence and help them flourish. Let's build children up with our words, not knock them down. Words matter.   Read Jessica's article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/the-power-of-words-how-adult-language-shapes-a-childs-future/   This episode is in partnership with Words Matter: At Words Matter, we are committed to creating societal and behavioural change by addressing and ending childhood verbal abuse. We know that most adults don't intend to harm children with their words - but many underestimate the lasting impact they can have. Help us inspire action and make a difference to children's lives today and for years to come.   Visit www.wordsmatter.org for support, guidance, and resources to help create a world where children hear the words that build them up – not knock them down.   Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: ·       Proactively promoting positive mental health – Matt Bawler – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/proactively-promoting-positive-mental-health/  ·       Growth mindset in early childhood – Matt Bawler – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/growth-mindset-in-early-childhood-2/ ·       Supporting behaviour: Reaction vs response – Cheryl Warren – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/supporting-behaviour-reaction-vs-response/   Get in touch and share your voice: Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/   Episode break down: 00:00 – Welcome! 02:00 – Ending verbal abuse of children by adults 05:00 – What do you want your legacy to be? 08:00 – The power of reaching out & collaboration 10:00 – Research into child verbal abuse 11:30 – Unintentional abuse with huge impacts 14:00 – Top 5 most hurtful phrases 15:00 – The most helpful phrases: Growth mindset 17:00 – 5 ways of supporting children through our language 20:00 – Not criticising the person but the behaviour 21:40 – The power of the pause 22:20 – Repair: It is never too late to put things right 24:00 – Breaking the cycle of abusive language 29:00 – Triggers from childhood 33:00 – Self-protection & fight or flight 35:00 – Children remember how adults label them 36:00 – Supporting children with neurodivergence 39:00 – Verbal abuse is not just about shouting 39:45 – Reflections to takeaway & further resources For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com