Early Excellence Podcast

We leave the Early Excellence Studio and head to the beautiful setting of the Yorkshire Sculpture Park for this week’s episode. As part of our visit, we meet Emma Spencer and Kathryn Brame, two of the learning managers at the park. In a wide ranging discussion, Emma and Kathryn discuss their roles in working with young children on the site and also the importance of creative and playful experiences. Interview was recorded in July 2023Find out more about Trap of the Truth, the Erwin Wurm exhibition at Yorkshire Sculpture ParkBook a place on our Early Excellence Structures and Spaces trainingListen to our podcast episode with Emma Bairstow as we take a close look at expressive art and designExplore YSP's School Staff CPD: Light, Sleep and Wellbeing ConnectionDiscover YSP'd Teacher CPD: Patterns in Poetry with Poet Keisha Thompson

This week, we visit Quinton Church Primary School in Birmingham to hear how their work with Early Excellence has helped the team to put continuous provision at the heart of their practice.Find out more about our Free Room Planning ServiceTake a Virtual Classroom Tour of our Early Excellence Learning EnvironmentsWatch our Free Planning Your Environment Webinar

Nicky Turner, an educational professional, discusses the importance of early literacy and phonics skills, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach. They highlight the significance of storytelling in early education, the power of repetition in storytelling, and the connection between physical development and literacy progress. The importance of incorporating music, rhyme, and broad experiences is also emphasized.

Hayley Coupe, from Holmgate Primary School in Derbyshire, joins us for this week’s podcast episode. As part of our conversation, Hayley shares her recent experience of the inspection process.Stay up to date with our Senior Leader Termly BriefingJoin us at one our our Early Excellence Roadshow eventsListen to The Early Excellence Head-to-Head Podcast

Explore the importance of self-regulation in early years education and creating an emotionally supportive environment for children. Discover the power of daily communication and reflection in nurturing children's development. Learn about the significance of a long-term view and solid foundations for effective practices. Find out how self-regulation positively impacts early childhood education and their partnership with Raw Marsh school.

Tamsin Grimmer joins us for this week’s episode as we discuss the importance of a loving pedagogy and explore how schools and settings can implement this approach.Find out more about Tamsin’s workAccess Continuous Provision Inside OutJoin us for one of our many Early Excellence Roadshow events

This podcast explores the benefits and uses of dough play in early childhood education, emphasizing the creativity and adaptability it offers. It discusses the advantages of having a dedicated dough area, the use of extruders as a resource, and the benefits of using dough as a learning tool. It also mentions incorporating baking and cakes into the dough area and a new online resource for supporting early years practice.

Llewella Ivins, Early Excellence Curriculum Consultant, discusses the benefits of sand play in early childhood education. Topics include exploration, vocabulary development, mathematical concepts, understanding the world, language development, physical development, and social interaction. The chapter also explores the design of a sensory sand area and the educational value of sand play in communication and language development.

In this week’s episode, we revisit Manor Wood Foundation Stage in Leeds to hear all about their wonderfully creative, child-centred approaches in the EYFS.Listen to part 1 of our interview with the Manor Wood teamRead our blog on Building on Children’s InterestsDevelop your practice with Early Excellence

Clare King, Early Excellence Curriculum Consultant, explores the principles of effective continuous provision, emphasizing the negative effects of constantly changing activities on deep learning and independent thinking. Continuous provision supports effective learning characteristics and the development of critical thinking, collaboration, and active learning. Interactions and enabling environments play a crucial role in brain development, while classroom layout and resource selection contribute to effective early years learning.