Early Excellence Podcast

Alison Heale and Anne-Marie Jones from Ysgol Yr Hafod in Wrexham join us for this week’s podcast episode. They talk with passion about the school’s inspirational journey in developing rich, well-planned and meaningful learning experiences for their children.Read our blog about building on children’s interestsWatch our "Rethinking Your KS1" training videoTransform your Learning Environments with Early ExcellenceExplore our KS1 Training Programme

This week, we’re joined by Hannah and Ruth from Discovery Bay International School in Hong Kong. We discuss the team’s approach to building on effective Early Years practice as the children move into Key Stage One.Find out more about Discovery Bay International School Watch our free training videos on developing effective practice in KS1Download our free KS1 Provision Audit ToolExplore our KS1 Training Programme

Jasmine Priestley and Lucy Gill, from Manor Wood Primary School in Leeds, join us for this week’s episode of the podcast. They share their child centred and creative ethos and introduce us to the spaces of fascination which have been developed in their foundation stage unit. Attend Manor Wood's Open Event and Explore Their Award Winning SettingListen to our previous interview with Jasmine Priestley and her former colleague Maeve Birdsall as they discuss their book, Rainbow Birds, a celebration of Artistic Achievements and Original ThinkingExplore Manor Wood's Twitter Profile

Expert Alison Clark discusses the importance of giving children more time for the prime areas of learning, emphasizing the significance of communication and language in all areas of development. The podcast explores misconceptions about creating a language-rich environment and highlights the role of adult guidance and establishing clear routines for children in school.

This week, we’re joined by Lee Dunn who is the Acting Head of School at Oldbury on Severn CofE VC Primary School in Gloucestershire. Lee shares the school’s journey of improvement and the positive impact on the whole school community.Transform your Early Primary Education and Elevate Outcomes with our Bespoke School Improvement Services Maximise your Learning Environment with our Free Room Planning Service and Expert Guidance

This Episode is Available on the Early Excellence Inspirational Hub AppDiscover the App TodayOur own Llewella Ivins joins us for this week’s episode as we explore the importance of real life experiences for our youngest children.Read our blog on developing powerful learning through domestic role playBrowse our Woodwork Resource CollectionsListen to our podcast episode on Cultural Capital in the EYFS

Josey Hall, the EYFS Leader at Knavesmire Primary School in York, joins us for this week’s episode. Three years on from the first Covid 19 lockdown, we remember the changes and the challenges and reflect upon the ongoing impact on young children.Explore our Training All About Child Development in the EYFSDiscover our Blog on Nurturing Children’s Self-Confidence and Security in the EYFS

This week, we talk to Alison Clark about her recent book Slow Knowledge and the Unhurried Child. As part of the conversation, Alison discusses the pressures within Early Childhood Education and makes the case for slow pedagogies when working with young children.Watch the low Pedagogy-Making Time for Children’s Learning and Development Video ClipOrder a copy of Slow Knowledge and the Unhurried Child

Dr Nathan Archer, Director of the International Montessori Institute, joins us for this week’s episode as we explore the life and work of Maria Montessori. As part of our discussion, we explore the impact of Maria Montessori’s work and how her approaches to education have influenced practice and provision to this day.Explore the International Montessori Institute at Leeds Beckett University

This Episode is Available on the Early Excellence Inspirational Hub AppDiscover the App TodayOur own Matthew Sayer, Curriculum Consultant at Early Excellence, joins us for this week’s episode of the podcast as we explore boys’ learning in the EYFS and debate why they nationally are not achieving the same levels of expected development in aspects as girls, and what needs to be considered.Find out more about our Unpicking the Gender Gap TrainingBook on to one of our free Planning Your Environment Events