Early Excellence Podcast

In this week’s episode, we talk to Professor Nirmala Rao from Hong Kong University about her research, global approaches to early education and an international award for early years practice. Register for Khalifa International Award for Early Learning FieldExplore the work of Professor RaoExplore more on Early Excellence

In our first podcast episode of 2023, we chat with Sarah Carey, one of our colleagues at Early Excellence, about a brand new podcast for Headteachers and School Leaders.Gain access to the Head-to-Head Podcast

This Episode is Available on the Early Excellence Inspirational Hub AppDiscover the App TodayIn this week’s episode, Andy and Llewella explore the increasing popularity of tuff spot trays in early years settings. They discuss how Tuff Spot trays are used, look closely at some of the potential drawbacks of being over reliant on tray based activities and ask the question: Is it time to move away from the Tuff Spot tray? Watch our free Guide to Continuous Provision webinarRead our Blog Building on Children’s Interests in the EYFSExplore our EYFS Training Programme

The podcast discusses the benefits of working within a structure while responding to individual needs and interests. It explores topics in school curriculum and emphasizes the importance of children's inquiries leading the learning process. The integration of math and literacy is explored, along with the importance of revisiting prior learning and making connections in teaching.

Young children have a natural desire to explore their world and share ideas through creative expression. In this week’s episode, we’re joined by artist Emma-Jo Bairstow as we discuss key ways to develop provision and practice in relation to expressive arts and design. Develop your practice by joining Emma-Jo Bairstow for our Every Child an Artist courseLooking for some festive inspiration? Join us for our free Magic of Christmas twilightWatch our Building Creative Approaches in the EYFS and KS1 videoFind out more about Emma-Jo’s work with school’s and settings via Twitter @artworksedu

As one of the prime areas of learning, physical development underpins children’s overall learning and development. Yet how often do we consider children’s physical development in real depth? In this week’s episode, we talk with Helen Hawes about her support work in schools and how small changes to our practice can have a big impact for our children.Find out more about our "Let's Explore Physical Development" courseExplore our Outdoor Resource CollectionsContact Helen to find out more about her work in schools. Helen is on Twitter @futuressporty. You’ll also find her on Facebook @sportyfuturesuk

In this week’s episode, we talk to Trisha Lee all about the importance of nurturing and celebrating children’s storytelling. Trisha tells us all about her work in schools and also about her new book, The Growth of a Storyteller, which explores the practice of using helicopter stories to value, nurture and inspire young learners.Order your copy of The Growth of a StorytellerExplore our Themed Role Play Resources

In this week’s episode, we’re joined by Kate Gingles and the EYFS team at Newcastle High School for Girls. As part of our chat, we talk about the team’s key focus on developing enjoyable and rich mathematical learning opportunities for their Nursery and Reception children. Find out more about our “More than a Maths Scheme” Course Read our blog: Mathematical Musings by Jude Twani Download a free copy of our Maths Provision Audit

This Episode is Available on the Early Excellence Inspirational Hub AppDiscover the App TodayChildren’s books provide us with wonderfully rich opportunities to nurture and provoke imaginative writing ideas. In this week’s episode, Andy and Llewella share some fantastic children’s books for inspiring young writers.Browse our 3-5 Yrs Book Resource CollectionFind Out More About Our Let’s Explore Language and Communication Training Explore Our It’s More than Reading and Writing Training

In this week’s episode, we chat to Ruth Swailes and Aaron Bradbury about their fantastic new book - Early Childhood Theories Today.They discuss the links between theories and practice within the classroom, the benefits of the book, their writing process and much more.Purchase a copy of Early Childhood Theories TodayExplore our EYFS TrainingDiscover our KS1 Courses