The Voice of Early Childhood Podcast: involving you in thought-provoking discussions around early childhood. This weekly podcast brings you discussion, reflection, debate and a window into the minds of advocates working with our young leaders of tomorrow.
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In this article and podcast episode, Louise Mercieca explores the two sides of nutritional safeguarding: keeping children safe from food-related risks, and ensuring the food we provide supports early childhood development, helping every child to reach their potential. We consider why nutrition must be recognised as a safeguarding responsibility, moving the conversation beyond simply 'healthy eating'.
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.
Why imagination is the missing dimension of school readiness
Épisode 177
lundi 26 octobre 2026 • Durée 01:10:08
As the world children are growing up in changes rapidly, educators have a chance to strengthen one of the most enduring foundations of learning: imagination. Rather than just a peripheral talent, this article argues that imagination is central to school readiness, lifelong learning, and the uniquely human capacities children will need.
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.
From practice to progress: Do children need to be taught movement skills?
lundi 19 octobre 2026 • Durée 53:51
This article and podcast episode explore how young children develop Fundamental Movement Skills through repeated, varied experiences and attuned adult guidance. Dr Leanne Jaye highlights the balance between structured support and child‑led exploration, the impact of movement on confidence, communication and social connection, and the crucial role practitioners and caregivers play in shaping high‑quality, enjoyable movement opportunities.
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.
More than a father: Emotional presence in early childhood practice
Épisode 174
lundi 12 octobre 2026 • Durée 01:14:02
Children need more than provision; they need emotionally present adults who help them feel safe, understood and valued. Drawing on his work with children with complex and neurodivergent needs, his journey as a dad, and his book More Than A Father, Opeyemi Ogunmadeko explores what emotional presence can mean for parents, carers and early childhood educators.
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.
More than a school-leaver's route: Why apprenticeships are becoming a retention strategy in early years
Épisode 173
lundi 28 septembre 2026 • Durée 37:01
Apprenticeships are often viewed as an entry route for young people, but they can also provide a valuable pathway for developing and retaining existing early years staff. This article and podcast episode explore how apprenticeships can support career progression, strengthen workforce skills and help settings invest in the practitioners they already have.
This episode is in partnership with The Childcare Company
The Childcare Company has delivered early years and childcare training since 2008 and is rated Good by Ofsted. It delivers apprenticeships, diplomas, skill builders and academies from Level 2 to Level 5, working alongside nurseries, early years settings, schools and residential childcare providers to build resilient, qualified teams. Training is delivered by its own delivery coaches, backed by funding, enrolment and free recruitment support. The Childcare Company is an Impact Futures Group brand. Building skills, impacting futures.
Are our expectations of children in early childhood evidence informed?
Épisode 172
mardi 22 septembre 2026 • Durée 46:39
What does it really mean for a child to be 'school ready', and are the expectations we place on children actually informed by evidence? Adam Marycz explores how policy, accountability and long-held assumptions can shape early childhood practice, questioning the push towards formal learning and considering how educators can keep children's development, individuality and play at the centre.
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.
· Starting school: Supporting transitions to reception and key stage 1, with Delyth Linacre:
Reimagining outdoor learning: Understanding agency from risk to resilience
Épisode 171
lundi 14 septembre 2026 • Durée 42:09
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.
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.
Marketing your early childhood setting is an investment, not a cost
Épisode 170
lundi 7 septembre 2026 • Durée 39:54
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.
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.
Beyond the diagnosis: Navigating the SEND journey with families
Épisode 169
lundi 31 août 2026 • Durée 24:03
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.
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
Early childhood safeguarding changes 2026: Moving beyond compliance to a culture of safety
Épisode 168
lundi 24 août 2026 • Durée 01:02:21
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.
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.
· The case for systemic change in Ofsted's approach, by Lucy Lewin:
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Découvrez des podcasts liées à The Voice of Early Childhood. Explorez des podcasts avec des thèmes, sujets, et formats similaires. Ces similarités sont calculées grâce à des données tangibles, pas d'extrapolations !
00:01:48 - Introducing Wylde Scott and Raising Dreamers 00:02:48 - From storytelling to imagination and human potential 00:08:20 - School readiness: what are we preparing children for? 00:13:09 - Developing imagination, curiosity, adaptability and resilience 00:18:34 - How children learn and the value of broad experiences 00:23:08 - Exploring the relationship between experience and brain development 00:27:02 - Adult screen habits, presence and human connection 00:30:35 - Nurturing imagination through reading and storytelling 00:32:32 - Nature, everyday exploration and imaginative play 00:34:38 - Making space for imagination within curriculum demands 00:37:58 - Exploring AI and personalised approaches to learning 00:42:46 - Bringing learning to life through play and projects 00:46:12 - Time, training and support for educators 00:51:37 - Developing creativity and agency as children grow 00:54:17 - Making changes through continuing professional development 00:55:16 - Helping young adults find direction in a changing world 00:59:27 - Connecting passion, purpose and contribution 01:01:07 - Learning through experience, internships and pursuing interests 01:06:44 - Developing agency and active participation in the world 01:09:18 - Closing reflections and further reading
00:00 - Introduction 01:47 - Introducing Opeyemi 02:30 - Emotional presence beyond provision 06:45 - Fathers' emotional connection and their own upbringing 11:03 - Connecting with each child through time and play 14:13 - Cultural expectations and fathers' involvement 18:01 - Building support networks for fathers 22:24 - Seeing children's identities beyond behaviour 25:54 - Understanding behaviour as communication 28:05 - Connection before correction 32:26 - Pausing before responding to children 34:55 - Recognising progress without comparing children 36:33 - How adults' words shape children's sense of self 39:01 - Welcoming fathers and father figures into early childhood settings 45:05 - Supporting fathers to reconnect with their children 48:20 - Reflecting on childhood experiences and seeking support 49:46 - Protecting children from parental conflict and modelling respect 54:49 - Self-awareness and rethinking the breadwinner role 56:37 - Emotional connection in care for children with additional needs 01:00:10 - Parental burnout and supporting siblings' emotional needs 01:03:30 - Professional love and trauma-informed practice 01:04:40 - Family diversity, father figures and role models 01:07:28 - More than a father: the inspiration behind the book 01:13:22 - Further reading and closing reflections
00:00 – Introducing Amanda and the episode's focus on apprenticeships 02:48 – Apprenticeships are not just for school leavers 04:28 – What settings lose when an experienced practitioner leaves 06:13 – Supporting staff retention through career progression 09:30 – Early years apprenticeship pathways: Level 2 to Level 6 10:47 – Different starting points and entering early years at any age 12:33 – Connecting theory, practical experience and reflective learning 14:57 – Addressing concerns about pay cuts and starting again as an apprentice 17:01 – Recognising prior learning and choosing the right apprenticeship level 19:59 – Making time for training alongside staffing pressures 23:22 – Flexible learning sessions and arranging workplace observations 26:04 – Understanding apprenticeship funding and the levy 27:49 – Funding for settings that do not pay the apprenticeship levy 29:14 – Discussing hiring incentives for new apprentices 30:23 – National Insurance relief for apprentices 31:07 – Employer support grants for the early years teacher degree apprenticeship 32:13 – Weighing training costs against the long-term value of retaining staff 33:40 – Why workplace culture, workload and pay still matter 34:34 – A practical first step for leaders exploring staff apprenticeships 35:30 – Contacting The Childcare Company and closing reflections
00:00 – Hear Adam at the 2027 Voice of Early Childhood Conference 01:35 – Welcome to the live podcast recording 02:49 – Introducing Adam Marycz 04:04 – What do we really mean by 'school readiness'? 07:01 – Confidence and independence versus academic expectations 09:27 – Developmental milestones: should we lower expectations? 10:55 – Good level of development: evidence or accountability pressures? 14:11 – Using interventions without reducing children to data points 16:42 – International approaches, school starting ages and protecting play 19:47 – Are we mistaking sitting still for learning? 21:14 – Educator training and becoming critical consumers of content 23:08 – Physical development, movement and realistic expectations 25:55 – Gaps in educator training and the importance of ongoing professional development 28:01 – What can we learn from Finland and China? 30:44 – Questioning everyday practice: why are we doing this? 32:41 – What do you want children to be able to do when they leave your setting? 34:57 – Audience Q&A: school readiness, SEND and inclusion 40:15 – Audience reflections: family pressures, screen time and wellbeing 43:57 – Moving beyond discussion: evidence, advocacy and meaningful change 46:09 – Closing thanks
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
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
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
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
