Early Excellence Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

2024 Summer Break Re-Release - Episode 52

In 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 webinar
• Read our Blog Building on Children’s Interests in the EYFS
• Explore our EYFS Training Programme

2024 Summer Break Re-Release - Episode 90

Does your practice reflect the value of self-regulation? In this week’s episode, we’re joined by members of the senior team from Rawmarsh Nursery School in Rotherham as we explore the vital importance of nurturing self-regulation skills. 

• Access training on Child Development including Self-Regulation
• Become an Early Excellence Partner School
• Explore Continuous Provision Inside Out

This week, we’re joined by Natalie Bignell from Kidstart Nursery in Manchester. We discuss the key transition procedures in place at the nursery and the positive impact for children, the families and staff team. 

• Listen to our recent episode "Effective Transition with Phil Armstrong"
• Read our Blog on "Exploring Powerful Learning Through Domestic Role Play"
• Watch our Free Room Planning Webinar
• Explore EYFS CPD for You and Your Team

This week, Andy interviews Kerry Murphy, Early Years Lecturer and Consultant, about her new book A Guide to SEND in the Early Years. Andy and Kerry discuss and reflect on EYFS practice, how best to support children with SEND and also challenge some common misconceptions.

• Order Kerry’s book: A Guide to SEND in the Early Years
• Explore our Child Development Webinars
• View other recommended professional texts

In this week’s Podcast Andy talks to Phil Armstrong, our Head of Regional Development for the South, about the role of an EYFS Leader and the importance of wider Subject Leadership. They reflect on how best to strengthen understanding of the core principles of Early Years for Subject Leaders to ensure these are translated into practice, the curriculum and assessment as part of a whole school approach.

• Explore our Subject Leaders Programme
• Read our Blog about Curriculum Progression
• Explore our EYFS Leadership Webinar

In this week’s Podcast, Andy talks to Amanda Belbin from Bincombe Valley Primary School, Weymouth. Amanda explains how meaningful talk and carefully planned enhancements have helped to put domestic role play at the heart of their practice.

• Watch our free Domestic Role Play webinar
• Shop our Domestic Role Play Resources
• Follow Bincombe Valley on Twitter
• Read Amanda’s Domestic Role Play Blog
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Developing a well organised Domestic Role Play Area is vital for supporting young children’s learning. In the Podcast this week we set out some key principles and explore tips and ideas to help you establish meaningful and quality domestic role play that remains in place all year.

• Watch our webinar recording Creating Conversations! Inspire Language through Role Play
• Explore our Domestic Role Play Resources to enhance your area
• Read the Blog
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Do your Early Years’ classroom spaces truly reflect your vision for learning? Have they come together by accident or been carefully planned to offer rich, meaningful and joyful experiences for young children? In this weeks Podcast, we explore how our learning environment needs to be valued as a key part of the curriculum.

• Join our Spring National Briefing
• Watch our Spring into Spring Twilight Event
• Read the Blog
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In this week’s Podcast, Andy interviews James Hitchens, the Headteacher from Penryn Primary Academy & Nursery in Cornwall. James discusses the school’s journey of rapid improvement from a RI Ofsted inspection in 2017 as he shares their vision, approach and the thinking behind it. From the creation of inspiration learning environments to the value they place on continuous provision in EYFS and into Year 1, James highlights the positive impact this has on the teaching and learning, the staff as well as the children’s wellbeing and happiness.

• Order our KS1 Continuous Provision Guide
• Explore our Ideas & Inspiration Page
• Access Bespoke Training and School Improvement Support