Explore every episode of the podcast Early Excellence Podcast
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Is It Time to Move Away from the Tuff Spot Tray? | Re-Release | 30 Aug 2024 | 00:00:49 | |
This Episode is Available on the Early Excellence Inspirational Hub App 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?
| |||
| Self-Regulation at the Heart of Effective Practice | Re-Release | 23 Aug 2024 | 01:00:01 | |
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.
| |||
| Nursery Transition - Getting it Right from the Start with Natalie Bignell | 21 Jun 2024 | 00:43:01 | |
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.
| |||
| A Guide to SEND in the Early Years | 06 May 2022 | 00:43:13 | |
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.
| |||
| Strengthening Subject Leadership: Curriculum Progression Right From Start | 29 Apr 2022 | 00:33:52 | |
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.
| |||
| What is Continuous Provision? | 08 Apr 2022 | 00:11:46 | |
In this week’s Podcast, the team taker a close look at Continuous Provision, explore EYFS terminology and reflect onthe importance of creating a consistent and enabling environment.
Order our Guides to Continuous Provision
Explore our FREE Room Planning service
Read the blog
| |||
| Exploring Powerful Learning Through Domestic Role Play | 01 Apr 2022 | 00:31:54 | |
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.
| |||
| Maximising Learning in Continuous Provision – Domestic Role Play in EYFS | 25 Mar 2022 | 00:16:11 | |
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.
| |||
| Owning Your Curriculum: A Close Look at the Learning Environment | 18 Mar 2022 | 00:25:30 | |
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. | |||
| Tackling the Year 1 Cliff Face: Getting it Right From the Start | 11 Mar 2022 | 00:34:01 | |
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.
| |||
| Navigating the Sea of Talk | 04 Mar 2022 | 00:22:06 | |
The new EYFS framework stresses the importance of talk in supporting children’s learning. In this week’s episode, we explore how to put talk at the very heart of your practice.
| |||
| Rainbow Birds: A Celebration of Artistic Achievements and Original Thinking at Co-op Academy Oakwood | 18 Feb 2022 | 00:27:35 | |
In this week’s Podcast, Andy interviews Maeve Birdsall & Jasmine Priestley from Co-op Academy Oakwood in Leeds. Together with Claire Clithero, they have written and published a book that shows the positive impact on children when they value and nurture creativity. | |||
| The Classroom Environment – Riot of Colour vs Peace and Neutrality | 11 Feb 2022 | 00:13:26 | |
How is colour used within your classroom? In this week’s Podcast Episode, Andy explores the use of colour and poses some key questions to consider including whether it is really needed to keep children engaged or if it is distracting to the learning. There are also lots of top tips for alternatives to move forward. | |||
| Effective Organisation Outdoors | 14 Jun 2024 | 00:00:49 | |
This Episode is Available on the Early Excellence Inspirational Hub App Outdoor storage is the focus this week as we’re joined by our very own Matthew Sayer. We discuss the importance of high levels of organisation outdoors and offer key advice on storage sheds, labelling and the role of the adult.
Download our Free Outdoor Audit Download a Free Outdoor Planning Guide | |||
| Mathematical Musings | 04 Feb 2022 | 00:00:49 | |
This Episode is Available on the Early Excellence Inspirational Hub App It’s essential that your team understand how young children develop maths expertise, especially when choosing, using and evaluating set schemes or programmes. In this week’s Podcast Andy welcomes back Jude Twani who provides her insight and tips on approaching maths in the EYFS.
| |||
| Maximising Learning in Continuous Provision – The Water Area | 28 Jan 2022 | 00:16:46 | |
Exploring and experimenting with water is a key fascination for many children and if you have it available continuously, you may even find that some children go back to it a lot! This week’s Podcast explores how the Water Area can be packed with a wealth of opportunities for scientific and mathematical thinking as well as opportunities for storying and developing narrative.
| |||
| Exploring Block Play Alongside Small World | 21 Jan 2022 | 00:16:18 | |
Well organised and well planned provision areas, alongside effective adult interactions, enable children to develop sustained play, practise new skills and extend their ideas over time. Some areas of provision work particularly well together like Block Play and Small World, and this week Andy looks at these in more detail.
| |||
| Exploring Different Approaches in the Early Years | 14 Jan 2022 | 00:21:39 | |
Have you ever wondered what it is like to work overseas? In this week’s fascinating Podcast, Andy interviews Rachael Stevens from Panyaden International School in Thailand about their unique approach. As well as taking a tour of their natural environment, they chat about all kinds of things including behaviour management, risk and challenge. View Andy's Photos of Panyaden School: | |||
| The Characteristics of Effective Learning | 07 Jan 2022 | 00:17:14 | |
Welcome back to the start of a new term and a new year! Join us this week as we explore the importance of the Characteristics of Effective Learning, and consider how they are used as part of our everyday practice. | |||
| Catching Up and Lessons From The Dancefloor | 10 Dec 2021 | 00:00:49 | |
This Episode is Available on the Early Excellence Inspirational Hub App In this week's Podcast, hear Andy Burt and Jude Twani discuss the “Catch Up Agenda” following the months of disrupted education and Jude utilises her new love of dancing to help us reflect on how children can learn and adapt.
| |||
| Effective Tidy Up Times in the EYFS | 03 Dec 2021 | 00:17:00 | |
In this week’s Podcast we give tips and advice to make tidying the classroom run smoothly and become a meaningful way of teaching, learning and embedding a range of skills and concepts. | |||
| Storming it Outdoors, the Fantastic Possibilities of Cold, Wet and Windy Weather | 26 Nov 2021 | 00:13:21 | |
Get your big coat and wellies on, this week’s Podcast is about getting back outside whatever the weather! Explore the key things and ideas to ensure effective learning continues throughout this time of year
| |||
| Building on Children’s Interests in the EYFS | 19 Nov 2021 | 00:19:49 | |
In this week’s Podcast, we build on message of consistency in the learning environment by exploring the key features of practice which seek to encourage, value, celebrate and build on the ideas and interests of young learners. | |||
| Change Isn't Always for the Better | 12 Nov 2021 | 00:19:06 | |
At the beginning of the year we proudly plan out our classrooms, but wind the clock forward a few weeks and we are already starting to think about changes. In our Podcast this week, we reflect on why this isn’t always the best way forward. | |||
| The Impact of Continuous Provision in Key Stage 1 | 07 Jun 2024 | 00:52:13 | |
This week, Nova Robinson interviews Jude Arkwright and Jane Godfrey from St Michael's School in Wiltshire. They discuss the school's approach to continuous provision in Key Stage 1 and the impact it has on children's learning and well-being. | |||
| New to Teaching in the EYFS Part 3 | 05 Nov 2021 | 00:17:42 | |
In this third and final Podcast of our series for those new to the EYFS, we focus on the role of the adult. Join us to explore the balancing act that is teaching in the early years, from whole class teaching and small group work through to the adult role in facilitating and scaffolding a wide range of learning experiences.
| |||
| The Outdoor Curriculum in all its Glory | 29 Oct 2021 | 00:16:04 | |
Following on from the interview with Gillian Hewitt last week, celebrating how Dyce Primary School developed inspirational outdoor provision and practice, this week we delve deeper into the outdoor curriculum with top tips on offering meaningful experiences for your children.
| |||
| Developing Outdoor Provision and Practice | 22 Oct 2021 | 00:35:22 | |
In this episode we talk to Gillian Hewitt, Deputy Headteacher at Dyce School in Aberdeen, about their journey of developing inspirational outdoor provision and practice.
| |||
| New to Teaching in the EYFS Part 2 | 15 Oct 2021 | 00:23:22 | |
Following on from Part One, this second Podcast looks beyond relationships and begins to look at some of the other key aspects you’ll need to consider as a new EYFS teacher. Join us to reflect on routines and get top tips for organisation of provision and resources. | |||
| Putting the New EYFS Framework into Practice | 08 Oct 2021 | 00:15:20 | |
Our Podcast this week discusses putting the New EYFS Framework into practice and we focus on the key things to now consider as you put the framework into practice - your practice!
| |||
| Taking Continuous Provision Beyond the EYFS: Maximising Learning in KS1 | 01 Oct 2021 | 00:18:31 | |
In this week’s podcast, we reflect on child development and start to explore how to maximise your learning in KS1 through the introduction of continuous provision.
| |||
| New to Teaching in the EYFS Part 1 | 24 Sep 2021 | 00:15:25 | |
Starting a new teaching job is exciting, and a chance to put into practice so many ideas that you have seen and heard about through training and teaching practices. As you step into your new classroom, your head will be buzzing with lots of plans and ideas! Listen to our latest podcast to help you get started. | |||
| The Classroom Environment: Setting Up Your New Classroom | 17 Sep 2021 | 00:10:14 | |
Whether you’re setting up your new classroom for the first time, or changing your existing layout, it is vitally important to get it right. The actions you take and the decisions that you make at this point in the year can have a massive impact for you and your children. Join us for inspirational ideas and top tips to support you and your team as you review your current provision and plan the way forward. | |||
| Exploring the Fantastic Possibilities of Maths Outdoors | 07 Sep 2021 | 00:14:39 | |
Learning outdoors is different to learning indoors. Outdoor spaces generally provide more space for physical activity and children will naturally want to explore outdoors using large physical movements. From the outset then, the materials that we provide need to be bigger and more physically challenging than indoors. Children will develop cognitively alongside the development of gross motor skills if we provide opportunities for this. | |||
| Mud, Glorious Mud! Exploring Muddy Play with Matthew Sayer | 31 May 2024 | 00:00:49 | |
This Episode is Available on the Early Excellence Inspirational Hub App Early Excellence Curriculum Consultant, Matthew Sayer, joins us for this week’s episode of the podcast as we explore the wonderful possibilities of muddy play. As part of our chat, we discuss how to get the most out of your mud kitchen area, which resources should be available and how to manage the space effectively.
| |||
| Effective Transition with Phil Armstrong | 24 May 2024 | 00:49:07 | |
This week, we’re joined by Phil Armstrong from the Early Excellence Curriculum Team as we explore effective transition processes within the EYFS.
| |||
| Continuous Provision Throughout the School! Interview with Gillian Jones and Jayne Richardson | 17 May 2024 | 00:39:59 | |
In this inspiring discussion, Gillian Jones and Jayne Richardson reflect on their school’s journey of implementing continuous provision from Pre School through to Year 2. They discuss the process of developing well- planned learning environments and how this has had a positive impact on the practice, the children and the staff team.
| |||
| Let’s Get Baking! Interview with Gillian Hewitt | 10 May 2024 | 00:31:06 | |
Gillian Hewitt, the Deputy Headteacher at Dyce Primary School, joins us this week to discuss the fantastic possibilities of baking in the EYFS. | |||
| Exploring Early Speech and Language Research with Catherine Laing | 03 May 2024 | 00:56:49 | |
Catherine Laing, Senior Lecturer in Developmental Linguistics, rejoins us this week for a close look at speech and language research.
| |||
| Building on Children’s Interests: A Project on Bees | 26 Apr 2024 | 00:00:49 | |
This Episode is Available on the Early Excellence Inspirational Hub App We catch up with our very own Clare King for this week’s episode of the podcast. As part of our chat, we explore the powerful impact of building on children’s interests and Clare tells us all about a very successful bee project.
| |||
| Exploring International Education and Early Years Practice: Interview with Janette Quinn | 19 Apr 2024 | 00:51:41 | |
In this episode of the Early Excellence podcast, Andy Burt interviews Janette Quinn, Director of Education and Professional Learning at COBIS (Council of British International Schools). They explore her global education experience, passion for early years education, and COBIS's role in accreditation and professional development. Highlighting effective practices and the importance of planning and relationships, they emphasise seizing opportunities and nurturing a conducive learning environment. | |||
| Exploring Early Speech and Language Research with Catherine Laing | Re-Release | 16 Aug 2024 | 00:57:29 | |
2024 Summer Break Re-Release - Episode 112 Catherine Laing, Senior Lecturer in Developmental Linguistics, rejoins us this week for a close look at speech and language research.
| |||
| A Focus on SEND in the EYFS | 12 Apr 2024 | 01:00:23 | |
How do you meet the needs of all of your children? In this week’s episode, we talk to Alex Sutcliffe from Ravenshead Church of England School in Nottinghamshire as we reflect on meeting the needs of children with SEND. As part of this, we focus on the importance of effective learning environments indoors and outdoors and discuss how physical challenge is crucial to meeting children’s needs.
| |||
| Exploring Researchful Practice: Interview with Dr. Frances Giampapa | 22 Mar 2024 | 00:57:32 | |
Join us for this week’s podcast as we explore the link between EYFS practice and research and find out how teachers and practitioners can get involved in their own research projects. | |||
| Get Gardening & Growing! with Clare King | 15 Mar 2024 | 00:00:49 | |
This Episode is Available on the Early Excellence Inspirational Hub App This week, we’re joined by Clare King, one of our Curriculum Consultants at early Excellence, as we talk about the importance of gardening and growing with young children. We offer practical advice on getting started, what you’ll need, and how to successfully grow vegetables with young children.
| |||
| Getting Started with Continuous Provision in Key Stage One: Interview with Nova Robinson | 08 Mar 2024 | 00:00:49 | |
This Episode is Available on the Early Excellence Inspirational Hub App With more schools recognising the growing interest in continuous provision for Key Stage 1 education, Andy Burt and Nova Robinson delve into its implementation. From understanding the needs of Key Stage 1 children to navigating transitions from early years, this conversation offers invaluable insights into initiating this transformative approach. Join us as we uncover the practical steps, challenges, and resources needed to embark on the continuous provision journey, drawing upon the expertise shared in this enlightening discussion.
| |||
| Inspirational Learning Environments: A Tour of the EYFS at Whitefield Primary School | 01 Mar 2024 | 00:37:16 | |
This week, we visit Whitefield Primary School in Liverpool and take a tour of their inspirational EYFS learning environments
| |||
| A Focus on The Characteristics of Effective Learning: Interview with Sayeh Mariner | 23 Feb 2024 | 00:59:56 | |
Are the Characteristics of Effective Learning central to your EYFS practice? Are you confident in supporting children’s learning skills and attributes? In this episode of the podcast, we chat to Sayeh Mariner from the Co-Op Academies Trust about developing inspirational practice to nurture young learners.
| |||
| Making Mixed-Age Classes Work: Interview with Rachel Yeung | 16 Feb 2024 | 00:30:18 | |
For the podcast this week, we’re joined by Rachel Yeung from Hawkshead Primary School in Cumbria, as we discuss the benefits and challenges of teaching in a mixed-age class. Rachel highlights the importance of understanding each child's needs and planning accordingly. She also emphasizes the role of the learning environment in facilitating learning and the positive impact it has on children's development. | |||
| Reflections of an Early Career Teacher: Interview with Sara Adams | 09 Feb 2024 | 00:52:20 | |
This week, we’re joined by Sara Adams as we discuss her experiences and reflections as an early career teacher. As part of the conversation, we explore the importance of an effective learning environment, building meaningful relationships with children and peer learning.
| |||