Gillian Hewitt, the Deputy Headteacher at Dyce Primary School, joins us this week to discuss the fantastic possibilities of baking in the EYFS. Explore our CPD Opportunities for EYFS Listen to our Gardening and Growing EpisodePar Early Excellence

Catherine Laing, Senior Lecturer in Developmental Linguistics, rejoins us this week for a close look at speech and language research. Book your Place on our Let’s Get Talking Training Course Listen to our Earlier Episode with Catherine Laing "Exploring Early Speech and Language Development" Explore our Free Continuous Provision Guides and Audits…

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. Explore our CPD Programme Read our Blog on Building on Children's interests in the EYFS Join a KS1 Roadshow Event, Coming…

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 effect…

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 challe…

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. Discover more about Dr. Frances Giampapa Explore our CPD TrainingPar Early Excellence

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. Shop our Outdoor Resources Watch our Free "Get Set fo…

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. J…

This week, we visit Whitefield Primary School in Liverpool and take a tour of their inspirational EYFS learning environments Watch our Free Planning your Environment Webinar Shop our Inspirational Resources Download our free Audits and Planning GuidesPar Early Excellence

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. Discover our series of webinars focusing on…

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…

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. Watch our free ECT Webinar Explore our free Audits and Guides Discover all our…

We’re joined by Sam Caseley and Ruby Thompson from the Herd Theatre for this week’s episode as we hear all about their transformative Replay Project. We discuss the vital importance of nurturing creative thinking and the wonderful impact of immersive open-ended environments on young children. Explore more about the Herd Theatre Watch a trailer abou…

Emma Hudson, Early Years Lead at Willerby Carr Lane Primary School, discusses the impact of the redesigned EYFS environment on children and staff. She highlights the importance of stripping back and refining provision to focus on core continuous provision and interactions. Emma also shares the school's approach to peer coaching and the ongoing proc…

This week, we’re joined by Sarah Carey, School Improvement Lead at Early Excellence, as we explore the impactful Early Excellence Roadshow, a full-day training event for school leaders, EYFS leads and early years teams. Discover key insights on effective practices, learning environments, and the roadshow's focus on professional dialogue. Find Out M…

Nigel Plaskitt discusses his career in film and television, including his work on Labyrinth and Muppet Christmas Carol. He also talks about the magic of puppets and their use with young children, highlighting the educational and emotional benefits. Nigel tells us all about his recent work on the children's show Monty and Co., which aims to teach ch…

In our last episode before Christmas, we’re joined by Sarah Watkins as we celebrate the fantastic learning possibilities of the outdoors. Order your copy of our Early Excellence Guide to Outdoor Provision Read our Early Excellence Blog - The Fantastic Possibilities of Learning Outdoors in Cold, Wet and Windy Weather Connect with Sarah Watkins on Li…

Jess Gosling joins us as our guest for this week’s episode. As an experienced early years teacher working in settings across the world, Jess has lots of key advice and experiences to share. Explore our International Support Services Find out more about Jess' work on her website https://jessgoslingearlyyearsteacher.com/…

This week, we visit Willerby Carr Lane Primary School in Hull to hear about the Early Excellence room planning process and the impact that their new learning environment has had on the children’s learning. Find out more about our Free Room Planning Service Watch our Free Planning Your Environment Webinar Shop our Complete Classroom solutions…

We leave the Early Excellence Studio and head to the beautiful setting of the Yorkshire Sculpture Park for this week’s episode. As part of our visit, we meet Emma Spencer and Kathryn Brame, two of the learning managers at the park. In a wide ranging discussion, Emma and Kathryn discuss their roles in working with young children on the site and also…

This week, we visit Quinton Church Primary School in Birmingham to hear how their work with Early Excellence has helped the team to put continuous provision at the heart of their practice. Find out more about our Free Room Planning Service Take a Virtual Classroom Tour of our Early Excellence Learning Environments Watch our Free Planning Your Envir…

Nicky Turner, from the Astrea Multi-Academy Trust, joins us in our new Early Excellence studio as we explore the vital importance of supporting early literacy and phonics skills effectively. Book your Place on Early Excellence Training Visit our New Early Excellence Studio Listen to our Podcast Episode on Brilliant Books and Poems to Inspire Young …

Hayley Coupe, from Holmgate Primary School in Derbyshire, joins us for this week’s podcast episode. As part of our conversation, Hayley shares her recent experience of the inspection process. Stay up to date with our Senior Leader Termly Briefing Join us at one our our Early Excellence Roadshow events Listen to The Early Excellence Head-to-Head Pod…

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…

Tamsin Grimmer joins us for this week’s episode as we discuss the importance of a loving pedagogy and explore how schools and settings can implement this approach. Find out more about Tamsin’s work Access Continuous Provision Inside Out Join us for one of our many Early Excellence Roadshow eventsPar Early Excellence

How effective is your dough area? In this week’s episode, we’re joined by our very own Llewella Ivins as we explore some key considerations. Find out more about our Inside Out suite of materials Explore our curated resources for your Dough Area Discover our Free Audits and Planning GuidesPar Early Excellence

This week we’re joined by Llewella Ivins, Early Excellence Curriculum Consultant, as we discuss the benefits that sand play provides for young children and also how to create an inspirational sand area in your setting. Read our Blog "The Importance of the Sand Area in Indoor Continuous Provision" Find out more about creating an effective wet sand a…

In this week’s episode, we revisit Manor Wood Foundation Stage in Leeds to hear all about their wonderfully creative, child-centred approaches in the EYFS. Listen to part 1 of our interview with the Manor Wood team Read our blog on Building on Children’s Interests Develop your practice with Early Excellence…

This week we’re joined by Clare King, one of our Curriculum Consultants at Early Excellence. We discuss the key principles of effective continuous provision and how to put these principles into practice. Take a virtual classroom tour of the Early Excellence learning environments Find out more about our Inside Out suite of support materials Download…

Summer Re-Release Episode - September is a crucial time for your practice, so for this week’s episode, Andy & Llewella explore the key things for you to remember at the start of this school year. Recorded for September 2022 Join our Free ECT Webinar Attend our Conference with Kath Murdoch Explore all our Upcoming Training…

Summer Re-Release Episode - We’re joined by Nicky Turner the Early Years Lead for the Astrea Academy Trust. As part of our conversation, we explore what we mean by cultural capital in the early years. Read our Blog "All About Building on Children’s Interests" Access Training on How to Explore and Develop Children’s Interests Watch our Free Training…

Summer Re-Release Episode - This week, Andy and Llewella explore how too many weekly enhancements can be an unhelpful part of practice and consider what the alternatives are. Explore our webinar "Too Much Provision, Not Enough Teaching" Order a copy of our Guide to Continuous Provision Read our Blog "What is Continuous Provision?" Listen to our "Bu…

Summer Re-Release Episode - 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 …

Summer Re-Release Episode - In this week’s podcast episode, Andy is joined by Esther O’Connor, the EYFS Leader at the British School of Brussels. Esther opens the doors to the inspirational EYFS learning environments at the school and describes how children’s fascinations are nurtured as part of their child-centred practice. Take a look at Esther’s…

Summer Re-Release Episode - Welcome to our podcast series for new EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) teachers! Starting a new teaching job is an exciting journey filled with endless possibilities, and we're here to help you navigate it successfully. In Part One, we delved into building strong relationships, a crucial aspect of your role as an EYFS…

Summer Re-Release Episode - 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 su…

Summer Re-Release Episode - With lots to get ready for the new school year, it can be difficult to know where to start. In this week’s bonus podcast episode, Andy and Llewella offer lots of advice and also discuss which jobs are the key priorities Explore our free Planning Guides & Audits Order our Guides to Continuous Provision Enquire about our f…

In this week’s episode, Andy is joined by Early Excellence colleague, Clare King, as we discuss the wonderful possibilities of woodwork in the EYFS. We explore how to introduce resources, teach key skills and get the most out of your woodwork area. Explore Early Excellence Woodwork Resources Purchase Learning Through Woodwork by Pete Moorhouse…

Children’s author, Allie Mary, joins us for this week’s episode of the podcast. Allie has written a series of books with the aim of helping children to talk about their feelings and also issues which affect them. Find out more about Allie’s books at alliemary.co.uk Read our Blog on Nurturing Children’s Self-Confidence and Security in the EYFS Devel…

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 interests Watch our "Rethinking Your KS1" traini…

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 KS1 Download …

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 Setting Lis…

Does your timetable reflect the vital importance of the prime areas of learning? This week, we’re joined by our own Matthew Sayer as we discuss the positive impact of giving children more time. Read our Blog on Nurturing Children’s Self Confidence in the EYFS Book on to our Let’s Get Talking Webinar Series Listen to our Podcast Episode with Alison …

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 y…

Our 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 play Browse our Woodwork Resource Collections Listen 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 EYFS Discover our Blog on Nurturing Children’s …

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 Clip O…

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 Mont…

Our 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 Tra…

This week, we talk to Catherine Laing, Lecturer in Developmental Linguistics at York University. As part of the discussion, we explore early speech and also the impact of the Covid19 lockdowns on children’s speaking skills Read our blog on Navigating the Sea of Talk Book onto our Let’s Get Talking Course…