Early Excellence Podcast

Early Excellence

Join us as we discuss a diverse range of EYFS and KS1 best practice and provision, resourcing your Early Years environment and keep you up to date news and reviews from Ofsted & the DfE

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219 episodes
Updated Friday

Episodes219

Newest first

Friday · 49 min
Navigating Change in Mixed-Age Classes: Challenges for Schools and Leaders with Anne Brass and Kate Gingles
Mixed-age classes can work brilliantly — but what happens when change is driven by necessity rather than vision? Re-release: Originally aired on 13 Feb 2026 Anne Brass and Kate Gingles join us to discuss the complexities schools face with mixed-age classes, from establishing a clear guiding purpose to navigating structural change with limited guidance available. Episode Links Order our New Guide to Mixed-Age Classes Discover more from Education Durham Download the Free School Leader Reflection Tool on Mixed-Age Classes Find out more about the Education Durham Mixed Phase Magic guidance books
July 24 · 1 hr 9 min
Visual Arts in Early Childhood Settings with Dr Gai Lindsay
What can visual art experiences really unlock for young children — and how do you make the most of them in practice? Re-release: Originally aired on 27 Mar 2026 Dr Gai Lindsay joins us to explore the rich learning opportunities that visual art experiences offer young children, with practical guidance for teachers and practitioners on bringing creativity to life in their settings. Episode Links Explore Dr Gai Lindsay's website Order a copy of her book on Amazon Discover Early Excellence resources to facilitate creativity
July 10 · 49 min
Going Screen Free in the EYFS with Lucy Fox
Lucy Fox from Stoke Primary School in Coventry joins us for this week’s episode, as we explore the impact of screen-free practice in the EYFS. Episode Links Read the Blog: Block Play Alongside Small World Resources Read the Blog: Navigating the Sea of Talk - why language-rich environments go beyond labels and key words Explore language-rich environment resources on the Inspiration Hub App
July 3 · 48 min
Closing the Communication Gap: Early Talk for York with Rachel Shearer and Martin Cumming
What does it look like when a whole city gets behind children's communication and language? Re-release: Originally aired on 17 Apr 2026 Rachel Shearer and Martin Cumming join us to explore Early Talk for York — a citywide initiative aimed at closing the communication and language gap in young children, and what it takes to make that kind of joined-up approach work. Episode Links Explore the Early Talk for York Initiative Read about Developing Language in the Early Years Discover our Communication and Language CPD
June 26 · 42 min
The Power of Role Play with Becky Hoare
Role play is our focus this week as we welcome Becky Hoare to the podcast. Becky is a Primary Teacher and the Founder of Pop Up Play Village Ltd. We discuss children’s natural desire to role play what they see in the world around them. There is lots of key advice here too for developing effective and inspiring domestic role play in your setting. Episode Links Read the Blog "Exploring Powerful Learning Through Home Corner Role Play" Explore Complete Home Corner Role Play Area Resources Find out more about Pop Up Play Village Ltd
June 19 · 44 min
The Wonder of Storytelling with Ed Finch
We’re joined on the podcast this week by Ed Finch, a Headteacher with a passion for storytelling. We have a great chat about our natural desire to tell stories and the impact of this on our lives. We also explore how storytelling provides wonderfully engaging learning opportunities for our youngest children. Episode Links Read the Blog - Unlocking the Power of Block Play in the EYFS Listen to this Episode "Why Children Need Joy with Ben Kingston-Hughes"
June 12 · 42 min
Making Space for Play - A Conversation with Eugene Minogue
Play isn't a luxury — so why does it keep getting pushed to the margins? Re-release: Originally aired on 20 Feb 2026 Eugene Minogue, Interim Executive Director at Play England, joins us to discuss why play matters so much for children's development, the barriers standing in its way, and what a genuine cultural shift around play would look like. Episode Links Explore Play England's Official Website Listen to our Episode with Ruth Lue-Quee
June 5 · 48 min
Exploring Transition and Pace with Dixie-Louise Dexter
Dixie-Louise Dexter joins us for this week’s episode as we explore effective transition processes and the value of slowing down the pace. Episode Links Explore our Transition to Year 1 Blog Discover our EYFS CPD & Training Programme Transform your Learning Environment
May 29 · 43 min
Premature Birth, Development and Early Support with Caroline Woodman
What do educators really need to know about supporting children born prematurely? Re-release: Originally aired on 7 Mar 2025 Caroline Woodman joins us this week as we explore the impact of premature birth on children's development. Caroline shares her own story and that of her son, Reuben, who was born prematurely. She emphasises the importance of early intervention, understanding developmental challenges, and the need for educational professionals to be aware of the unique needs of premature children. Caroline also highlights the resources available for families and educators to support children like Reuben, advocating for greater awareness and understanding of the long-term effects of prematurity. Episode Links Explore The Smallest Things Charity website Access Free Online Training from PRISM (Premature Infants’ Skills in Mathematics) Discover the Prem Aware Award and its Free Resources
May 22 · 41 min
Anji Inspired Play with Patana School in Bangkok
Gemma Wales and Sarah Gaughan from Patana School in Bangkok join us for this week’s episode. We discuss how their early years practice has been inspired by Anji Play and discuss key aspects such as the theory, resources, the practice and the impact on the young learners. Episode Links Discover our support for International Schools and Settings Explore more on Anji Play
May 15 · 53 min
Creativity, Culture and the Child with Gemma Shadid
What does child-centred creative practice really look like in the early years? Re-release: Originally aired on 9 May 2025 In this episode, Gemma Shadid joins us to explore the power of child-centred creative practice in the EYFS. We discuss the Reggio Emilia approach, the role of quality materials in art, and how sensory experiences and cultural diversity shape children's learning and identity. Episode Links Transform your Learning Environment with our Room Planning Service. Shop our Range of Sensory Resources Explore the EYFS Framework and its Guidance for Early Years Practice.
May 8 · 42 min
The Can Do Approach to Supporting Speech, Language and Communication Skills with Joanne Jones
Speech Therapist and online educator Joanne Jones joins us on the podcast this week. We discuss positive approaches to supporting speech, language and communication skills in young children. Episode Links Explore language-rich environment resources on the Inspiration Hub App Develop your understanding of language and communication with Let's Get Talking in the EYFS Read the Blog Navigating the Sea of Talk – why language-rich environments go beyond labels and key words Invest in The EExREC Assessment Suite
May 1 · 46 min
Developing an Inspiring Forest Schools Site with Charnwood Nursery and Preschool Group
Listen in as we’re joined by Jess Watson and Claire Curtis from the Charnwood Nursery and Preschool Group and discuss all things forest schools. We explore the development of their forest school site, the wonderfully rich experiences provided and the impact on their children. Episode Links Find out more about the forest school on their instagram pages @_beyondtheforest @charnwood_nursery_preschool Discover our new range of outdoor resources Invest in The EExREC Assessment Suite
April 24 · 40 min
The Power of a Great Room Plan with Holme Valley Primary School
What does a transformative learning environment actually look like when a room plan really comes together? Re-release: Originally aired on 16 May 2025 In this episode, we chat with Rachel Stephenson and Sue Lonsdale from Holme Valley Primary School in Scunthorpe. They share their experience of developing inspirational learning environments and reflect on the impact this had during their recent Ofsted inspection. Episode Links Find out more about our Room Planning Service Explore our Free Room Planning Webinar Shop our Complete Classroom Solutions
April 17 · 48 min
Early Talk for York with Rachel Shearer and Martin Cumming
This week, we’re joined by Rachel Shearer and Martin Cumming as we discuss a citywide initiative in York aimed at closing the communication and language gap in young children. Episode Links Explore the Early Talk for York Initiative Read about Developing Language in the Early Years Discover our Communication and Language CPD
April 10 · 48 min
Getting Two Year Old Practice Right with Dulwich College in Shanghai
What does truly high-quality education for two year olds actually look like in practice? Re-release: Originally aired on 5 Sep 2025 In this episode, Andy Burt speaks with Gemma Stanton and Kate Kelly from Dulwich College Shanghai about their experiences and insights into two-year-old practice in early years education. They discuss the challenges of establishing a nurturing environment for toddlers, the importance of understanding child development, and the role of parents in the learning process. The conversation also explores the significance of creating a child-centred space and the impact of schematic play. Episode Links Explore our Dedicated 2-4yrs Page Discover Expert-Curated Resources for 2-3yrs
April 3 · 53 min
The Outdoor Classroom with Kathryn Solly
What does creating an inspiring outdoor space actually look like in early years settings? Re-release: Originally aired on 16 Jan 2026 In this episode, we explore the key features of effective practice outdoors with the inspirational Kathryn Solly. As part of the conversation, we discuss the importance of creating a positive culture towards outdoor learning and explore a broad range of rich outdoor experiences. Episode Links Discover our brand new Outdoor Range Watch the Outdoor Range launch video Explore the Outdoor Roadshow Order Kathryn's Book "Leading Learning Outdoors from Birth to Seven"
March 27 · 1 hr 10 min
Visual Arts in Early Childhood Settings with Dr Gai Lindsay
Dr Gai Lindsay joins us this week on the podcast as we explore the rich learning opportunities provided by visual art experiences. We discuss the wonderful nature of creative experiences for young children and offer practical guidance for teachers and practitioners. Episode Links Explore Dr Gai Lindsay’s website Order a copy of her book on Amazon Discover Early Excellence resources to facilitate creativity
March 20 · 44 min
Exploring BBC Bitesize
In this episode, Jonathan Tremewan and Jess Denning from the BBC Bitesize team join us as we explore their recent projects and resources to inspire young learners. Episode Links Explore BBC Bitesize Discover Early Excellences Free Learning Resources
March 13 · 45 min
Birth to 5 Matters with Nancy Stewart
In this, our 200th Episode, we’re joined by Nancy Stewart. We explore Nancy’s career at the forefront of early years education and also the new updated version of Birth to 5 Matters. Episode Links Explore the Birth to 5 Matters Guidance Read the Survey Responses Invest in the Continuous Provision Guides Discover the EExREC Baseline Assessment Tool