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

March 6 · 42 min
Wonderwood: Outdoor Learning in the Early Years with Claire Underwood
What happens when you take early years learning outside the classroom — and into the woods? Re-release: Originally aired on 24 Oct 2025 Claire Underwood shares her journey in early years education, from teaching in affluent areas to leading outdoor learning at Hopping Hill School. She introduces Wonderwood, a nature-based space that inspires creativity and connection, and reflects on the importance of adult engagement, teacher wellbeing, and belonging in early education. Episode Links Join the New Outdoor Roadshow at a Location Near You Explore our Complete Outdoor Learning Solutions
February 27 · 50 min
Designing Inspirational Learning Opportunities with Emma Weston
Emma Weston is our guest for this week’s episode of the podcast. Emma is a Learning Designer at Verso International School in Bangkok. As part of the conversation, Emma takes us on a tour of their inspirational learning environments and we also explore how Emma and her team follow children’s interests, and plan fascinating projects. Episode Links Discover our support for International Schools & Settings Read how San Silvestre School in Lima transformed their Early Years and Key Stage One provision through international EYFS consultancy.
February 20 · 43 min
Exploring the Vital Importance of Play with Eugene Minogue, Interim Executive Director, Play England
This week, we’re joined by Eugene Minogue, Interim Executive Director at Play England. We discuss the vital importance of play and the barriers to it within society. We also explore what needs to happen to create a positive cultural shift around play. Episode Links Explore Play England's Official Website Listen to our Episode with Ruth Lue-Quee
February 13 · 49 min
Navigating Change in Mixed-Age Classes: Challenges for Schools and Leaders
In this episode, Anne Brass and Kate Gingles join us to discuss mixed-age classes and the complexities schools face when change is driven by necessity rather than vision. The conversation explores the difficulty of establishing a clear guiding purpose, the pressures that can lead to structural change, and the limited guidance available for schools navigating transformation in mixed-age classrooms. Episode Links Order our New Guide to Mixed-Aged Classes Discover more from Education Durham Download the Free School Leader Reflection Tool on Mixed-Aged Classes Find out more about the Education Durham Mixed Phase Magic guidance books
February 6 · 46 min
Effective Outdoor Learning in the EYFS – Key Principles with Evan McCormick
Practical guidance for planning, resourcing, and delivering high-quality outdoor learning in the EYFS. Re-release: Originally aired on 15 Nov 2024 In this episode, Evan McCormick explores the key principles of effective outdoor learning in the early years. We discuss the importance of thoughtful organisation, purposeful resourcing, and careful planning, alongside the vital role of the adult in supporting learning outdoors. The conversation focuses on creating outdoor environments that are engaging, well-structured, and responsive to children’s needs. Episode Links Join The Outdoor Roadshow Is Outdoor Learning a key area for development at your school or setting? Find Out About our Training Our Team of Curriculum Consultants are available to support you in developing your outdoor space. Find Out About our Outdoor Planning Service Listen To Evan's First Podcast Episode
January 30 · 37 min
Navigating Ofsted Inspections: Insights from a Pilot School
This week, we’re joined by Leanne Foster as we discuss her experience of a pilot Ofsted inspection at her school. We discuss the focus on the EYFS and the conversations that Leanne and her team had with the inspectors as part of the process. Episode Links Explore more from Ofsted at our Senior Leader Briefing Stay up to date with our Early Years Update Blogs
January 23 · 1 hr
The International Language of Learning
In this week’s episode we meet with Charlotte Knight- Benjafield and Rob Spillane from Wellington College in Shanghai. We discuss their bilingual and immersive curriculum and how they use project based learning to fully embed effective learning characteristics. Episode Links Discover our support for International Schools and Settings Explore more about Wellington College
January 16 · 55 min
Creating Inspiring Outdoor Spaces with Kathryn Solly
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"
January 9 · 38 min
The Transformative Power of Forest Schools with Lana Webster
In this episode, Lana Webster shares her experience of Forest School and outdoor learning, exploring how child-led experiences in nature support wellbeing, skill development, and meaningful learning. Lana reflects on creating safe, magical outdoor environments, working with families, and the positive impact outdoor provision has on both children and staff. Episode Links Discover our brand new Outdoor Range Watch the Outdoor Range launch video Explore the Outdoor Roadshow Learn more about Lana’s Forest School approach
Dec 5, 2025 · 40 min
Playful Potty Learning with Nurse Rebecca Mottram
In this week’s episode, we’re joined by children’s Nurse and potty training expert Rebecca Mottram. Rebecca discusses the different stages of the potty training process and offers key advice for Teachers, Practitioners and parents. Episode Links Explore Rebecca's Website to Find Out More Download the FREE Supporting Children’s Toileting Needs in Early Years Settings Guidance for Preschools and Nurseries guide Order Rebecca's book "Positively Potty" from Bloomsbury
Nov 28, 2025 · 44 min
The Role of Play in Key Stage One Education with Ruth Lue-Quee
Ruth Lue-Quee joins us this week to discuss her campaign to make play and continuous provision statutory in England’s Key Stage One Curriculum. As part of the conversation, we explore how learning through play is vital for young children’s learning beyond the EYFS. Episode Links Find out More and Sign the Petition To Make Play and Continuous Provision statutory in England's Key Stage 1 Curriculum Explore our Complete Provision Areas and Resources for KS1 Invest in the Early Excellence Guide to Continuous Provision 5-7yrs
Nov 21, 2025 · 31 min
The Muddy Puddle Teacher's Journey with Sarah Seaman
Discover how outdoor learning can transform teaching and inspire young minds. In this episode, Sarah Seaman, also known as The Muddy Puddle Teacher, shares her journey from traditional classroom teaching to pioneering outdoor learning. With over 17 years of experience, Sarah discusses the benefits of nature-based education, offers practical tips for teachers, and introduces her new Key Stage 1 book published by Bloomsbury, inspiring schools across the UK and beyond. Episode Links Explore Sarah’s book "The Muddy Puddle KS1 Teacher" from Bloomsbury Shop our Outdoor Learning Resources
Nov 14, 2025 · 29 min
Exploring Powerful Learning Through Home Corner Role Play with Amanda Belbin
Practical ways to enrich learning and meaningful talk through home corner role play in the early years. Re-release: Originally aired on 1 Apr 2022 In this episode, Andy chats with Amanda Belbin from Bincombe Valley Primary School in Weymouth. Amanda shares how purposeful enhancements and high-quality interactions have made Home Corner Role Play a central part of their early years practice — inspiring creativity, communication, and confidence in young learners. Episode Links Shop our Home Corner Role Play Resources Follow Bincombe Valley on X Read Amanda’s Home Corner Role Play Blog
Nov 7, 2025 · 32 min
100 Years of Nursery World with Karen Faux
In this engaging conversation, Karen Faux, the editor of Nursery World, discusses the magazine's significant role in early childhood education over the past 100 years. She reflects on the evolution of the publication, the societal changes it has witnessed, and the influential figures who have contributed to its content. The discussion also highlights the upcoming anniversary edition, which aims to celebrate the past while looking forward to the future of early childhood education. Episode Links Explore Nursery World's Website Join the Early Excellence Inspiration Hub App
Oct 31, 2025 · 55 min
Understanding Cultural Capital in the EYFS with Nicky Turner
Practical ways to recognise and build on every child’s cultural capital in the EYFS. Re-release: Originally aired on 3 Mar 2023 What does ‘cultural capital’ really mean in the early years? Nicky Turner from Astrea Multi-Academy Trust joins us to discuss how educators can celebrate children’s experiences, backgrounds, and interests — and use them to shape meaningful learning every day. Episode Links Read our Blog "All About Building on Children’s Interests" Access Training on How to Explore and Develop Children’s Interests Explore Continuous Provision Inside Out and make the most of your provision.
Oct 24, 2025 · 42 min
Teaching Beyond the Classroom: Lessons from Wonderwood with Claire Underwood
Claire Underwood shares her journey in early years education, from teaching in affluent areas to leading outdoor learning at Hopping Hill School. She introduces Wonderwood, a nature-based space that inspires creativity and connection, and reflects on the importance of adult engagement, teacher wellbeing, and belonging in early education. Episode Links Join the New Outdoor Roadshow at a Location Near You Explore our Complete Outdoor Learning Solutions
Oct 17, 2025 · 50 min
Why Rich Experiences in Early Childhood are the Key to Brain Development with Ben Kingston-Hughes
Re-release: Originally aired on 17 Feb 2023 This week, we’re joined on the podcast by Ben Kingston-Hughes. Ben is an author, trainer, keynote speaker and also the Managing Director of Inspired Children. Our conversation takes many twists and turns but focuses on the vital importance of early childhood. Episode Links Join our "The Child in Mind" Conference Order a copy of Ben's Book Explore our Training & Events Listen to our interview with Prof. Sam Wass "The Secret Lives of Young Learners"
Oct 10, 2025 · 42 min
From Both Sides: Exploring Key SEND Advice with Jenny Nechvatal
This week we talk to Jenny Nechvatal about her experience as a parent of children with autism. She shares key advice for effective practice when working with children with SEND. Episode Links Discover SEND Training and Support to Guide You Explore the Innovative Disability Solutions Website Order Embracing Disability in Early Childhood on Amazon
Oct 3, 2025 · 52 min
An In-Depth Look at Physical Development with Helen Hawes
Re-release: Originally aired on 18 Nov 2022 As one of the prime areas of learning, physical development underpins children’s overall learning and development. Yet how often do we consider children’s physical development in real depth? In this week’s episode, we talk with Helen Hawes about her support work in schools and how small changes to our practice can have a big impact for our children. Episode Links Explore our CPD courses Explore our Outdoor Resource Collections Contact Helen to find out more about her work in schools. Helen is on Twitter @futuressporty. You’ll also find her on Facebook @sportyfuturesuk
Sep 26, 2025 · 47 min
Fostering Independence in Early Years Education with San Silvestre School in Peru
The team from San Silvestre School in Lima, Peru, shares their journey in early years education, exploring continuous provision, fostering independence, and creating nurturing environments that inspire inquiry, collaboration, and lifelong learning. Episode Links Explore what International Services we can offer Read San Silvestre's Case Study from the Visit