The Voice of Early Childhood

The Voice of Early Childhood
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The Voice of Early Childhood Podcast: involving you in thought-provoking discussions around early childhood. This weekly podcast brings you discussion, reflection, debate and a window into the minds of advocates working with our young leaders of tomorrow.

  1. 4 days ago

    What does good quality CPD look like?

    Professional development is something every early childhood setting invests in, yet it does not always lead to meaningful or lasting change. Training sessions may be delivered, feedback forms may be completed, and educators may leave feeling inspired. But the more important question is what happens afterwards: does practice change in ways that benefit children? In this live podcast conversation and article, Dr Julian Grenier CBE reflects on what effective continuing professional development, or CPD, can look like in early childhood contexts. A central message is that high-quality professional development is not defined by a single event, but by how learning is sustained, supported and embedded over time. Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/what-does-good-quality-cpd-look-like/   This episode is in partnership with BookedIn   BookedIn is a CPD booking platform that connects organisations with verified speakers, trainers and consultants – so you can find the right fit faster, based on your brief, audience and outcomes.   You can discover, compare, and manage bookings in one place – designed to help you book with more clarity and confidence.   Whether you're booking CPD or are a speaker yourself, they're opening early access soon, and if you want to be first to hear when it's live, join the waiting list today!   To find out more and sign up to the wait list visit: https://waitlist.bookedin.online/ Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: ·       Using the early years pupil premium to strengthen practice and equity, with Dr Julian Grenier - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/using-the-early-years-pupil-premium-to-strengthen-practice-and-equity/ ·       Astrea Academy Trust Project - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/projects/astrea-academy-trust-project/?playlist=56a5917&video=17c6a45   Get in touch and share your voice: Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/   Episode break down: 00:00 – Live podcast recording at Nursery World in London 02:10 – What does good-quality CPD look like? 03:22 – Introducing Dr Julian Grenier and the focus on effective professional development 04:00 – Moving beyond "train and pray" approaches to CPD 05:28 – Why professional development needs to be sustained over time 06:45 – Taking years, not days: embedding change in practice 08:05 – Motivation, relevance and why change is difficult 09:28 – What handwashing in healthcare teaches us about sustaining change 10:55 – Supporting educators through feedback, modelling and removing barriers 12:05 – Everyday coaching moments as professional development 13:10 – Aligning CPD with children, families and community context 14:28 – Working with external consultants and speakers 15:55 – Choosing fewer priorities and embedding them well 17:05 – Balancing inspiration with sustained change 18:05 – Building explicit knowledge of practices, not just enthusiasm 19:20 – Bridging theory, research and practice 20:15 – What evidence-informed CPD looks like in early childhood 21:18 – Evaluating CPD beyond feedback forms 22:10 – Looking for change one month, three months and one year later 23:02 – Final advice: focus on a few things and do them well 23:30 – Closing reflections and thanks For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

    24 min
  2. You Might Also Like: On Purpose with Jay Shetty

    4 days ago ·  Bonus

    You Might Also Like: On Purpose with Jay Shetty

    Introducing Dr. Jill Biden: The Hardest Moments No One Saw (The Untold Story of the White House Years) from On Purpose with Jay Shetty. Follow the show: On Purpose with Jay Shetty Today Jay sits down with former First Lady Dr. Jill Biden where she pulls back the curtain on an extraordinary journey of love, profound loss, and unrelenting public scrutiny. After first rejecting a young senator's marriage proposal five times, she and husband President Joe Biden ultimately built a family rooted in fierce loyalty and unwavering devotion. Jill shares what it takes to navigate life’s hardest moments - from the unimaginable grief of losing her son Beau to cancer, to her son Hunter's battle with addiction, to her husband's ongoing health struggles and heartbreaking political exit. Jill’s story highlights the radical power of staying present, and the impact of making a conscious decision to always choose joy no matter where you are in life.  In this episode you'll learn: How to Move Forward After Major Life Changes How to Cultivate a Lasting Marriage How to Instill Confidence in Those Around You How to Advocate for Your Health How to Navigate Loving Someone Through Addiction How to Survive Unimaginable Grief As you navigate your own journey, remember to lead with compassion and be kind, because we never truly know the hidden struggles behind someone else's smile. In her new book, View from the East Wing: A Memoir, Jill shares her White House experiences for the first time, in her own words. You can order here: https://bit.ly/ViewFromTheEastWing  With Love and Gratitude, Jay Shetty JAY’S DAILY WISDOM DELIVERED STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX Join 900,000+ readers discovering how small daily shifts create big life change with my free newsletter. Subscribe https://news.jayshetty.me/subscribe   Check out our Apple subscription to unlock bonus content of On Purpose! https://lnk.to/JayShettyPodcast  What We Discuss: 00:00 Intro 01:26 A New Life Trajectory 06:39 Saying “No” Five Times  08:03 Lessons in Independence 09:56 Building Loving Relationships 15:08 A Blessing in Disguise 17:17 "My Husband Is Not Dying" 19:26 Grieving Loved Ones 21:18 A True Partnership 23:01 Redefining Your Role 23:53 The Weight of the World 25:32 Practicing Radical Presence 26:16 "We Won!" 27:50 Life’s Greatest Gift 31:52 Beyond the Classroom 32:31 The Health Gap 36:06 Panic in the Green Room 38:04 "I Had No Choice" 40:06 The Morning After 42:20 Alternate Realities 44:08 A Cruel Diagnosis 45:31 Strength in the Storm 46:12 An Unimaginable Loss 48:55 Learning to Live With the Pain 50:55 The Intervention 52:42 Breaking the Stigma Around Addiction  54:38 Jill on Final Five Episode Resources: Website | https://joebiden.com/  Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/DrJillBiden/  Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/drbiden  X | https://x.com/DrBiden See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.

  3. 8 Jun

    What is relationship-based parenting?

    Raising happy, healthy, successful kids with the Core4Connectors - A relationship-based approach. Today's parents and carers are shifting their hopes for children from outward success to inner security. This article and podcast episode explore how relationship-based parenting from birth, rooted in trust, respect, honesty, and communication, creates the emotional safety that allows children to thrive. When children feel seen, heard, and secure, happiness and success follow naturally. Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/what-is-relationship-based-parenting/     This episode is in partnership with BookedIn   BookedIn is a CPD booking platform that connects organisations with verified speakers, trainers and consultants – so you can find the right fit faster, based on your brief, audience and outcomes.   You can discover, compare, and manage bookings in one place – designed to help you book with more clarity and confidence.   Whether you're booking CPD or are a speaker yourself, they're opening early access soon, and if you want to be first to hear when it's live, join the waiting list today!   To find out more and sign up to the wait list visit: https://waitlist.bookedin.online/   Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: ●      Perception, positivity and parents with Wendy Kettleborough - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/perception-positivity-parents/ ●      The politics of parenting with Dr Helen Simmons - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/the-politics-of-parenting/ ●      Beyond partnership with families with Philippa Thompson - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/beyond-partnership-with-families/   Get in touch and share your voice: Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/   Episode break down: 00:00 - Welcome to the episode and introduction to Cara 02:18 - Cara's background in linguistics, education and Core4 Parenting 03:42 - The "teacher teacher" approach: parenting, education and identity 05:10 - Interacting with children vs being in relationship with them 06:35 - Relational intelligence and the Core4Connectors 08:52 - Respect, trust, belief and being willing to talk 10:40 - Building trust through boundaries and consistent language 13:08 - The role of language in building relationships 14:32 - Commands, declarative language and moving away from imperatives 16:25 - Meaning-based communication and the power of non-verbal cues 18:18 - The "talking triangle": body language, tone, energy and words 20:05 - How children read facial expressions and emotional cues 21:18 - The trigger trap reaction cycle 22:45 - Using calm energy before words: Cara's coat anecdote 25:25 - Why connection comes before instruction 26:48 - Positive and negative imperatives: when commands are useful 28:20 - The five-to-one-and-done strategy 30:08 - Supporting children's autonomy, cognition and self-talk 31:30 - A key language shift: "if you choose to…" 33:28 - Natural consequences, ownership and critical thinking 35:05 - Introducing Talk to Them Early and Often 36:20 - Why early language matters from birth to three 37:05 - Who the book is for and where to find it 37:55 - Final reflections on autonomy, conflict and connection For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

    39 min

  4. 1 Jun

    Early years leadership stories

    The stories we carry shape how we lead, often without us realising. In early years, these narratives influence who we see as a leader and how we show up. This article and podcast episode explore how leadership stories are formed, the impact they have, and how shifting them can open up more intentional and inclusive ways of leading.   Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/earlty-years-leadership-stories/   This episode is in partnership with The Early Years Leadership Conference and BookedIn.   To find out more about The Early Years Leadership Conference and grab your tickets visit: https://theearlyyearsleadershipconfer6.godaddysites.com/   To find out more about BookedIn and starting booking training visit: https://waitlist.bookedin.online/   Our 2027 conference info & tickets: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2027/   Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: ·      What is professional confidence? – with Dr Lewis Fogarty - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/professional-confidence-finding-the-confidence-to-speak-out/ ·      Accidental leadership in early years – With Jenny Weidner - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/accidental-leadership-in-early-years/   Get in touch and share your voice: Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/   Episode break down: 00:00 Introduction and welcome to the live podcast 01:35 About The Voice of Early Childhood and Booked-in Voices 03:05 Introducing Jenny Weidner and today's leadership discussion 04:10 Leadership stories: where our ideas about leadership come from 08:15 The influence of role models and leadership reference points 13:10 Positive and negative leadership experiences 16:05 Internal leadership stories and self-doubt 19:15 Accidental leadership and feeling unprepared for leadership roles 23:00 Imposter syndrome and leadership identity 25:10 Leadership beyond job titles 29:05 Developing professional confidence and recognising leadership in others 31:20 Untold leadership stories and the impact of personal experiences 35:05 Burnout, responsibility and the 'rescuer' mindset 37:20 Moving from accidental to intentional leadership 39:10 Audience reflections: leadership reference points 41:35 Final reflections and closing remarks For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

    43 min

  5. 11 May

    Using the early years pupil premium to strengthen practice and equity

    This article and podcast episode explore how the early years pupil premium (EYPP) can be used to strengthen practice and promote greater equity across the early childhood community. Drawing on research and professional experience, they reflect on why relationships with families matter, what evidence tells us about effective use of funding, and how a focus on high-quality provision can benefit all children—particularly those facing disadvantage. They also consider the importance of professional judgement, teamwork and sustained approaches to improvement in creating meaningful and lasting impact.   Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/using-the-early-years-pupil-premium-to-strengthen-practice-and-equity/    This episode is in partnership with the Education Endowment Foundation:   The EEF is an independent charity dedicated to breaking the link between family income and educational achievement. They do this by supporting schools, colleges, and early years settings to improve teaching and learning through better use of evidence.   To find out more visit: https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/     Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: ·       The Best Start in Life strategy and what it means for the sector, with Dr Zoe Raven and Charlotte Goddard - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/the-best-start-in-life-strategy-and-what-it-means-for-the-sector/ ·       Ofsted's renewed early years inspection framework: What educators need to know, with Jayne Coward - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/ofsteds-renewed-early-years-inspection-framework-what-educators-need-to-know/   Get in touch and share your voice: Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/   Episode break down: 00:00 – Introduction and welcome 01:35 – Dr Julian Grenier's background 03:45 – What is EYPP? 06:20 – Building relationships with families 09:10 – Why EYPP matters 12:10 – Research and what makes the biggest difference 16:05 – Professional development and improving quality 18:40 – Balancing quality with targeted support 22:10 – The EEF EYPP planning tool 25:15 – Whole-team approaches and sustained change 28:20 – Measuring impact in meaningful ways 31:45 – Early mathematics and communication 34:05 – Rethinking school readiness 36:10 – Strengthening equity in early childhood 37:35 – Final reflections and closing remarks For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

    38 min

  6. 27 Apr

    What is sound-based emotional regulation?

    Sound based emotional regulation is an emerging approach which uses carefully designed auditory experiences including voice, rhythm and specific sound frequencies to help children regulate their nervous systems. This article and podcast episode explore the science behind sound-based emotional regulation, why it matters in early childhood, and how sound can support emotional wellbeing in a variety of developmentally appropriate ways.   Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/what-is-sound-based-emotional-regulation/   This episode is sponsored by HushAway   HushAway® is a sound-based emotional regulation initiative designed to support children's nervous systems, particularly those who are neurodivergent or experience sensory overwhelm. Using gentle soundscapes, calming voice, predictable rhythms, and ASMR-informed audio, HushAway® creates the conditions in which children can feel safe, settled, and ready to engage. Rather than focusing on behaviour management, HushAway® supports regulation at a physiological level, recognising that emotional regulation begins in the body, not with instructions. The approach is grounded in lived experience, early-years practice, and emerging research around sound, co-regulation, and nervous system safety. HushAway® works with children, families, and educators to embed compassionate, neuro-affirming regulation support into everyday environments, helping children feel understood, not corrected.   To find out more visit: www.hushaway.com   Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: ·       It's not time out, it's time in' for both of us by Julie Robinson and Charlotte Hannah: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/its-not-time-out-its-time-in-for-both-of-us/ ·       Aligning learning environments with the needs of the brain by Dr Kathryn Murray: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/aligning-learning-environments-with-the-needs-of-the-brain/   Get in touch and share your voice: Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/   Episode break down: 00:00 – Introducing the episode: sound-based emotional regulation 02:10 – Guest introduction: Nikki's background and expertise 03:45 – Why emotional regulation matters in early childhood 05:30 – Behaviour as communication and understanding children's internal state 07:40 – The nervous system and co-regulation 09:50 – Why sound is powerful for emotional regulation 12:00 – What sound-based emotional regulation involves in practice 14:10 – Supporting children to develop independent regulation 16:20 – Introducing Hushaway: purpose and key features 18:50 – The inspiration behind Hushaway: sleep, routines and unmet needs 21:30 – Frequencies, ASMR and immersive storytelling 24:00 – Evidence base and research informing sound-based approaches 25:40 – Why sound regulation matters in today's context 27:10 – Using sound in educational settings and classrooms 28:40 – Considerations for educators: choosing appropriate sounds 29:10 – Advice for parents and educators 29:40 – Final reflections and key messages For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

    30 min

  7. 13 Apr

    Professional curiosity: Creating cultures of reflection, safety and growth

    Professional curiosity is often spoken about in early childhood practice, yet its meaning can remain abstract until it is grounded in everyday interactions with children, families and colleagues. This article and podcast episode explore what professional curiosity looks like in practice, why it matters, and how it can be nurtured within early childhood communities.   Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/professional-curiosity-creating-cultures-of-reflection-safety-and-growth/     This episode is in partnership with The Early Years Leadership Conference   To find out more and grab your tickets visit: https://theearlyyearsleadershipconfer6.godaddysites.com/   Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: ·      What is professional confidence? – with Dr Lewis Fogarty - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/professional-confidence-finding-the-confidence-to-speak-out/ ·      Hurt from conception: The impact of domestic abuse on children – with Tina Pokuaah - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/hurt-from-conception-reflecting-on-the-impact-of-domestic-abuse-on-children/   Get in touch and share your voice: Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/   Episode break down: 00:00 – Introducing the topic: what is professional curiosity? 02:31 – Defining professional curiosity: going deeper, not asking more 03:11 – Reflection as a foundation for learning 04:24 – Balancing curiosity with respect and non-intrusiveness 06:23 – Psychological safety and creating open cultures in settings 07:51 – Communication skills and asking questions in the right way 09:01 – Supporting apprentices and recognising different starting points 11:24 – Building reflective team cultures (example of shared communication approaches) 12:42 – Learning from each other and empowering educators as leaders 14:38 – Risks of lacking professional curiosity (complacency and stagnation) 16:04 – Impact on staff wellbeing, retention and relationships 17:42 – Early intervention and the dangers of assumptions 19:34 – Challenging bias and recognising personal perspectives 21:24 – Role modelling curiosity, vulnerability and reflective leadership 22:44 – Strengthening relationships with families through curiosity 24:22 – Generational impact of professional curiosity on children's learning 26:44 – Curiosity in training, CPD and professional development 28:58 – Supporting educators to develop their own pedagogy 30:45 – Moving beyond fixed approaches and embracing critical thinking 32:11 – The importance of collaboration beyond individual settings 34:38 – Introduction to the early childhood leadership conference 37:01 – Creating community, safe spaces and inclusive dialogue at events 39:02 – Amplifying diverse voices, including apprentices 41:15 – Encouraging participation and shared learning at conferences 43:28 – Final reflections: what should listeners take away? 43:44 – Closing remarks and episode wrap-up For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

    44 min

  8. 30 Mar

    Supporting children's language through shared stories and sustained dialogue

    This article explores the TWiTCH (Talk with Tales for Children) programme, outlining its pedagogical foundations and structure, alongside findings from an independent pilot evaluation. It highlights how coach-led professional development and dialogic story practices can strengthen educators' confidence and support children's language, reasoning, and engagement during shared book reading.   Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/supporting-childrens-language-through-shared-stories-and-sustained-dialogue/   This episode is in partnership with TWiTCH and Sheffield Hallam University   To find out more about the TWiTCH programme visit: https://research.shu.ac.uk/twitchefficacytrial/   To take part in the TWiTCH programme, submit an interest form: https://forms.office.com/e/Rq3pwJGUiT?origin=lprLink   Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: ·       Helicopter stories: Bringing every child's story to life, with Trisha Lee: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/helicopter-stories-bringing-every-childs-story-to-life/ ·       Stories that connect us: How books foster belonging in the early years with Laura Henry-Allain: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/stories-that-connect-us-how-books-foster-belonging-in-the-early-years-2/   Get in touch and share your voice: Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/   Episode break down: 00:00 – Welcome and episode overview 00:36 – Guest introduction: Fufy Demissie 00:54 – Fufy's background and experience 01:27 – What is the TWiTCH programme? 02:37 – Origins: language gap and research context 03:11 – Funding, development, and trial expansion 03:55 – What TWiTCH stands for 04:11 – Structure: nine stories across the year 04:46 – Week one: story immersion and strategies 05:36 – Week two: RCRI and reasoning discussions 06:40 – Decontextualised talk and critical thinking 07:25 – Week three: continuous provision and play 08:11 – Embedding vocabulary through practice 08:32 – Repetition of cycle across stories 08:52 – Dialogue, dilemmas, and child engagement 09:30 – Practitioner concerns and outcomes 10:18 – Pedagogical approaches underpinning TWiTCH 10:44 – Use of puppets and modelling language 11:05 – Hanan approach and responsive interaction 12:31 – Importance of repeated reading 13:31 – Educator training and coaching model 14:33 – Coaching visits and reflective practice 15:21 – Practitioner agency and flexibility 16:48 – Programme reach and implementation scale 17:52 – Inclusion of childminders 18:40 – Pilot findings: practitioner confidence 19:36 – Impact on reading and discussion practices 20:05 – Increased confidence in reading aloud 20:46 – Outcomes for children's language development 21:41 – Next steps: large-scale trial 22:36 – Recruitment of settings 23:50 – Trial design and evaluation approach 24:40 – Measuring children's language outcomes 25:52 – Future potential and expansion 27:05 – Key takeaway: value of repetition 28:01 – Final reflections on practice 28:41 – Closing remarks and how to get involved For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

    25 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.9
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

The Voice of Early Childhood Podcast: involving you in thought-provoking discussions around early childhood. This weekly podcast brings you discussion, reflection, debate and a window into the minds of advocates working with our young leaders of tomorrow.

Information

  • Creator
    The Voice of Early Childhood
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    160
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    Copyright © 2023 The Voice of Early Childhood
  • Show Website
    The Voice of Early Childhood

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