The Voice of Early Childhood

The Voice of Early Childhood
The Voice of Early Childhood

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. 1 DAY AGO

    Understanding the impact of childhood trauma and how to develop trauma-informed practices

    Childhood trauma, often referred to as ‘complex’ or ‘developmental’ trauma, is extremely common but is not often discussed in the context of our work as early childhood educators. And yet, children are showing up to our settings/programs every day carrying the weight of these circumstances and, according to research, a trajectory of negative health outcomes for the lifespan as a result. But Mary Hewitt shares with us that there is hope: early positive relationships and experiences with informed educators have the power to protect, buffer, and even reverse the devastating impacts of childhood trauma.   This episode is sponsored by Mangotree Kids. Mangotree Kids provides African drumming programs and inclusive toys and educational resources which promote the beauty of culture. Our main focus is enhancing the quality and diversity of products that represent Black children, ensuring they see themselves and their culture reflected in the toys they play with.   Our Jolly Djembe Club workshop introduces nursery children to the art of Djembe drumming in a fun and engaging way, and promotes wellbeing through our Rhythmic Meditation exercise. The program ends with a wonderful parents showcase. Mangotree Kids also provides a stress relief program called Beat the Stress for nursery staff.   To find out more visit: https://www.mangotreekids.com/     Read Mary’s article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/understanding-the-impact-of-childhood-trauma-and-how-to-develop-trauma-informed-practices/ You might also like… -      Proactively promoting positive mental health by Matt Bawler – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/proactively-promoting-positive-mental-health/ -      Self-regulation, co-regulation & mental health by Dr Mine Conkbayir – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/self-regulation-co-regulation-and-mental-health/ -      ‘It’s not time out, it’s time in’ for both of us: Co- and self-regulation by Julia Robinson & Charlotte Hannah – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/its-not-time-out-its-time-in-for-both-of-us/ -      Understanding neuroscience in early childhood by Mandy Worsley – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/understanding-neuroscience-in-early-childhood/   Share your voice: Do you have a topic or guest you would like to hear on the podcast? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/   Episode break down: 00:00 – Welcome! 03:00 – Topic warning – A difficult conversation 03:45 – What is trauma? 07:30 – How do traumas show up as behaviours? 08:40 – Trading connection for protection 10:00 – Dissociation – Shutting down & disconnecting 11:20 – Arousal response – Fight or flight mode, aggressive state & confrontation 12:45 – Examples of traumatic experiences 17:00 – Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) research 21:00 – Effects of trauma on the body and brain 22:00 – Survival brain taking over – Stress response is maladaptive 24:00 – Mary’s personal ACEs story 26:00 – Positive childhood experiences (PCEs) 31:00 – Elevated stress response – Living in high alert 36:00 – Floodlight approach 39:00 – Educators as agents of protection and buffers 42:00 – Rhythm and heartbeat – First sign of safety 43:30 – Drumming as co-regulation & eliciting a sense of safety 47:00 – Music & movement to elicit PCEs 48:30 – Rhythm of your day – A sense of safety 50:00 – Side by side rather than face to face 52:00 – Stage-like approach to regulation 55:00 – Removing the shame & therefore resistance 01:00:00 – ‘Little big moments’ 01:02:00 – Feeling seen, heard & that you matter 01:04:00 – The lasting impact educators have on children 01:07:00 – Further reading 01:09:30 – Key takeaways & related podcast episodes For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

    1h 13m
  2. 30 JUN

    The Pikler triangle: The tip of the iceberg‬

    When most people hear the term Pikler their thoughts go to the Pikler triangle, a piece of equipment designed for climbing. When used appropriately this opens up opportunities for the very young to explore the edges of their physicality. The Pikler triangle could also be seen as a metaphor for the opportunities the Pikler approach provides to the relationship between children, their physical development and play – which this podcast episode and article delve into.   Read Charlotte’s and Rachel’s article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/the-pikler-triangle-the-tip-of-the-iceberg/   This episode is sponsored by Pikler UK Pikler UK promotes the principles of the Pikler® approach: respectful care, free movement development, and self-initiated play in the early years. We offer training and resources for parents and professionals, supporting secure relationships and natural development. Rooted in the work of Dr Emmi Pikler, we nurture trust in each child’s competence from the very beginning.  To find out more visit: https://pikler.co.uk/ Pikler UK conference: https://pikler.co.uk/events   Read more: An introduction to Emmi Pikler – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/introduction-emmi-pikler/   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! 02:00 – What is the Pikler approach? 06:00 – The Pikler triangle: A deeper meaning 10:00 – School readiness & an overly hurried approach 12:00 – What can your child ALREADY do? 15:00 – The specific design of the Pikler triangle 18:00 – Independence, risk taking & autonomy 22:15 – Teaching for the future 24:00 – Careful observation for risky play & challenge 30:00 – The attitude of the adult 38:00 – Reducing judgement & supporting intrinsic motivation 41:00 – Self-esteem, confidence & ‘readiness’ 43:45 – Pikler UK conference 46:45 – Is tummy time good for children? – Episode coming soon 48:00 – Read more on Emmi Pikler & the Pikler triangle For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

    50 min
  3. 23 JUN

    Building a lasting early years brand

    Do you want to know how to build a sustainable and successful early years brand to underpin your early years business? From sector insights to interesting case studies and practical advice – this article and podcast episode are a great point of reference for those who are starting out as well as those long-established providers who are looking to stand the test of time.   Read Harry’s article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/building-a-lasting-early-years-brand/   This episode is in partnership with Male Childcare and Teaching Jobs.   Male Childcare and Teaching Jobs advocate for greater male participation in education and caregiving roles, offering support and guidance to enhance gender inclusion in nurseries and schools.   To find out more visit: https://malechildcareandteachingjobs.co.uk/   Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like some of our other business focused episodes: ·       Navigating the realities of business ownership in the early years – Dr Jane Todd – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/navigating-the-realities-of-business-ownership-in-the-early-years-sector/ ·       Accidental leadership in early years – Jenny Weidner – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/accidental-leadership-in-early-years/   Plus hear and read more on men in early childhood: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/articles/men-in-early-childhood/   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! 03:30 – The difference between a business and a brand 08:00 – Being a trustworthy brand 12:30 – Transparency and brand buy in 22:00 – Brand and recruitment 24:30 – A brand that appeals across generations 26:00 – Tips for sharing your brand 26:45 – Employee generated content 28:00 – Structuring your business adverts 34:30 – Consistency, time and investment are key 36:00 – Brand longevity and corporate branding For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

    38 min
  4. 16 JUN

    The power of words: How adult language shapes a child’s future

    Words hold a lot of power for children, they shape who they are and who they become. Yet 41% of children experience verbal abuse by adults, which can lead to lasting damage. Jessica Bondy, founder of Words Matter, discusses how by using positive, encouraging language we can build a child’s confidence and help them flourish. Let’s build children up with our words, not knock them down. Words matter.   Read Jessica’s article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/the-power-of-words-how-adult-language-shapes-a-childs-future/   This episode is in partnership with Words Matter: At Words Matter, we are committed to creating societal and behavioural change by addressing and ending childhood verbal abuse. We know that most adults don’t intend to harm children with their words - but many underestimate the lasting impact they can have. Help us inspire action and make a difference to children’s lives today and for years to come.   Visit www.wordsmatter.org for support, guidance, and resources to help create a world where children hear the words that build them up – not knock them down.   Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: ·       Proactively promoting positive mental health – Matt Bawler – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/proactively-promoting-positive-mental-health/  ·       Growth mindset in early childhood – Matt Bawler – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/growth-mindset-in-early-childhood-2/ ·       Supporting behaviour: Reaction vs response – Cheryl Warren – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/supporting-behaviour-reaction-vs-response/   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! 02:00 – Ending verbal abuse of children by adults 05:00 – What do you want your legacy to be? 08:00 – The power of reaching out & collaboration 10:00 – Research into child verbal abuse 11:30 – Unintentional abuse with huge impacts 14:00 – Top 5 most hurtful phrases 15:00 – The most helpful phrases: Growth mindset 17:00 – 5 ways of supporting children through our language 20:00 – Not criticising the person but the behaviour 21:40 – The power of the pause 22:20 – Repair: It is never too late to put things right 24:00 – Breaking the cycle of abusive language 29:00 – Triggers from childhood 33:00 – Self-protection & fight or flight 35:00 – Children remember how adults label them 36:00 – Supporting children with neurodivergence 39:00 – Verbal abuse is not just about shouting 39:45 – Reflections to takeaway & further resources For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

    42 min
  5. 9 JUN

    The full emotional diet: Finding emotional balance in the early years

    We do not need a 'free from' diet when it comes to providing young children with emotional wellbeing and support. In the early years children need a safe space to experience, articulate, and process emotions – there is no such thing as a 'bad emotion'; they all have their role to play. Behaviour and emotional regulation coach Samantha Dholakia talks us through why children need the full ‘emotional diet’. Read Samantha’s article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/the-full-emotional-diet-finding-emotional-balance-in-the-early-years/   This episode is sponsored by Funding Loop: Funding Loop automates the process for nurseries of collecting funding forms from parents and typing that information into council portals. Funding Loop is used by over 2000 nurseries including over 80% of the top 25 nursery chains in the UK including Busy Bees. To find out more visit: https://www.fundingloop.co.uk/home  Episode break down: 00:00 – Welcome! 02:50 – We focus too much on calming children down 05:00 – Each emotion has a different job 08:00 – Let’s unpick the anger, rather than saying ‘don’t be angry’ 11:45 – Teaching children about their brain, emotions and THEN behaviour 13:45 – Allowing children to feel their own emotions 18:00 – Having language to understand and describe the emotion 22:30 – Are we projecting our own dysregulation on children? 26:45 – Up and down-regulation: Both are vital 29:00 – Is this emotion helping you right now? 32:00 – Having conversations about emotions with children 33:00 – We don’t usually experience one emotion at a time 35:00 – Energetic behaviour is actually useful before bed 37:00 – Matching energy is useful (not matching emotion) 39:00 – Meeting children where they are at 39:45 – Disengagement – sometimes you need to lean into this 41:00 – We don’t just run out of energy, we can generate energy too 40:00 – Emotionally refuelling  43:00 – Getting to an active state of learning 46:00 – Further reading and listening material 48:00 – Wider societal implications of this work If you enjoyed this episode and would like to listen to more, take a look at the following episodes: Samantha’s previous episode – Should we punish and reward children’s behaviour – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/should-we-punish-and-reward-childrens-behaviour/ Mandy Worsley – Understanding neuroscience in early childhood – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/understanding-neuroscience-in-early-childhood/ Matt Bawler – Proactively promoting positive mental health – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/proactively-promoting-positive-mental-health/  The Durham research project episode with Jill Jones and Rebecca Martin on Supporting regulation in the early years: A progressive approach – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/supporting-regulation-in-the-early-years-a-progressive-approach/ For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

    52 min
  6. 2 JUN

    Cultivating a sense of belonging

    Ryan Bradshaw emphasises the importance of fostering a sense of belonging in early childhood education. He shares his personal journey and experiences, highlighting the impact of belonging for both children and educators. Ryan advocates for greater male representation in the early years sector and discusses ways in which professionals can cultivate connection, belonging and promote diversity.  Read Ryan’s article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/cultivating-a-sense-of-belonging/   This episode is in partnership with Male Childcare and Teaching Jobs. Male Childcare and Teaching Jobs advocate for greater male participation in education and caregiving roles, offering support and guidance to enhance gender inclusion in nurseries and schools.   To find out more visit: https://malechildcareandteachingjobs.co.uk/    Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: What is it like being a man in early years? – Kevin Nelson https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/what-is-it-like-being-a-man-in-early-childhood/ Exploring career challenges for male educators in early childhood – Mattie Paul Winfield https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/exploring-career-challenges-for-male-educators-in-early-childhood/  Plus hear and read more on men in early childhood: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/articles/men-in-early-childhood/   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! 02:30 – A sense of belonging for adults 08:30 – Psychological safety 10:30 – Finding who you are as a person 13:00 – Fear of rejection 14:30 – A world without labels 16:00 – It’s ok not to fit into a space 15:00 – Children feeling psychologically safe 20:00 – Giving freedom to children with SEND 23:00 – Feeling seen and heard 26:00 – Fostering connection 29:00 – Leaders feeling safety and belonging 34:00 – Create your own space to belong 34:30 – We don’t just teach we transform For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

    38 min
  7. 26 MAY

    The Cornish Curriculum

    In this episode… Mandy Richardson, owner of Naturally Learning nurseries in Cornwall, talks to us about how she created the Cornish Curriculum with her team. Mandy shares with us the details of her curriculum and some challenges along the way, including challenging Ofsted, practicalities of an outdoor nursery, defining what school readiness means to you, the ‘Cornish Connection’, teaching diversity in a ‘non-diverse’ area, authentic cultural representation and more…   Read Mandy’s article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/the-cornish-curriculum/   This episode is sponsored by Funding Loop: Funding Loop automates the process for nurseries of collecting funding forms from parents and typing that information into council portals. Funding Loop is used by over 2000 nurseries including over 80% of the top 25 nursery chains in the UK including Busy Bees. To find out more visit: https://www.fundingloop.co.uk/home   Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: ·       Early years curriculum: Provision for 2-year-olds – Charlotte Norman: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-curriculum-provision-for-2-year-olds/ ·       It’s not really about dinosaurs: What are children learning from your curriculum – Jan Dubiel: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-curriculum/ ·       What is an early years curriculum? Ruth Swailes & Jan Dubiel: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/what-is-an-early-years-curriculum/ ·       Enquiry led learning: A curious classroom – Stuart Cloke: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/enquiry-led-learning-a-curious-classroom/ ·       Education Durham curriculum project: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/projects/education-durham-project/ ·       Early years curriculum: Building sequences of learning – Paige Hutchinson: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-curriculum-building-sequences-of-learning/ ·       Early years curriculum: Building sequences of learning – Paige Hutchinson: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-curriculum-building-sequences-of-learning/   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! 02:00 – Naturally Learning settings in Cornwall 03:55 – The ‘Cornish Connection’ 06:00 – Challenging Ofsted 07:45 – Where do we begin when structuring a curriculum? 10:00 – Inspiration from the Fibonacci sequence 12:00 – The 7 areas of the Cornish Curriculum 14:00 – What does school readiness mean to you? 16:00 – How can we be diverse in a ‘non-diverse’ area? 18:00 – Authentic cultural representation 21:00 – Building the foundations of respect & curiosity 22:40 – Pedagogy or curriculum? 28:00 – Skills vs knowledge 31:00 – Practicalities of an outdoor nursery 32:50 – Risk assessing with children 35:00 – Risks that have been assessed For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

    39 min
  8. 19 MAY

    How can AI positively impact education?

    Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to revolutionise various sectors, including early childhood education. This podcast episode and article explore how AI can positively impact nurseries, schools and wider early education.   Key discussion points include: ·       The role of AI in its current form and the future of AI. ·       AI guiding us and informing our practice, rather than doing all the work for us. ·       Both educators and children becoming more digitally attuned. ·       Understanding how AI can support our own human intelligence.   Read Richard’s article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/how-can-ai-positively-impact-education/   This episode is in partnership with Male Childcare and Teaching Jobs.   Male Childcare and Teaching Jobs advocate for greater male participation in education and caregiving roles, offering support and guidance to enhance gender inclusion in nurseries and schools.   To find out more visit: https://malechildcareandteachingjobs.co.uk/   Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: ·       Promoting STEAM in early years: It’s easier than you think! – Paula Walshe https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/promoting-steam-in-early-years-its-easier-than-you-think/ ·       Infant sleep and the role of technology in parenting – Ryan White https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/infant-sleep-and-the-role-of-technology-in-parenting/ ·       Using artificial intelligence in early years – Joshua Barr https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/using-artificial-intelligence-in-early-years/   Plus hear and read more on men in early childhood: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/articles/men-in-early-childhood/   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 – Topic introduction 02:30 – Who is Richard Waite? 06:20 – So what actually is AI? 08:00 – The fear factor in AI 10:20 – Using AI as a tool for admin 12:40 – Supporting children with specific needs 14:30 – Let AI guide you, not replace you 17:20 – Human intelligence and artificial intelligence 22:60 – AI hallucinating & human error 24:50 – Challenges around embracing AI 29:30 – Preparing children for the future 34:20 – How can AI help you? For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

    40 min

Ratings & Reviews

4.9
out of 5
9 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.

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