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. 14 hr ago

    Reimagining outdoor learning: Understanding agency from risk to resilience

    This podcast episode and article are a research-informed exploration of how outdoor environments, adult language and risk narratives shape children's agency. Drawing on the Reimagining Outdoor Learning Toolkit, we examine how educators can move beyond checklists, embrace managed risk, and create outdoor spaces where children's autonomy, confidence and curiosity can genuinely flourish.   Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/reimagining-outdoor-learning-understanding-agency-from-risk-to-resilience/       This episode is in partnership with BookedIn   BookedIn is the 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.   To find out more 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: ·       Impacts of outdoors on children's behaviour and attention: The science behind outdoor play series, with Dr Gemma Goldenberg: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/impacts-of-outdoors-on-childrens-behaviour-and-attention/ ·       The therapeutic nature of outdoor play, with Jenny Smillie: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/the-therapeutic-nature-of-outdoor-play/   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 guest introduction 01:35 – How the outdoor agency research began 03:06 – Children's agency in policy and practice 05:17 – What makes outdoor learning unique? 08:41 – How weather and adult perceptions shape risk 10:21 – The dry robe dilemma: when protection restricts play 12:10 – How home experiences and family attitudes shape outdoor play 16:10 – The Outdoor Agency Model: environment, adults and community 20:47 – Outdoor learning beyond the early years and PE 23:53 – Exploring the Reimagining Outdoor Learning Toolkit 27:00 – Using action research to develop your own practice 28:38 – Photo tours: putting children's voices at the heart of research 30:02 – Supporting children to understand and manage risk 31:26 – What changed? Revisiting children's outdoor experiences 32:23 – Building stronger partnerships between home and settings 36:47 – Understanding and responding to parents' worries 39:26 – Final takeaways: trust, agency and ownership of childhood 40:59 – Closing reflections, further resources and thanks For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

  2. 14 hr ago ·  Bonus

    You Might Also Like: Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang

    Introducing "Yumming My Yuck" (w/ Carly Rae Jepsen) from Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang. Follow the show: Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang I'll make time for you? How about YOU make time for this hotly anticipated episode of Las Cultch? The former maker of Vancouver's top-rated cheesecake Carly Rae Jepsen joins the boys and winningly plays along with our stupid little games that Bowen can barely commit to. It's a fragrant vortex of a time, with CRJ spilling on "Day and Night" (out September 18th), having her mind blown by the Spice Girls, and the "10 Things I Hate About You" musical. The "suggested donation" is that you listen to this extravaganza/hullabaloo and ENJOY. 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.

    You Might Also Like: Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang

  3. 7 Sept

    Marketing your early childhood setting is an investment, not a cost

    This article and podcast episode explore why marketing should be viewed as an investment rather than a cost, why profitability matters for sustainability, the role a setting's website plays in both occupancy and recruitment, and why social media needs a clear purpose. They also consider the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) and why, useful as it can be, it should support rather than replace human judgement, creativity and responsibility.   Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/marketing-your-early-childhood-setting-is-an-investment-not-a-cost/     This episode is sponsored by Childcare Marketing Group Childcare Marketing Group is a specialist marketing partner dedicated to supporting nurseries, preschools and early years providers. Built by people who understand the childcare sector, CMG helps nursery owners and managers attract more children, recruit great staff and build stronger, more sustainable businesses. From websites, SEO and social media to advertising, video, reputation management and enquiry conversion, the group brings everything together under one joined-up approach. At its heart, Childcare Marketing Group is about helping childcare providers stand out, tell their story with confidence and connect with the families and teams who are right for them. To find out more and sign up to the wait list visit: https://childcare.marketing/uk   Our 2027 conference info & tickets: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2027/   Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: ·       Sustainable business growth in early childhood, with Jordan Tully: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/sustainable-business-growth-in-early-childhood/ ·       Building a lasting early years brand, with Harry Mills: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/building-a-lasting-early-years-brand/     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 04:12 – Why early childhood settings need to prioritise marketing 05:31 – Marketing as an investment rather than a cost 07:56 – Why profit matters for sustainable early childhood provision 10:15 – Perception, leadership and valuing educators 12:15 – Marketing your setting as an employer 15:24 – What makes an effective careers page? 18:26 – Making enquiries and applications simple 20:15 – Social media: moving beyond likes to meaningful objectives 22:11 – Aligning marketing across different platforms 23:57 – Sharing educators' achievements on social media 26:25 – Using AI as a marketing tool 28:35 – Knowing your audience and using accessible language 30:20 – Building a clear and recognisable brand 31:18 – Why human creativity still matters when using AI 33:43 – Where should settings start when improving their marketing? 34:50 – Why your website should be the anchor of your marketing 35:42 – Organic website traffic versus paid advertising 36:50 – Marketing as an expression of your values and ethos 38:07 – Building a sustainable business and planning ahead 39:04 – Why successful settings still need to keep investing For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

  4. 31 Aug

    Beyond the diagnosis: Navigating the SEND journey with families

    Receiving a SEND diagnosis is a transformative moment for families. This podcast episode and article explore how practitioners bridge the gap between statutory requirements and empathetic support, empowering parents as "experts" on their children. We examine the graduated approach, the SENDCo's pivotal role in transitions, and the necessity of inclusive, multi-agency collaboration.   Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/beyond-the-diagnosis-navigating-the-send-journey-with-families/     This episode is sponsored by Shaping Lives   Shaping Lives is a national, Ofsted 'Good' training provider, partnering with employers across England to build stronger, more resilient workforces. With specialist expertise in the Early Years sector, we deliver high-quality apprenticeship and commercial training that supports staff development, performance, and retention.   Our approach has earned us the trust of over 1,000 businesses and supported more than 2,500 learners annually. Our 4.8 Trustpilot rating reflects our commitment to quality and results. Our tailored programmes are built around your business needs, with 80% of employer partners reporting improved staff retention.   Every learner benefits from a dedicated Personal Tutor with sector experience, one-to-one support, and structured learning aligned to industry standards. 93% of learners report better work performance after completing our training, driving real value for your nursery. Partner with us to develop confident, skilled teams ready for the future.   To find out more visit: shapinglives.co.uk   Our 2027 conference info & tickets: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2027/   Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: ·       Integrating evidence-based practice into the early years curriculum: How ABA principles align with the EYFS, with Mikaela Green: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/integrating-evidence-based-practice-into-the-early-years-curriculum-how-aba-principles-align-with-the-eyfs/ ·       What is sound-based emotional regulation? With Nicola Maria Rose: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/what-is-sound-based-emotional-regulation/   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 podcast and introduction to Andy Hogg 03:40 – Andy's work and bridging the gap between policy and practice 04:41 – Academic and life skills curricula 05:23 – Understanding the graduated approach 05:55 – Assess: establishing a baseline and gathering evidence 06:13 – Plan: setting targets and involving families and children 07:17 – Do: putting provision in place and gathering evidence 07:48 – Review: adapting targets and monitoring progress 09:09 – Why support needs to continually evolve with the child 10:10 – The SENCO as a 'transition architect' 11:25 – Supporting children through everyday transitions 11:58 – Visual timetables and first-and-next boards 12:42 – Key person support and communication strategies 13:16 – Universal approaches to communication and inclusion 13:51 – Using PECS and creating a total communication environment 14:56 – Recognising smaller steps of progress 15:35 – High-incidence and low-incidence needs 16:41 – Making high-incidence support part of universal provision 17:15 – Specialist provision for low-incidence needs 17:56 – Multi-agency working and the team around the child 18:46 – The setting as a hub for multi-agency support 20:30 – The SENCO's role in coordinating professionals 21:05 – Supporting parents through joined-up meetings 22:15 – Recognising the emotional impact on families 22:55 – Why supporting parents supports the child 23:08 – Final reflections: bridging policy and practice 23:25 – Closing thanks and further TVOEC resources For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

  5. 24 Aug

    Early childhood safeguarding changes 2026: Moving beyond compliance to a culture of safety

    Maggie Bolger and Ann Marie Christian explore the changing safeguarding landscape in early childhood, including KCSIE, the EYFS, safer recruitment, reporting concerns and the September changes. They argue that stronger safeguarding is not simply about having the right policies in place, but about creating cultures where children, families and educators are heard, concerns are connected and everyone understands their responsibility for keeping children safe.   Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-childhood-safeguarding-changes-2026-moving-beyond-compliance-to-a-culture-of-safety/   This episode is sponsored by Get Otii.   Otii helps nurseries stay audit-ready, inspection-proof, and totally on top of their operations – without drowning in paperwork or panic. Track what matters. Get real-time prompts. Never miss a thing.   To find out more visit: https://www.get-otii.com/   Our 2027 conference info & tickets: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2027/   Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: ·       The case for systemic change in Ofsted's approach, by Lucy Lewin: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/the-case-for-systemic-change-in-ofsteds-approach/ ·       Ofsted's renewed early years inspection framework: What educators need to know, by Jayne Coward (Ofsted): 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 to the episode and guests 02:10 – Maggie introduces herself and Get Otii 02:51 – Ann Marie introduces herself and her safeguarding background 04:09 – Where is safeguarding in early childhood at the moment? 04:34 – Strengthening safeguarding in early childhood 06:14 – The challenges of guidance for private nurseries 09:12 – Understanding KCSIE and its five parts 10:32 – Part one: safeguarding guidance for all staff 11:31 – Part two: the management of safeguarding 12:28 – Part three: safer recruitment 13:49 – Part four: managing allegations against staff and volunteers 15:01 – Part five: child-on-child abuse 16:42 – References and DBS checks: what has changed? 18:30 – What can be learnt from safeguarding cases and incidents? 19:12 – Recording concerns and creating a clear safeguarding trail 23:15 – Creating a culture where concerns can be reported 24:26 – Safer recruitment and concerns about existing staff 26:15 – Retaining safeguarding information and non-recent abuse 27:05 – The role and responsibilities of the DSL 28:04 – DSL and DDSL co-working and information sharing 29:14 – Creating a shared understanding of safe and appropriate practice 30:07 – Why immediate reporting to the DSL matters 32:06 – Induction, agency staff and making policies accessible 34:17 – Safeguarding as a central responsibility in settings 35:58 – Agency staff, recruitment checks and safeguarding training 37:01 – Going beyond minimum safeguarding requirements 38:09 – Listening to parents and responding to complaints 40:32 – What should smaller settings do before September? 41:33 – Creating a safeguarding checklist and prioritising changes 42:47 – Starting with strategic safeguarding priorities 43:27 – Safer eating, weaning, sleeping and screen use 45:44 – Using guidance, AI and doing your own due diligence 47:23 – The wider consequences of increased safeguarding scrutiny 47:42 – Mergers, acquisitions, insurance and recruitment 49:19 – The potential ripple effect of increased inspections 50:21 – What early childhood can learn from schools 52:10 – Safeguarding responsibility when opening and running a nursery 54:14 – Reputational risk, social media and communicating with parents 55:35 – Profit, ethics and responsibility in early childhood 56:49 – Safeguarding awareness and professional boundaries 58:28 – Balancing safeguarding scrutiny with the positives of the profession 59:18 – Remembering the joy of working with children 1:00:18 – Preparing for the changes and doing your own due diligence 1:00:58 – Final reflections and episode wrap-up 1:01:30 – Ann Marie's safeguarding workshop at the 2027 conference 1:01:45 – Further safeguarding article and closing thanks For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

  6. 18 Aug

    From Behaviour to signal: A different way to understand children

    Many childhood behaviours labelled as difficult, oppositional or defiant may make far more sense than we realise. This article and podcast episode explore a biological perspective on defiance, screens, difficult behaviour and why modern parenting has become so exhausting. We explore why children adapt when something important is missing from their experience, and how shifting our attention from behaviour to environment can transform how we understand children. Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/from-behaviour-to-signal-a-different-way-to-understand-children/   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/   Our 2027 conference info & tickets: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2027/  Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: •       The science of play: How shared activities transform family dynamics, with Professor Sam Wass - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/the-science-of-play-how-shared-activities-transform-family-dynamics/ •       Active vs passive screen time, with Musa Roshdy - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/active-vs-passive-screen-time/  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 and Geoff Owen 02:26 – What does it mean to view behaviour as a signal? 05:18 – The fish-in-the-river analogy: looking at the environment 09:32 – Children's biological expectations and the 'ancient blueprint' 11:45 – How adults broadcast their emotional state 15:13 – Children on the periphery of everyday life 19:35 – Seeing children as capable, competent, valued and trusted 21:55 – How Geoff's own childhood shaped his thinking 22:50 – The Continuum Concept and adversarial approaches to parenting 24:57 – Independence, maturity and modern parenting 27:20 – Conditioning, reframing behaviour and parental self-blame 29:24 – Proximity, carrying and children's expectations 31:28 – Adaptive behaviour: what are children adapting to? 37:51 – Regulation, co-regulation and how children experience adult responses 39:29 – Adult self-awareness and the influence of our own childhood experiences 45:55 – How children communicate before spoken language 46:38 – Parenting as a 'side activity' and including children in everyday life 48:50 – Containment, boundaries, punishment and rewards 50:18 – Practical takeaways for parents and educators 52:00 – Stepping back from adult-led conversations 53:37 – Balancing language support with silence, space and child-led conversation 55:04 – Closing reflections 56:00 – Where to find Jeff's article  For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

  7. 17 Aug

    The brain that loves to laugh

    Laughter is often treated as a pleasant extra, or even a distraction from learning. Drawing on their work across psychology, education, health and community contexts, Dr Jacqueline Harding and Dr Jawad Shah explore how shared laughter can support connection, curiosity, hope and resilience, while making space for children's full emotional lives. What becomes possible when joy is taken seriously?   Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/the-brain-that-loves-to-laugh/   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/   Our 2027 conference info & tickets: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2027/   Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: ·       The brain that loves to play, with Dr Jacqueline Harding: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/the-brain-that-loves-to-play/ ·       Why children need joy, with Ben Kingston-Hughes: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/why-children-need-joy/ ·       Bringing the joy back to early childhood, with Aaron Bradbury: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/bringing-the-joy-back-to-early-childhood-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: 00:18 – Introduction to the podcast and guests 03:45 – Why did you write the book The Brain That Loves to Laugh? 07:11 – Human connection, safety and laughter 09:55 – Creating an emotional ecosystem around children 13:11 – Play, laughter and neuroplasticity: The Kentucky spinal unit 16:30 – The universality of laughter, joy and resilience 18:27 – Why laughter is not 'fluffy' and the language of hope 20:27 – Hope as a protective factor and the role of community 22:33 – Moving beyond fear-based pedagogy: Play, joy and attainment 27:04 – Laughter, emotional connection and the purpose of education 29:43 – What happens in the brain when we laugh? 31:49 – Is play fundamental to early childhood and learning? 34:36 – Using humour and fun to support learning 36:55 – Does laughter lead to chaos? Connection, behaviour and joy 37:50 – Why negative experiences can overshadow the positive 40:03 – Modelling mistakes, humour and emotional resilience 43:03 – Peer relationships, problem-solving and resilience 43:43 – Co-regulation, self-regulation and resilience 44:00 – Final reflections on joy, laughter and play 45:43 – See Dr Jacqueline Harding at our 2027 Conference For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

  8. 3 Aug

    The hidden hearing crisis in early years – and the free solution every nursery can use

    Too many children are quietly struggling to hear in early years settings, and it is often missed until their speech, learning and behaviour are already affected. This article and podcast episode share the story behind the Universal Glue Ear Screening Programme, explain what glue ear is and why it matters, and show how a free termly glue ear check can protect every child.​   Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/the-hidden-hearing-crisis-in-early-years-and-the-free-solution-every-nursery-can-use/ ​   This episode is in partnership with My Little Ears   We are a paediatric hearing clinic dedicated to improving early identification and management of glue ear in children. Glue ear is the leading cause of temporary hearing loss in children, affecting 1 in 5 preschool children at any given time in the UK.   To find out more visit: https://mylittleears.co.uk/   Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: ·       A guide to potty training with Rebecca Mottram: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/a-guide-to-potty-training/ ·       Nutritious mealtimes for under 5's with Catherine Lippe: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/nutritious-mealtimes-for-under-5s/   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 – Glue ear: the hidden hearing crisis in early childhood 00:50 – What is glue ear and how does it affect hearing? 03:28 – How common is glue ear in children? 04:33 – Why young children are more susceptible to glue ear 05:58 – Why glue ear resolves differently for each child 06:40 – Why early detection needs to happen beyond the clinic 07:22 – The universal glue ear screening programme for nurseries and schools 09:22 – What glue ear may look like in children 10:49 – 'Not listening' or not hearing? 11:37 – Changes in play, behaviour and communication 13:51 – Key signs educators may notice 14:44 – Signs at home and the effects on speech 15:43 – Hearing muffled speech: a practical demonstration 17:31 – Auditory processing and possible longer-term effects 19:31 – Listening effort, fatigue and memory 20:22 – Why glue ear can recur 21:51 – Factors that may increase the likelihood or severity of glue ear 23:16 – Screening findings: 63% of children in one nursery 25:30 – What happens after glue ear is detected? 27:02 – Supporting access to sound with bone-conduction hearing aids 27:58 – Auto-inflation therapy 29:34 – ENT referrals and grommet surgery 31:05 – What parents and educators can do if they are concerned 32:35 – The free glue ear awareness course 33:03 – Final reflections and further information For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

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Ratings & Reviews

4.9
out of 5
12 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
    172
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    Copyright © 2023 The Voice of Early Childhood
  • Show Website
    The Voice of Early Childhood

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