Twinkl Talks: EYFS

Twinkl Early Years

Working in the early years is busy, funny, messy and exhausting. Join host Shána, some of the Twinkl EYFS team, special guest speakers and other early years practitioners as they talk honestly about their experiences. Whether you're listening for CPD, on your commute or to help you relax... Twinkl EYFS will share everything you need to know about all things early years!Want to get involved or share your thoughts? Get in touch on social media! Facebook - Instagram - TikTok - YouTube - Twitter - LinkedIn - Pinterest

  1. 3 days ago

    Episode 124: Beyond Burnout: Supporting Educators with Lisa Danahy

    In this episode of the Twinkl Talks EYFS Podcast, Shána is joined by Lisa Danahy for a powerful and reflective conversation about the realities of educator wellbeing across the UK and the US. Together, they explore the growing pressures faced by educators today, from increasing expectations and accountability to the emotional demands of supporting children and families in complex times. Lisa shares her insights into how these pressures are experienced differently across systems, yet often lead to the same outcome: educator burnout. They also discuss the role of parents, leaders and wider society in shaping expectations, and how these can unintentionally add to the strain felt by practitioners. Importantly, they consider what needs to change to create healthier, more sustainable environments for those working in education. Lisa and Shána reflect on what meaningful support for staff wellbeing really looks like in practice, and how schools and settings can begin to build cultures rooted in trust, compassion and balance. They also look ahead to the system-level changes that would make the biggest difference for educators everywhere. Finally, Lisa offers a heartfelt message for any educator feeling overwhelmed, reminding listeners that they are not alone and that small steps towards self-care and support can make a real difference.   In this episode, we cover: The biggest pressures facing educators in the UK and US todayHow expectations from parents, leaders and society contribute to burnoutWays schools and settings can build a culture that supports staff wellbeingThe system-level changes needed to better support educatorsAdvice for educators who are feeling overwhelmed Want to hear more from Lisa? Explore her work, resources and support below: https://createcalm.org/ https://www.youtube.com/@yogatherapywithlisadanahy https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisadanahy/ https://www.facebook.com/lisa.danahy.1 https://www.instagram.com/yogatherapywithlisadanahy/ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DMJYD3HV?ref=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_D6K4MHWKFGJD9CHZ0FN9&ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_D6K4MHWKFGJD9CHZ0FN9&social_share=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_D6K4MHWKFGJD9CHZ0FN9&peakEvent=5&dealEvent=0&skipTwisterOG=1&bestFormat=true 🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts. 🔗 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/GWZD9j_8F8w 📖 Explore related Twinkl resources: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/sq2xk https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1a6wkx https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/dycu1

    Episode 124: Beyond Burnout: Supporting Educators with Lisa Danahy
  2. 17 Aug

    Episode 123: Supporting Emotional Wellbeing with Jo Morton-Brown

    In this episode of the Twinkl Talks EYFS Podcast, Shána is joined by Jo Morton Brown for an honest and compassionate conversation about supporting children’s emotional wellbeing, both in the setting and at home. Together, they explore why practitioner wellbeing and healthy boundaries matter, celebrate the incredible role parents and carers play in children’s lives, and share practical tips for encouraging healthy sleep habits in younger children. They also discuss one of the most sensitive topics practitioners may face: supporting children through the death of a parent, carer, family member or friend. Jo shares thoughtful advice on how we can create safe, nurturing environments where children feel supported, understood and able to express their emotions. Whether you’re an early years practitioner, teacher or parent, this episode is full of reassurance, practical guidance and gentle reminders that supporting children starts with understanding their individual needs.   In this episode, we cover: Why wellbeing and professional boundaries are so importantRecognising and celebrating the vital role of parents and carersPractical sleep tips for younger childrenSupporting children experiencing bereavement and lossCreating emotionally safe environments where children can thrive  🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts   Want to hear more from Jo? Explore her work, resources and support below: Jo Morton-Brown on TikTok Jo Morton-Brown (@jomortonbrown_) • Instagram profile https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-morton-brown-%F0%9F%92%9A-promoting-happy-young-lives-412468183/ Jo Morton-Brown Welcome 🔗 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/g58Sv-JYV_Q 📖 Explore related Twinkl resources: 👉 https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/mg45r 👉 https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/14101o 👉 https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1gx1e3

    Episode 123: Supporting Emotional Wellbeing with Jo Morton-Brown
  3. 10 Aug

    Episode 122: Continuous Provision from Birth to Five - What’s Changed?

    Continuous provision has always been at the heart of high-quality early years practice, but how has our understanding of it evolved? What does effective continuous provision look like across the birth-to-five age range, and how can practitioners ensure it truly meets the needs of the children in their care? In this episode of the Twinkl Talks EYFS Podcast, Laura is joined by Charlotte and Georgia to revisit this important topic and explore how continuous provision has developed in recent years. Together, they discuss: How continuous provision has changed over time.What high-quality continuous provision looks like from birth to five.Tailoring environments to children’s interests, development and individual needs.The role of adults in supporting learning through continuous provision.Whether the principles of continuous provision should continue beyond Reception and into Key Stage 1.Whether you’re new to continuous provision or looking to reflect on your current practice, this episode is packed with practical ideas, professional insight and plenty of inspiration to take back to your own setting. 🔗 Explore our continuous provision resources: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/11ywp2 https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/iuylg https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1hl4yk 💬 We’d love to hear from you! How has continuous provision changed in your setting? Join the conversation and connect with us on social media. Follow us on: 📘 Facebook: Facebook 📸 Instagram: Twinkl EY in Schools (@twinkleyschools) • Instagram profile 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/twinkl-talks-eyfs-podcast/ 🎵 TikTok: twinkleyschools on TikTok 🎥 Watch more from Twinkl Talks EYFS on YouTube: Twinkl Talks: EYFS Podcast

    Episode 122: Continuous Provision from Birth to Five - What’s Changed?
  4. 20 Jul

    Episode 119: Oracy in Early Years

    Join Shána Walker and Mike Gardener from The Oracy Shift as he explores the importance of oracy in the Early Years and why the foundations of communication, language and talk are so crucial for children’s future success. In this episode, he discusses: Why oracy begins in the Early Years and the importance of getting it right from the startThe four key areas of oracy and how they can be nurtured through everyday practiceWhat we can learn from Early Years settings about developing children’s communication and languageInsights Mike has gained from working alongside Early Years practitioners and leadersWhy Early Years practitioners are already doing so much powerful work to support oracyHow school leaders and headteachers can learn from and champion Early Years approaches to oracy Packed with practical insights, reflections and examples from practice, this episode celebrates the expertise of Early Years professionals and highlights the significant role they play in developing confident communicators. If you’re an Early Years practitioner, keep championing the language-rich interactions, play, storytelling and conversations that help children find their voice. If you’re a headteacher or school leader, take inspiration from Early Years practice and consider how these approaches can strengthen oracy across your whole school. Want to hear more from Mike? LinkedIn - https://uk.linkedin.com/company/the-oracy-shift Instagram - The Oracy Shift. (@theoracyshift) • Instagram profileWebsite - www.theoracyshift.co.ukBook - Voices of Opportunity: Oracy for Social Mobility in Education   Find our helpful resources and links below 👇 https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/12bbbq https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/18q8nh https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/11uu4z

    Episode 119: Oracy in Early Years
  5. 13 Jul

    Episode 118: Setting Up A Private Nursery

    Join Shána Walker and Mienna Jones as they discuss the realities of setting up and running a nursery business. In this episode, they chat about: Where to begin, from researching the market and creating a business plan to finding the right premisesUnderstanding Ofsted registration, policies, safeguarding, and legal requirementsManaging budgets, funding, staffing, and the true costs of opening a nurseryBuilding a strong team and creating a positive workplace cultureBalancing leadership, paperwork, and day-to-day life in the settingThe highs, the challenges, and why opening a nursery has been one of the most rewarding journeys Filled with honest conversations, practical advice, and personal experiences, this episode offers valuable insight into what it really takes to build a successful nursery business from the ground up. Want to hear more from Mienna Jones? Check out her social channels and website for more childcare inspiration, advice, and behind-the-scenes content. Mienna Jones | Early Years Consultant (@miennajones) • Instagram profile Happycrew Childcare | St Albans Nursery (@happycrewchildcareltd) • Instagram profile Mienna Jones | Saint Albans Nursery Owners & Childminders Community | Facebook Mienna Jones Ltd | Nursery consultancy services Happycrew Childcare Ltd | Nurturing Nursery in St Albans Find our helpful resources and links below 👇 https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/zkpt3 https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1cver2 https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/kroua

    Episode 118: Setting Up A Private Nursery
5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Working in the early years is busy, funny, messy and exhausting. Join host Shána, some of the Twinkl EYFS team, special guest speakers and other early years practitioners as they talk honestly about their experiences. Whether you're listening for CPD, on your commute or to help you relax... Twinkl EYFS will share everything you need to know about all things early years!Want to get involved or share your thoughts? Get in touch on social media! Facebook - Instagram - TikTok - YouTube - Twitter - LinkedIn - Pinterest

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