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. Jun 8

    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
  2. You Might Also Like: The Science of Happiness

    Jun 8 ·  Bonus

    You Might Also Like: The Science of Happiness

    Introducing How Cities Can Make Space for Awe from The Science of Happiness. Follow the show: The Science of Happiness A simple experiment turning a parking space into a parklet reveals how small changes to public spaces can spark connection, belonging, and awe.  Summary: What if even the smallest changes to our cities could transform how we feel and connect? In this episode of The Science of Happiness, we visit the site of San Francisco’s first parklet, and explore how reclaiming everyday spaces can invite people to pause, gather, and experience a sense of belonging. Scroll down for a transcription of this episode. Today’s Guests: BLAINE MERKER is an urban designer and public space advocate. He leads Gehl’s Enterprise & Corporations team. Learn more about Blaine here: https://www.gehlpeople.com/people/blaine-merker/ SETHA LOW is an anthropologist and Professor at City University of New York. She’s also the author of the book Why Public Space Matters, as well as many other books examining the social life of cities. Learn more about Setha here: https://www.gc.cuny.edu/people/setha-low This episode is supported by The Gambrell Foundation, who believe a great life grows from strong relationships, a sense of belonging, and moments of awe and wonder. Learn more about their work at gambrellfoundation.org Related Science of Happiness episodes: What Humans Can Learn From Trees: https://tinyurl.com/48te84ps How to Do Good for the Environment (And Yourself): https://tinyurl.com/5b26zwkx Are You Remembering the Good Times: https://tinyurl.com/483bkk2h Related Happiness Break episodes: How To Ground Yourself in Nature: https://tinyurl.com/25ftdxpm Pause to Look at the Sky: https://tinyurl.com/4jttkbw3 Experience Nature Wherever You Are, with Dacher: https://tinyurl.com/mrutudeh Follow us on Instagram: @ScienceOfHappinessPodWe’d love to hear about your experience with this practice! Share your thoughts at happinesspod@berkeley.edu or use the hashtag #happinesspod. Find us on Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aap Help us share Happiness Break! Leave a 5-star review and share this link: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aap Transcription: https://tinyurl.com/yr7m2zb5 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. Jun 1

    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

  4. May 11

    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

  5. Apr 27

    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

  6. Apr 13

    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

  7. Mar 30

    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

  8. Mar 16

    Unconditional positive regard in early childhood: What we can still learn from Carl Rogers and Mister Rogers?

    What might early childhood practice look like if relationships truly came first?   In this article and podcast episode, we explore the idea of unconditional positive regard through the work of two influential figures who shared more than a surname: Carl Rogers and Fred Rogers. Although they worked in different spaces, both highlighted the power of acceptance, connection, and respect in supporting children's growth.   Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/unconditional-positive-regard-in-early-childhood-what-we-can-still-learn-from-carl-rogers-and-mister-rogers/   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 NOW! 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: ·       Growth mindset in early childhood by Matt Bawler: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/growth-mindset-in-early-childhood-2/ ·       Proactively promoting positive mental health by Matt Bawler: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/proactively-promoting-positive-mental-health/   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 02:15 – Katie and David share their journeys into counselling and early childhood education 05:20 – Why they wrote together about unconditional positive regard 08:15 – What unconditional positive regard looks like in everyday practice 11:00 – How to balance empathy with clear boundaries using the ACT approach 14:30 – Practical examples of setting limits with children 16:45 – How boundaries can communicate care, safety and love 19:10 – Why connecting Carl Rogers and Fred Rogers matters for the early childhood community 22:30 – The ongoing lack of respect and support for early childhood educators 26:00 – Emotional labour and how educators manage feelings in the classroom 27:15 – Natural emoting, surface acting and deep acting explained 31:30 – When "faking it" protects relationships and when it leads to burnout 34:00 – Why teaching in early childhood is emotionally intense and highly complex 37:00 – Helping children build a richer vocabulary for emotions 41:00 – Why modelling emotions is central to children's social and emotional learning 44:00 – Reflecting on whether children feel genuinely wanted and valued 46:00 – Final reflections and episode close For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

    57 min
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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
    159
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    Copyright © 2023 The Voice of Early Childhood
  • Show Website
    The Voice of Early Childhood

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