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. 6d ago

    Moving beyond 3 percent: Recruiting more men into early years

    Drawing on personal experience, research and the Greater Than 3 mentor programme, Robert Harris explores why men remain underrepresented in early childhood. He considers the impact of gender diversity on children, the stigma and gatekeeping men can face, and how mentorship, representation and more inclusive pathways could help create lasting change across the profession.   Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/moving-beyond-3-percent-recruiting-more-men-into-early-years/   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 to hear more at 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 – Introduction to Dan Berman and Robert Harris 01:24 – The benefits of greater male presence in early childhood 03:54 – Male role models, play and challenging gender norms 07:30 – The three per cent figure and barriers within infant care 10:05 – Introducing the Greater Than Three mentor programme 15:06 – Creating intentional pathways into the profession 16:51 – DC Men in ECE and the importance of collective advocacy 20:05 – Racial and cultural representation within the workforce 23:22 – Being a Black male educator: visibility, scrutiny and advocacy 25:07 – Stigma surrounding sexuality and safeguarding 29:10 – Challenging bias in recruitment and hiring 30:18 – Retention, judgement and low pay 31:32 – Children need to see what they can become 32:32 – Building stronger foundations for representation and advocacy 32:55 – Further reading and future conversations 33:41 – Closing reflections   For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

  2. 6d ago ·  Bonus

    You Might Also Like: On Purpose with Jay Shetty

    Introducing MILLIE BOBBY BROWN: "I Had A Panic Attack For 3 Months" from On Purpose with Jay Shetty. Follow the show: On Purpose with Jay Shetty In this deeply personal conversation, Jay and Millie Bobby Brown talk about the process of discovering who she is outside of finding immense fame at a young age. She opens up about the isolation of growing up in the spotlight, the impact of shaving her head as a child, and the three-month long anxiety spiral that led her to Kyoto, Japan. She also reflects on what parenthood means to her, and we learn more about the moment she found out she was becoming a mother. Jay discovers the daily techniques Millie uses to manage her anxiety, and dives into how her and her husband Jake built a strong foundation for their marriage.  In this episode you'll learn:  How to Build Confidence Outside of External Opinions How to Manage Anxiety and Panic Attacks in High Pressure Moments How to Build a Strong Foundation in Relationships  How to Set Healthy Boundaries with Social Media  How to Build and Maintain Loyal, Honest Friendships   How to Approach Adoption and Building a Family   How to Raise Children Deeply Rooted in Confidence This episode is for everyone who needs a reminder that no matter how hard the world gets, you are the creator of your own story. Protecting your peace and your time with loved ones is never selfish, it’s restorative. Knowing yourself before anyone tells you who you are will keep you rooted in the calmness of the present moment.  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  PURPOSE10 for 10% at altrarunning.com/onpurpose. Free Shipping and Free 30-Day Trial. A State Farm agent can help you choose the coverage you need. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. What We Discuss: 00:00 Intro 00:49:00 What 11-Year Millie Would Think Of Her Now 00:01:39 Why She Shaved Her Head at 10 00:03:55 The Role She Most Identifies With   00:05:43 The Unbreakable Bond with Her Mom 00:06:40 Why Millie Wanted to Be a Mom 00:07:40 Sneaking Out to Get Her 11 Tattoo  00:10:57 How Motherhood Changed Her Forever 00:12:32 This Perspective Shift Changed Her Life 00:13:37 Writing Wedding Vows for a Whole Year  00:16:16 Why Adoption Was Always Part of Her Plan 00:19:08 The Moment She Became a Mom… 00:21:15 Important Lesson From Her Parents 00:23:31 Being A Big Sister 00:24:56 Addressing the “Trad Wife” Assumptions  00:26:07 Being Young In The Spotlight  00:26:16 Her Epiphany After Public Criticism  00:29:16 How to Accept Your True Self 00:32:17 Millie’s Favourite “Rappers” 00:33:13 Why She Quit Social Media Cold Turkey 00:34:52 Healing Her Worst (3 Month) Panic Attack  00:35:38 Living With Health Anxiety and Triggers 00:35:59 Finding Peace In Kyoto, Japan with Monks  00:36:46 Her Go-To Techniques for Anxiety  00:38:52 How She Discovered Her Health Anxiety 00:41:11 A Crazy Encounter Turned Nightmare  00:42:50 Mediation With A Monk 00:44:24 Being Open To Divine Intervention  00:46:15 Her Go-To Techniques for Anxiety  00:49:44 Building a Strong Foundation with Jake 00:53:08 What Jake Understands And What Others Miss 00:55:42  What Millie Values Most In Friendships 00:56:53 Watching Jake Become a Dad 00:59:41 Ignoring The Public Noise, Together  01:03:19 Scrutinizing Women In The Public Eye  01:06:44 The Advice She Gives Young Stars  01:08:54 Millie’s Mentors Growing Up 01:10:05 #1 Belief She Stands For, No Matter What 01:12:03 The Jake Game! 01:16:27 Millie On Final Five Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 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: On Purpose with Jay Shetty

  3. Jul 12

    Will you notice me? What children learn from how we respond to their distress

    What if children's distress is not just a problem to solve, but a signal of their need to be seen? This article and podcast episode explore how children's expectations about availability and effectiveness of support from close others develop through repeated interactions with multiple caregivers. Using a psychological lens - in particular looking at attachment theory - we explore how educators and parents/carers can shape these expectations of care through their everyday responses to children's distress.  Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/will-you-notice-me-what-children-learn-from-how-we-respond-to-their-distress/  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: ●      An introduction to John Bolwby - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/an-introduction-to-john-bowlby/ ●      An introduction to Mary Ainsworth - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/an-introduction-to-mary-ainsworth/ ●      Unconditional positive regard in early childhood: What we can still learn from Carl Rogers and Mister Rogers? - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/unconditional-positive-regard-in-early-childhood-what-we-can-still-learn-from-carl-rogers-and-mister-rogers/ ●      Understanding the impact of childhood trauma and how to develop trauma-informed practices - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/understanding-the-impact-of-childhood-trauma-and-how-to-develop-trauma-informed-practices/   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 focus 02:05 – Understanding distress as communication 04:14 – Why children's distress can be misunderstood 05:55 – Can you notice me? 06:57 – Repeated interactions and attachment 10:08 – Secure base script knowledge 10:46 – How children learn whether support is available 12:30 – Scripts, shortcuts and everyday experiences 15:10 – What attuned responses look like in practice 16:45 – Opening the gates of learning 17:55 – Acknowledging distress 19:57 – Feeling seen before setting limits 20:13 – Acknowledging feelings, not validating behaviour 21:34 – Sensitive limit setting 21:50 – Multiple caregivers and attachment networks 22:12 – Moving beyond one primary attachment relationship 23:54 – The role of educators and professional caregivers 25:54 – A village of caregivers 26:24 – Patterns over perfection 26:41 – Good enough care 29:30 – Children need patterns, not perfect adults 29:54 – Current research and longitudinal findings 32:30 – Secure base script knowledge and later wellbeing 33:26 – Supporting parents and the network of care 35:08 – Reflecting on the long-term impact of early relationships 36:19 – Responding to distress over time 37:17 – Intergenerational patterns of care 37:36 – A key shift in mindset 37:47 – From fixing the problem to being there 38:57 – Closing reflections and thanks For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

  4. Jul 6

    Growing brains, growing bodies: Understanding ultra-processed foods

    The first five years are a once-in-a-lifetime window of opportunity for brain development. During this period, food does far more than fill tummies, it helps support learning, behaviour, emotional wellbeing and lifelong health. This article and podcast episode explore the emerging evidence around ultra-processed foods and why food quality matters during the early years.   Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/growing-brains-growing-bodies-understanding-ultra-processed-foods/     This episode is sponsored by Little Dish   Hillary Graves founded Little Dish in 2006 to provide fresh, nutritionally balanced meals for young children that tasted as good as homemade food, unlike shelf-stable alternatives with long shelf lives. Today, the award-winning range includes nine toddler meal recipes made with natural ingredients, available nationwide in the chilled aisles of major supermarkets and online.   Little Dish has expanded into frozen foods with Superstars, a new range of family favourites focused on better nutrition, including Chicken Nuggets with Hidden Veg, Crispy Fish Bites with Added Veg and Golden Veggie Bites with Mozzarella.   Every Little Dish product is developed with support from baby and child nutritionist Charlotte Stirling-Reed and approved by a panel of 250 Tiny Tasters across the UK. Ready in minutes, the range offers busy parents, grandparents and guardians stress-free healthy meals kids love.   To find out more visit: www.littledish.co.uk    Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: ·       How can we support children in the early years to flourish? With Jayne Carter: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/how-can-we-support-children-in-the-early-years-to-flourish/ ·       A guide to potty training with Rebecca Mottram: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/a-guide-to-potty-training/   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 introduction to Louise 02:30 – Introducing ultra-processed foods in early childhood 03:05 – Why early brain development matters 05:45 – How food shapes brain connections, habits and behaviour 07:30 – What are ultra-processed foods (UPFs)? 10:15 – How to recognise UPFs through ingredients 12:00 – The NOVA classification and why food labels can be confusing 13:10 – Surprising examples of UPFs, including bread and baby food 15:20 – Why the concern is also about what UPFs replace 17:45 – Children's higher nutritional needs and brain energy demands 19:30 – Fortification, breakfast cereals and missing nutrients 21:05 – Fruit pouches, "no added sugar" claims and free sugars 24:10 – What happens when fruit is industrially processed 28:00 – Home-blitzed fruit, weaning and food texture 30:05 – Fruit sugars, teeth and moderation 31:40 – Vegetables, natural sweetness and balanced menus 33:30 – Texture progression, oral motor skills and speech development 35:30 – Developing children's palates through variety and repeated exposure 37:20 – Gagging, choking, allergies and safe food exploration 39:15 – Talking to children about what food does for their bodies 41:05 – Avoiding reward-based language around food 42:25 – Food relationships, marketing and emotional eating habits 43:45 – EYFS guidance, sugar and the need to explain why 45:00 – Advice for parents and educators: reducing UPFs without blame 45:35 – Early childhood settings, safeguarding and the role of menus 45:59 – Closing reflections and thanks   For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

  5. Jun 22

    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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

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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
    163
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    Copyright © 2023 The Voice of Early Childhood
  • Show Website
    The Voice of Early Childhood

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