The Voice of Early Childhood

The Voice of Early Childhood
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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. 4D AGO

    Fostering a love of movement for life

    Exploring how physical development, physical activity, physical education, and physical literacy contribute to a child's holistic development. This article and podcast episode highlight the importance of creating engaging, inclusive environments, empowering practitioners, and fostering a lifelong love of movement through early exposure and meaningful physical experiences. Read Josh Candy’s article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/fostering-a-love-of-movement-for-life/  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/  Episode break down: 00:00 – Welcome! 02:00 – Josh Candy’s background 05:00 – Developmental milestones & checklists 11:00 – Increasing physical activity opportunities 14:00 – Don’t let lack of space prevent physical activity 18:30 – Environment and risk 21:45 – Empowering adults to encourage movement 24:00 – Structured and unstructured play 30:00 – How can busy parents support physical activity? 33:00 – Fostering a positive experience of movement 37:45 – Key takeaways For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

    40 min

  2. MAR 17

    Understanding neuroscience in early childhood

    This episode is sponsored by Mini Minds Matter. Find out more here: https://www.minimindsmatter.org.uk/ Neuroscience plays such a crucial role in understanding child development, principally in regard to brain growth, mental health, and emotional wellbeing. As children navigate their formative years, knowledge of brain function and neuroplasticity can inform practices that promote healthy development. In the article and podcast episode we explore these aspects, including the roles of key brain areas, and their implications for early years settings, along with mindfulness practices that can enhance children’s development. Read Mandy’s article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/understanding-neuroscience-in-early-childhood/ If you enjoyed this episode you might also want to listen to and read: ‘It’s not time out, it’s time in’ for both of us: Co- and self-regulation, by Julie Robinson and Charlotte Hannah: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/its-not-time-out-its-time-in-for-both-of-us/ Self-regulation, co-regulation and mental health, by Dr Mine Conkbayir: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/self-regulation-co-regulation-and-mental-health/ Should we punish and reward children’s behaviour? By Samantha Dholakia: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/should-we-punish-and-reward-childrens-behaviour/ Episode break down: 00:00 – Introduction 06:00 – Creating a neuroscientific approach for young children 08:00 – Three parts of the brain linked to dinosaurs 08:30 – ‘Calmasaurus’: Pre-frontal cortex 09:30 – ‘Activeasaurus’: Amygdala 10:30 – ‘Helpfulasaurus’: Hippocampus 11:00 – Bringing knowledge and disciplines together 13:00 – ‘Mini mindful moments’ 14:30 – Nappy time as a neurological ‘Mini mindful moment’ 16:00 – Regular caring touch building strong neural pathways 18:00 – Calm touch movements 20:00 – Being more mindful in every day routines and activities 21:00 – Aromatherapy and play-dough 23:00 – Slowing down and not filling every minute of every day 26:00 – Involving parents in ‘Mini mindful moments’ 28:30 – Forming secure attachments For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

    38 min

  3. MAR 10

    Should we punish and reward children’s behaviour?

    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 There is no ‘bad’ behaviour. Behaviour is only useful or not useful…Setting children up for success starts with understanding behaviour as communication. A balanced, trauma-informed approach prioritises emotional literacy, connection, and self-regulation through teaching and modelling, not rewards or punishments. Read Samantha’s article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/should-we-punish-and-reward-childrens-behaviour/ Episode break down: 00:00 – Welcome! 02:15 – No such thing as bad behaviour 07:00 – Children are born good 08:30 – Judgement from others 11:30 – What is a ‘balanced approach’? 17:00 – Why are rewards not helpful? 23:30 – Is timeout helpful? 28:00 – Up-regulatory and down-regulatory 25:00 – Preventative, responsive and restorative practices 37:30 – What if a child is hurting someone else? 40:00 – Physical safety and restraining 46:00 – Children learning to navigate risks 49:00 – Further reading and listening material If you enjoyed this episode and would like to listen to more, take a look at the following episodes: Matt Bawler – proactively promoting positive mental health – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/proactively-promoting-positive-mental-health/  Julie Robinson and Charlott Hannah’s episode sponsored by Mini Minds Matter – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/its-not-time-out-its-time-in-for-both-of-us/  Dr Mine Conkbayir’s work on Co- & Self-regulation & mental health – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/self-regulation-co-regulation-and-mental-health/  And 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

  4. MAR 3

    The Payback Scheme: Supporting early years and schools through energy savings

    This episode is in partnership with T150 Energy. To submit an enquiry on your energy savings and receiving a donation visit: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/the-payback-scheme/   With rising costs impacting education settings, the Payback Scheme offers a practical solution to ease financial pressures. By negotiating competitive contracts for gas, electricity, and water, the Payback Scheme helps providers save money while donating a portion of earnings back to them. This initiative, born from personal experience, aims to improve financial sustainability, enabling early years providers to invest in resources, staff training, and better facilities for children.   Read Matt’s article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/the-payback-scheme-supporting-early-years-and-schools-through-energy-savings/   Episode break down: 00:00 – Welcome! 01:30 – What is the payback scheme? 04:00 – How the payback scheme came about 05:45 – £1 million goal: Donating to education and the NHS 09:30 – Forecasting the energy market and business analysis 13:30 – Navigating the current energy market 17:00 – A saving of £25,000 on energy 18:00 – Supporting business owners 21:00 – Understanding the challenges businesses face 24:20 – Green energy tariffs 31:00 – 100% renewable gas contracts 23:50 – Waste management 32:50 – Water costs 33:30 – £500 yearly savings for schools 37:00 – Enquire about your energy savings For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

    39 min

  5. FEB 24

    Unpicking STEAM in 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   Incorporating STEAM into the provision of quality early childhood education is vitally important for today’s 21st century children. Many educators worry that they may not have the skills or resources to incorporate STEAM into their early years environment. However, the podcast episode and article debunks this myth by highlighting how using simple everyday resources and skills educators already possess STEAM can be sparked in valuable and playful ways!   Read Paula’s article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/promoting-steam-in-early-years-its-easier-than-you-think/   In this episode… Education for sustainable development, encouraging more girls to study STEM subjects, normative gender roles, re-considering our view of technology as not just about screens and digitalisation, embedding an understanding and empathy for the world around them, connecting concepts and theories to practice, STEAM being culturally and historically relevant, making STEAM affordable and accessible for all, the role of AI in early childhood…these are just some of the things discussed in this podcast episode! Take a look at the episode break down below.   Episode break down: 00:00 – Welcome! 02:00 – So what is STEM and STEAM? 08:25 – A transdisciplinary approach to solve the world’s biggest problems 10:00 – It’s not just about preparing children for the future 13:00 – Representing the world children are currently living in 13:30 – Understanding the concept of money 17:00 – Children understand far more than we think! 18:50 – Being aware of STEAM day to day 21:00 – What classifies as a STEAM ‘activity’? 22:00 – Technology is not just about screens! 25:00 – Play-dough making is STEAM… 28:00 – The lack of girls in STEM/STEAM 29:45 – Education for sustainable development & STEAM 36:00 – Practically engaging in STEAM 38:00 – Is our classroom up to date? Do we audit our resources? 40:30 – STEAM is culturally and historically relevant 44:10 – STEAM doesn’t need to be costly 49:00 – The role of AI in early childhood 58:45 – Aistear: The early childhood framework in Ireland 01:02:40 – The lack of STEAM in frameworks For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

    1h 6m

  6. FEB 17

    The impact of domestic abuse on children

    A warning for all viewers and listeners: This episode can be distressing as the topic is around domestic abuse.    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   Tina Pokuaah, safeguarding consultant at Kesis Consulting, reflects on the impact of domestic abuse on children: Domestic abuse has devastating effects on children, often beginning before birth. This article and episode explore the hidden impact of domestic abuse on young lives, from pregnancy to early childhood, and highlights the urgent need for greater awareness and specialised training. Taking a holistic approach, it emphasises the importance of recognising signs of abuse, being professionally curious, and developing cultural competence to provide appropriate support.   Read Tina Pokuaah’s article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/hurt-from-conception-reflecting-on-the-impact-of-domestic-abuse-on-children/   Episode break down: 00:00 – The role of a safeguarding consultant 03:15 – Statistics around domestic abuse 04:20 – Men as victims of domestic abuse 06:00 – Allowing people to speak up 08:00 – Disclosure is often a journey 08:45 – Creating a safety plan 10:00 – Barriers preventing someone leaving an abusive relationships 11:40 – Recognising specific sings of domestic abuse 14:50 – Being professionally curious 15:50 – Taking a holistic approach 17:10 – When a friend or neighbour is experiencing domestic abuse 20:30 – Perpetrator programmes 21:45 – Barriers to speaking up 25:20 – Cultural barriers and cultural competence 27:15 – The need for more in depth training 30:00 – Educating young people and children around healthy relationships 32:00 – Support services for those in need For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

    33 min

  7. FEB 10

    Do something big…changing the narrative around working with small children

    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   Rachael Webster problematises the English Government’s campaign for early childhood professionals, namely the advert: Do something big, work with small children…Rachael highlights the complexity, impact and importance of the early childhood profession, discussing ways in which we can shift perspectives and recognise the vital role of educators. Read Rachael’s article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/do-something-big-changing-the-narrative-around-working-with-small-children/ Episode break down: 00:00 – Government advert: Setting the scene 04:00 – The intent is right, but the delivery is questionable… 07:00 – How society sees the early childhood sector 10:00 – Parents’ view of the early childhood sector 13:00 – Education vs early childhood provision 16:00 – Highly feminised job roles 20:00 – Consumer based economy 21:20 – What can we do to change these narratives? 23:00 – Advocacy and lobbying government 25:00 – A desperation for staff 27:00 – What would be the alternative to this advert? 33:40 – The challenges of advertising to women 37:00 – The need for aspirational advertising campaigns 39:00 – The view of educators as glorified babysitters For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

    44 min

  8. FEB 3

    Communication and language in early childhood today

    Let’s discuss the challenges around speech, language and communication, and how these can be overcome. Julie Kent and Dr Tanya Richardson discuss their professional and academic insights, including aspects explored in their new book. They unpick why language development is currently considered a public health problem and suggest approaches educators and parents/carers can take to reduce this concern. To read Julie’s and Tanya’s article and find a link to their new book visit: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/communication-and-language-in-early-childhood-today/ Episode break down: 00:00 – A public health concern… 04:30 – Supporting communication and language of ALL children 07:00 – What is a ‘language rich environment’? 10:00 – Feeling comfortable to communicate 13:00 – Conversing back and forth 14:00 – Being genuinely curious with children 17:00 – Communication impacting wellbeing 19:00 – Child sensitive communication approaches 21:00 – Communicating pre-birth 22:30 – Communicating through day to day routines 24:30 – The environment as the third teacher 26:00 – Provocations, awe and wonder 28:00 – Empowering educators 30:00 – Free training and CPD 33:00 – Being critical consumers of content 34:00 – Tiny Happy People 35:00 – Julie’s and Tanya’s new book 37:00 – Free copy prize draw and book signing For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

    39 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 - 2025
  • Episodes
    109
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    Copyright © 2023 The Voice of Early Childhood
  • Show Website
    The Voice of Early Childhood

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