Early Years Insights

Kathy Leatherbarrow
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  • EDUCATION
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Introduction : Welcome to “Early Years Insights,” a podcast hosted by Kathy Leatherbarrow from Eden Training Solutions. In this podcast, Kathy explores various topics related to early years education and apprenticeships. Through insightful interviews with guests from diverse industries, the show aims to provide valuable insights and perspectives on the early years sector. About the Host: Kathy Leatherbarrow is a seasoned professional in the field of early years education and apprenticeships. With her extensive experience and expertise, she brings a wealth of knowledge to the podcast. Kathy’s passion for empowering individuals in the early years sector is evident in her engaging discussions and thought-provoking conversations with industry experts. Podcast Format: “Early Years Insights” features in-depth discussions on a wide range of topics relevant to early years education and apprenticeships. Each episode delves into key topics, trends, and best practices within the industry. The format includes engaging interviews with professionals, educators, and leaders who share their valuable insights and experiences. Key Topics: The podcast covers a diverse array of topics, including but not limited to: Early childhood developmentEducational philosophies and approachesApprenticeship programs in the early years sectorInnovative teaching methodsRegulatory updates and complianceCareer pathways and professional development opportunitiesGuest Interviews: Kathy Leatherbarrow invites esteemed guests from various related industries to share their expertise on the podcast. These guests include influential figures, educators, policymakers, and professionals who offer unique perspectives and valuable insights into the early years sector. Audience Engagement: Listeners are encouraged to actively engage with the podcast by sharing their thoughts, questions, and feedback. The show fosters a sense of community among early years professionals, educators, students, and anyone passionate about early childhood education. Please visit www.eden-ts.com to find out more! Conclusion: “Early Years Insights” is a must-listen podcast for anyone involved or interested in the early years sector. With its informative content, engaging interviews, and thought-provoking discussions, the show serves as a valuable resource for staying updated on key developments within early years education and apprenticeships.

  1. Continuous and Enhanced Provision with Nursery Nook - Early Years Insights

    1D AGO

    Continuous and Enhanced Provision with Nursery Nook - Early Years Insights

    Watch the video version on YouTube! . https://youtu.be/PDLShRgDHNg . Continuous and Enhanced Provision with Nursery Nook - Early Years Insights Join Kathy Leatherbarrow and James Tunnell (Nursery Nook) as they continue to discuss the technical bridge between continuous and enhanced provision. James shares how to move learning forward by building on the familiar and understanding schematic play. Key Discussion Points: Familiarity First: Why resources must mirror home tools to help children transfer skills.The Topic Trap: Why rigid themes (like the "superhero box") can limit engagement and lead to wasted time.The 5-Question Framework: How to enhance play by changing just one variable: Why, What, Doing, Where, or Who.Decoding Schemes: Identifying natural behaviours like "dabbing" or throwing as essential learning patterns.Narrating Play: Replacing constant questioning with "narrating the ether" to build vocabulary in context. Guest: James Tunnell – Director at Nursery Nook. Instagram: @nurserynook Host: Kathy Leatherbarrow – Early Years Consultant at Eden Training Solutions. Connect With Us: Share your experiences with us at www.eden-ts.com #EarlyYearsInsights #NurseryNook #ContinuousProvision #SchematicPlay #EYFS #PlayBasedLearning #EarlyYearsInsights #EdenTrainingSolutions

    23 min
  2. Connection Beyond the Curriculum - Early Years Insights

    JAN 23

    Connection Beyond the Curriculum - Early Years Insights

    Watch the video version on YouTube! . https://youtu.be/GdlT5utmj_M . Connection Beyond the Curriculum - Early Years Insights In this episode, join host Kathy Leatherbarrow for a deeply practical and inspiring conversation with James Tunnell, Director of Nursery Nook. The discussion centres on the idea that connection is the foundation of all learning; if we don’t have a relationship with a child, we cannot effectively teach them. James shares his insights on shifting from "activity-led" planning to following the natural rhythms of play. Key Discussion Points: Connection Over Curriculum: A deep dive into why relationships must come first. If children don't want to be with you, the impact of your curriculum will be limited.The COVID Generation: Discussing the "misshaped foundation blocks" of children who missed out on early social interactions and how settings must work to fill these social gaps.Valuing Uninterrupted Play: Why children need at least 30 minutes to reach a state of "flow" and why adults should act as "satellites"—helpful and nearby, but not interrupting the work of the child.Guest James Tunnell – Director at Nursery Nook. Follow James on Instagram @nurserynook for daily practical strategies and "bite-sized" CPD.Host Kathy Leatherbarrow – Early Years Consultant at Eden Training Solutions.How to Connect We'd love to hear your thoughts on what 'Connection Beyond the Curriculum' looks like in your setting. Connect with us on social media or visit our website to share your experiences: www.eden-ts.com #EarlyYearsInsights #EdenTrainingSolutions #NurseryNook #ConnectionBeforeCurriculum #ChildLedLearning #EarlyYearsCPD #ContinuousProvision #PlayBasedLearning #ChildhoodDevelopment #EYFS

    29 min
  3. Developing 'Key Adults' within Your Staff Team - Early Years Insights

    12/16/2025

    Developing 'Key Adults' within Your Staff Team - Early Years Insights

    Watch the video version on YouTube! . https://youtu.be/DLUfz56rSzI . Developing 'Key Adults' within Your Staff Team - Early Years Insights In this insightful episode, join your host Kathy Leatherbarrow as she continues the conversation with Laura Salmon (Head of Early Years at Banana Moon Franchise) and Natalie Healy (Head of Operations at Banana Moon Franchise Support Office) to explore the evolution of leadership and staff development within the Early Years sector. This discussion moves beyond traditional management models to focus on empowering practitioners, creating a nurturing internal environment, and managing the complexities of running a successful childcare business. Key Discussion Points: Evolving Leadership: Moving from a "dictatorial" style to a modern, nurturing approach focused on guiding staff potential.The 'Key Adults' Model: Treating staff as "key adults" whose careers and next steps must be nurtured individually, mirroring child support.Individualised Management: Managers must constantly check-in and adapt their style to manage staff the way they prefer, not the way the manager prefers.Fairness and Flexibility: Navigating the complex balance of offering flexible arrangements to individuals while maintaining equality and avoiding internal workplace issues.Empowering Managers: Launching a Training Academy provides CPD and confidence for often younger managers to deliver training and develop their leadership skills. Guests: Natalie Healey - Head of Operations at Banana Moon Franchise Support OfficeLaura Salmon - Head of Early Years at Banana Moon Franchise Support Office Host: Kathy Leatherbarrow - Early Years Consultant at Eden Training Solutions Connect with us on social media or send us an email to share your experiences and insights: www.eden-ts.com #EarlyYearsInsights #EdenTrainingSolutions #EarlyYearsLeadership #KeyAdults #StaffDevelopment #NurseryManagement #ChildcareBusiness #FranchiseSupport #TeamNurturing #CPDforManagers #WorkplaceFlexibility #EarlyYearsCommunity Thank you for listening to "Early Years Insights." Stay tuned for more essential discussions in early childhood development.

    29 min
  4. Oliver's Legacy, Part 2: Closing the EYFS Loopholes - Early Years Insights

    11/27/2025

    Oliver's Legacy, Part 2: Closing the EYFS Loopholes - Early Years Insights

    Watch the video version on YouTube! . https://youtu.be/Fww0_Xg7lQw . Oliver's Legacy, Part 2: Closing the EYFS Loopholes - Early Years Insights Join Kathy Leatherbarrow for the continuation of a vital story with Lewis Steeper (The Oliver Steeper Foundation) and Laura Salmon (Banana Moon Franchise). Lewis shares the successful legislative changes driven by the Foundation, focusing on mandatory pediatric first aid and improved food safety within the EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage). Laura discusses how Banana Moon implements these safety measures and their partnership in distributing LifeVac devices. Lewis also reveals the profound personal experience of using a LifeVac to save his youngest son, Jake. Key Discussion Points: EYFS Reform Victory: The achievement of forcing the hand of the DfE to close safety loopholes in the EYFS.Mandatory First Aid: The campaign to ensure all relevant staff hold up-to-date paediatric first aid certificates.Safer Eating Campaign: The shift to focusing on "Stage, not Age" for weaning, introducing essential weaning checklists.LifeVac Distribution: Banana Moon's "Big Moments, Bright Futures" campaign to supply all settings with LifeVac and portable travel kits .Personal Use: Lewis's powerful story of using a LifeVac on his son, Jake, highlighting the device's real-world necessity.Organ Donation: Lewis receives an update on Oliver's organ donation, finding peace in his legacy of saving lives. Guests: Lewis Steeper – Founder of The Oliver Steeper FoundationLaura Salmon – Head of Early Years at Banana Moon Franchise Support Office Host: Kathy Leatherbarrow – Early Years Consultant at Eden Training Solutions How to Connect: Find out more about the Foundation's mission and how to apply for a LifeVac: www.tosf.org.uk Connect with us on social media or send us an email: www.eden-ts.com enquiries@eden-ts.com #EarlyYearsInsights #OliverSteeperFoundation #EYFSSafety #LifeVac #ChildcareReform #PaediatricFirstAid #BananaMoon

    39 min
  5. A Legacy of Safety: The Oliver Steeper Foundation - Early Years Insights

    10/29/2025

    A Legacy of Safety: The Oliver Steeper Foundation - Early Years Insights

    Watch the video version on YouTube! . https://youtu.be/h5FzZWbv6kA . A Legacy of Safety: The Oliver Steeper Foundation - Early Years Insights Join Kathy Leatherbarrow as she speaks with Lewis Steeper, founder of The Oliver Steeper Foundation, and Laura Salmon, Head of Early Years at Banana Moon Franchise, to share a deeply personal story of resilience, and how one family turned tragedy into a national safety mission. Lewis recounts the heartbreaking story of losing his son, Oliver, due to a choking incident at nine months old, and the subsequent founding of the Foundation. This episode highlights their incredible mission to provide life-saving anti-choking devices (LifeVac) to nurseries and the wider community, ensuring Oliver's legacy is one that saves children's lives. Key Discussion Points: Oliver's Story: The devastating personal account of the choking incident and the difficult, complex journey that followed.A Safety Mission: The Foundation's formation and its goal of placing life-saving equipment in every UK nursery.The LifeVac Device: Understanding the anti-choking device as a crucial last resort when standard first aid has failed.Sector Collaboration: Highlighting the importance of partnerships, such as with Banana Moon and Eden, to boost child safety awareness.Grief to Action: The emotional challenge of converting personal tragedy into a focused public safety mission.Parental Support: Discussing the lack of formal support for self-employed parents and the need for better systems after child loss.Guests Lewis Steeper – Founder of The Oliver Steeper FoundationLaura Salmon – Head of Early Years at Banana Moon Franchise Support Office Host Kathy Leatherbarrow – Early Years Consultant at Eden Training Solutions How to Connect: To learn more about the Foundation or how your setting can receive a LifeVac device, please visit the Oliver Steeper Foundation website. Connect with us on social media or send us an email: www.eden-ts.com enquiries@eden-ts.com #EarlyYearsInsights #EdenTrainingSolutions #OliverSteeperFoundation #ChildSafety #LifeVac #ChokingPrevention #NurserySafety #ParentalAdvocacy #EarlyYearsWellbeing

    57 min
  6. Apprenticeship to Manager: Building Early Years Leaders - Early Years Insights

    09/26/2025

    Apprenticeship to Manager: Building Early Years Leaders - Early Years Insights

    Watch the video version on YouTube! . https://youtu.be/NuSmiHX27eU . Apprenticeship to Manager: Building Early Years Leaders . Join Kathy Leatherbarrow as she continues her discussion with Natalie Healey, Head of Operations, and Laura Salmon, Head of Early Years, from Banana Moon Franchise Support Office. This episode dives into the crucial role of early years apprenticeships in addressing the sector's recruitment crisis and building a clear, supportive career path from apprentice to nursery manager and beyond. Key Discussion Points: The increasing importance of quality Early Years apprenticeships.The philosophy of 'grow your own talent' in solving the sector's recruitment crisis.Building a clear career pathway from apprentice to future leader and manager.Developing structured induction programmes that align curriculum and course content.The value of support networks, such as mentor groups and peer-to-peer sharing.Demonstrating the role is a fulfilling career path with potential for progression to business ownership.The essential link between Continuous Professional Development (CPD) and effective leadership.Guests: Natalie Healey - Head of Operations at Banana Moon Franchise Support OfficeLaura Salmon - Head of Early Years at Banana Moon Franchise Support Office Host: Kathy Leatherbarrow - Early Years Consultant at Eden Training Solutions How to Connect: We'd love to hear your experiences and insights on building career pathways in Early Years. Connect with us on social media or send us an email to share your thoughts and join the conversation: www.eden-ts.com #EarlyYearsInsights #EdenTrainingSolutions #Apprenticeships #EarlyYearsCareers #GrowYourOwnTalent #CPD #EarlyYearsLeaders #RecruitmentCrisis #WorkforceDevelopment Thank you for listening to "Early Years Insights." Stay tuned for more essential discussions in early childhood development.

    34 min
  7. EYFS Updates: Nurturing Our Whole Community - Early Years Insights

    08/28/2025

    EYFS Updates: Nurturing Our Whole Community - Early Years Insights

    Watch the video version on YouTube! . https://youtu.be/b0e4dDuvIJk . EYFS Updates: Nurturing Our Whole Community . In this special episode, we delve into the core of the new EYFS statutory framework, taking effect on 1st September 2025. This framework encourages a holistic approach to nurturing everyone within the Early Years setting, from children and staff to families. We cover essential and often-overlooked topics that contribute to a healthy, supportive community. Key Discussion Points: Professional Curiosity: The importance of approaching 'whistle-blowing' and professional curiosity in a positive way.CCTV and Safety: We examine the role of CCTV in accident review and maintaining a secure environment.Sleep and Wellbeing: The conversation covers crucial sleep routines for both children and parents.Staff Wellbeing: Good sleep routines and a focus on overall wellbeing are vital for Early Years professionals.Generational Diversity: Embracing different generational work styles creates a more accommodating workplace. Guests: Natalie Healey - Head of Operations at Banana Moon Franchise Support OfficeLaura Salmon - Head of Early Years at Banana Moon Franchise Support Office Host: Kathy Leatherbarrow - Early Years Consultant at Eden Training Solutions How to Connect: We'd love to hear your thoughts on the new EYFS updates and what 'nurturing your community' means to you. Connect with us on social media or send us an email to share your experiences and insights: www.eden-ts.com #EarlyYearsInsights #EdenTrainingSolutions #EYFS2025 #EYFSupdates #StaffWellbeing #SleepRoutines #ProfessionalCuriosity #EarlyYearsCommunity #GenZ #EarlyYearsEducation Thank you for listening to "Early Years Insights." Stay tuned for more essential discussions in early childhood development.

    41 min
  8. Safeguarding, Welfare, and Male Practitioners - Early Years Insights

    07/25/2025

    Safeguarding, Welfare, and Male Practitioners - Early Years Insights

    Watch the video version on YouTube! . https://youtu.be/HcuF1XVl8ZQ . Safeguarding, Welfare, and Male Practitioners . Join Kathy Leatherbarrow for a crucial continuation of the conversation with Eden's Safeguarding and Welfare Officers, Sarah Baker and Beth Mincher. In this episode, the discussion shifts to an equally vital aspect of the Early Years sector: the role of men. They explore the importance of male practitioners and role models, and how to better support and encourage more men to join this incredibly rewarding profession. Useful Health & Wellbeing Resources: https://bit.ly/EdenWellbeingResource Key Discussion Points: The unique and valuable contribution male practitioners bring to Early Years settings.Challenging stereotypes and encouraging more men to consider a career in early childhood education.The positive impact of male role models on children's development and perceptions.How Eden Training Solutions supports and encourages male learners and apprentices in the Early Years sector.Addressing common misconceptions and barriers faced by men entering the profession.Fostering inclusive environments that welcome and retain male practitioners.The interconnectedness of safeguarding, welfare, and promoting diversity within the workforce.Guests: Sarah Baker - Safeguarding and Welfare Officer at Eden Training SolutionsBeth Mincher - Safeguarding and Welfare Officer at Eden Training SolutionsHost: Kathy Leatherbarrow - Early Years Consultant at Eden Training SolutionsHow to Connect: We'd love to hear your experiences and insights on supporting and encouraging men in Early Years. Connect with us on social media or send us an email to share your thoughts and join the conversation: www.eden-ts.com #EarlyYearsInsights #EdenTrainingSolutions #MalePractitioners #MenInEarlyYears #EarlyYearsEducation #RoleModels #DiversityInEarlyYears #Safeguarding #Welfare #Inclusion Thank you for listening to "Early Years Insights." Stay tuned for our upcoming episodes where we continue to explore essential topics in early childhood development.

    20 min
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About

Introduction : Welcome to “Early Years Insights,” a podcast hosted by Kathy Leatherbarrow from Eden Training Solutions. In this podcast, Kathy explores various topics related to early years education and apprenticeships. Through insightful interviews with guests from diverse industries, the show aims to provide valuable insights and perspectives on the early years sector. About the Host: Kathy Leatherbarrow is a seasoned professional in the field of early years education and apprenticeships. With her extensive experience and expertise, she brings a wealth of knowledge to the podcast. Kathy’s passion for empowering individuals in the early years sector is evident in her engaging discussions and thought-provoking conversations with industry experts. Podcast Format: “Early Years Insights” features in-depth discussions on a wide range of topics relevant to early years education and apprenticeships. Each episode delves into key topics, trends, and best practices within the industry. The format includes engaging interviews with professionals, educators, and leaders who share their valuable insights and experiences. Key Topics: The podcast covers a diverse array of topics, including but not limited to: Early childhood developmentEducational philosophies and approachesApprenticeship programs in the early years sectorInnovative teaching methodsRegulatory updates and complianceCareer pathways and professional development opportunitiesGuest Interviews: Kathy Leatherbarrow invites esteemed guests from various related industries to share their expertise on the podcast. These guests include influential figures, educators, policymakers, and professionals who offer unique perspectives and valuable insights into the early years sector. Audience Engagement: Listeners are encouraged to actively engage with the podcast by sharing their thoughts, questions, and feedback. The show fosters a sense of community among early years professionals, educators, students, and anyone passionate about early childhood education. Please visit www.eden-ts.com to find out more! Conclusion: “Early Years Insights” is a must-listen podcast for anyone involved or interested in the early years sector. With its informative content, engaging interviews, and thought-provoking discussions, the show serves as a valuable resource for staying updated on key developments within early years education and apprenticeships.

Information

  • Creator
    Kathy Leatherbarrow
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    24
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Eden Training Solutions 2024
  • Show Website
    Early Years Insights