Happy Days Nursery Podcast - Early Years

Happy Days Nurseries & Pre-Schools
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Welcome to the Happy Days Nursery Podcast, where we bring the ins and outs of our Early Years childcare knowledge to you. Whether you're a parent or practitioner, we'll be discussing the hot topics you will want to listen to. With a new season coming out every month it's hard to keep up so, give us a follow!

  1. Reading in Early Years: How to Create a Love of Reading

    Jun 26

    Reading in Early Years: How to Create a Love of Reading

    In our final episode of this series, we’re focusing on how to build a genuine love of reading at home, in a way that feels natural and enjoyable. We’re exploring how stories can go beyond the pages of a book and become part of children’s everyday play and experiences. Topics we cover in this episode: - Beyond books - Sparking curiosity - Everyday storytelling - Confidence & communication - Making it enjoyable - The power of repetition - Simple routines - Long-term impact However it looks in your home, keep it simple, keep it enjoyable and most importantly, keep sharing those stories together.

    9 min
  2. Reading in Early Years: What Makes A Great Children's Book

    Jun 26

    Reading in Early Years: What Makes A Great Children's Book

    In our last episode we discussed the benefits or reading, so this time we’re diving into what actually makes a great children’s book, because not all stories connect in the same way. Topics we cover in this episode: - Where to find a good book - Making it interactive - Starting early - Choosing the book for your child

    6 min
  3. Reading in Early Years: The Benefits of Children Reading

    Jun 26

    Reading in Early Years: The Benefits of Children Reading

    As it’s the National Year of Reading, we’re talking about something that feels really simple… but is incredibly powerful, reading with children.  Whether it’s a bedtime story, a favourite book you’ve read a hundred times, or even just talking through pictures together, those small moments can have a huge impact on a child’s development. So in this episode, we’re going to explore why reading matters so much in the early years and why it’s about so much more than just learning to read. Topics covered in this episode - Why reading matters - More than just words - Focus & communication - Reassurance for parents - Making it part of everyday life

    6 min
  4. Keeping Children Safe in the Sun: A Parent’s Guide

    May 28

    Keeping Children Safe in the Sun: A Parent’s Guide

    In this episode, we’re talking directly to parents and carers about how to keep children safe  in the sun, whether you’re at home in the garden, heading to the park, or packing for a holiday. Joining us is the knowledgeable Marie from SKCIN, a charity doing incredible work around  skin cancer prevention and sun safety education.  Key Topics covered Home routinesHolidays and days outSafe clothing and sunscreenHelping children build independenceMyth BustingLong-term habitsTo learn more about SKCIN and sun safety resources for families and early years settings, visit: ⁠Skcin - The Karen Clifford Melanoma & Skin Cancer Charity

    21 min
  5. Sun Safety in Early Years Settings: A Guide for Practitioners

    May 28

    Sun Safety in Early Years Settings: A Guide for Practitioners

    Welcome back to the Happy Days Nursery podcast. This is episode one of a special mini season all about how to keep children safe in the sun. As the brighter weather begins to arrive and children naturally spend more time outdoors, it’s the perfect time to talk about how early years settings can build sun safety into everyday practice in a way that feels simple, effective and supportive for children and families alike. We're delighted to be joined by Marie from SKCIN, a charity doing incredible work around  skin cancer prevention and sun safety education.  Key Topics Covered Why sun safety matters in early yearsPractical daily routinesPolicies and staff responsibilitiesRole modellingOutdoor learning safelyWorking with familiesLong-term benefitsTo learn more about SKCIN and sun safety resources for families and early years settings, visit: Skcin - The Karen Clifford Melanoma & Skin Cancer Charity

    16 min
  6. Understanding Baby Massage: How to Get Started

    11/26/2025

    Understanding Baby Massage: How to Get Started

    Ready to try baby massage at home? In this hands-on episode, Alice and internationally respected expert Peter Walker guide you through exactly how to begin, safely, confidently, and without overthinking it. Peter shares everything parents need to know, including:• When to start baby massage• How much oil to use and the best types to choose• The ideal environment (and how to make it work in real life)• How to read your baby’s cues and know when they’re ready• Peter’s recommended rhythms, sequences, and touch techniques• How to use breath, pace, and gentle pressure to help your baby relax• Signs your child is enjoying the massage (and when they’ve had enough)• How massage can become part of your daily routine, from bath time to bedtime Whether you’re a first-time parent, practitioner or simply curious, this episode is full of practical, reassuring advice from one of the most experienced baby-massage teachers in the world.

    22 min
  7. Understanding Baby Massage: The Science, the Benefits and the Bond

    11/26/2025

    Understanding Baby Massage: The Science, the Benefits and the Bond

    Baby massage isn’t just soothing, it’s science. In this episode, Alice is joined by world-leading expert Peter Walker, author and founder of Developmental Baby Massage, whose techniques are now taught by over 25,000 teachers worldwide. With more than 50 years of experience, Peter breaks down why gentle touch is one of the most powerful ways to support your child’s emotional and physical development. Discover:• The science behind baby massage and how it supports the brain and nervous system• How touch helps with emotional regulation, motor development, and early bonding• Why Peter’s motto — “relax the belly, relax the baby” — is rooted in real physiology• How massage can support children after a traumatic birth• Long-term developmental benefits, from building key muscles to supporting tummy time• Answers to the top FAQs parents ask at Happy Days Nurseries If you’re curious about the real, research-backed impact of baby massage, this episode is the perfect place to start.

    29 min
  8. Childcare Funding | FAQs

    10/16/2025

    Childcare Funding | FAQs

    To wrap up our childcare funding series, Alice and Karen answer your most frequently asked questions, from splitting hours between providers to self-employed eligibility and support for families on Universal Credit. They also cover extra help like Tax-Free Childcare, Disability Access Funding, and Early Years Pupil Premium, because there’s often more support available than you might realise.

    3 min
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About

Welcome to the Happy Days Nursery Podcast, where we bring the ins and outs of our Early Years childcare knowledge to you. Whether you're a parent or practitioner, we'll be discussing the hot topics you will want to listen to. With a new season coming out every month it's hard to keep up so, give us a follow!

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