EYES ON US

Sophie Booth and Emma Jayne Morgan

What does great early years practice really look like? How do leaders support their teams through change? And how can we create environments where children, families, and educators can thrive? Join Sophie Booth and Emma Jayne Morgan as they explore the conversations shaping the early years sector today. Drawing on decades of experience in early years education, leadership, training, and consultancy, Sophie and Emma take a practical and honest look at the opportunities and challenges facing settings, leaders, and practitioners. From child development and inclusion to leadership, safeguarding, team culture, and professional growth, each episode is designed to help listeners reflect on their practice and leave with ideas they can put into action. This is not a podcast about quick fixes or one-size-fits-all solutions. Instead, it’s a space for thoughtful discussion, shared learning, and professional conversations grounded in the realities of working with young children and the people who support them. Whether you’re a nursery manager navigating the demands of leadership, an educator looking to deepen your understanding of child development, or an early years professional passionate about raising standards, Eyes On Us – Talking Early Years offers fresh perspectives, practical insights, and meaningful conversations from people who understand the sector from the inside. Because when we put our eyes on what truly matters in early years, we create better outcomes for children, stronger teams, and more confident leaders. Eyes On Us – Talking Early Years is presented by QuEST Direct Professional Services and released regularly for early years professionals committed to learning, leading, and making a difference.

  1. Jul 22

    #22 - What Is a Key Person in Early Years?

    Welcome back to Eyes On Us, where Emma and Sophie are turning their attention to a relationship every early years family experiences but few have had properly explained: the key person. In this episode, Emma and Sophie unpack a moment nearly every parent recognises: meeting your child's key person for the first time and not quite knowing what the role actually involves. The key person is one of the most important relationships in early years settings, yet it's rarely explained clearly to the families experiencing it. Emma and Sophie set out what the role is genuinely built on, what it isn't, and how parents can help it work well from the very first day.   What a Key Person Actually Does A key person is more than the adult assigned to look after your child. Emma and Sophie explain how the role centres on building attachment and trust, the two things that allow a child to feel secure enough to explore, play, and settle into a new environment. They walk through what this looks like in practice during the early weeks, from providing comfort during the settling-in period to learning the small, individual details that make up who a child is.   What a Key Person Is Not Just as important as understanding the role is understanding its limits. Emma and Sophie address some of the common misconceptions parents carry into this relationship, including the idea that a key person should be a child's only attachment in the setting, or a stand-in for a parent. They also talk honestly about availability, and why professional boundaries and shared care among a wider staff team are a normal and healthy part of how nurseries operate.   What Parents Can Expect, and What They Can't Communication sits at the centre of a strong key person relationship, and Emma and Sophie are clear that it should run in both directions. They discuss what consistent, meaningful communication looks like, and set realistic expectations around what parents should and shouldn't anticipate, from progress updates to day-to-day detail.   How Parents Can Support the Relationship  The key person relationship works best as a two-way process. Emma and Sophie share practical ways parents can help it along, from completing settling-in forms thoughtfully to keeping communication open as circumstances at home change throughout the year, not just at the start. Understanding the key person role, both what it offers and what it doesn't, helps parents build a genuine partnership with their child's setting from day one.   Continuing Professional Development 👉 Explore our upcoming CPD courses to continue developing your practice and supporting children in your setting.

  2. Jul 1

    #21 - How to Choose the Right Nursery for Your Child | A Parent’s Guide

    Welcome to a new episode of Eyes On Us, where Emma and Sophie explore how to choose a nursery that truly meets your child’s needs. Learn what to look for during nursery visits, why relationships matter more than impressive displays, and how to find the right fit for both your child and your family. Choosing a nursery can feel overwhelming. Every nursery promises a nurturing, child-centred environment, and after visiting several settings, it can become difficult to remember which one felt right. Emma and Sophie explain why the goal isn’t to find the “perfect” nursery, but to find the one that best matches your child’s personality, needs, and your family’s circumstances.   Looking Beyond Beautiful Classrooms A nursery may have stunning displays and expensive resources, but those things don’t necessarily reflect the quality of children’s experiences. Emma and Sophie share what parents should really be observing during visits, from the relationships between practitioners and children to whether children appear relaxed, engaged, and genuinely happy in their environment.   Questions Every Parent Should Ask The conversation also covers the practical questions that can make a significant difference after your child starts nursery. From settling-in procedures and communication with families to outdoor play opportunities, routines, flexibility, opening hours, and budget, understanding how a nursery operates helps parents make a more informed decision.   Trust Your Instincts Ultimately, choosing a nursery is about more than facilities or recommendations from friends. Emma and Sophie explain why trusting your instincts as a parent is one of the most valuable parts of the decision-making process, and why the best nursery is one where your child feels safe, secure, and excited to learn and grow every day. This episode is packed with practical advice for parents preparing to visit nurseries and offers guidance that can help make one of the biggest early years decisions feel a little less overwhelming.   Continuing Professional Development 👉 Explore our upcoming CPD courses to continue developing your practice and supporting children in your setting.

  3. Jun 17

    #20 - Fine Motor Skills in Early Years: Why It's About More Than Pencil Control

    Welcome to a new episode of Eyes On Us, where Emma and Sophie explore why fine motor development is about so much more than pencil control — and what practitioners and parents need to understand about the foundations that have to come first. Fine motor skills are one of the most talked about areas of early years development — but they are also one of the most misunderstood. In most settings, fine motor skills and pencil control have become almost interchangeable. But pencil control is the end point of a long developmental journey, not the starting point. And when we treat it as the priority before the foundations are secure, we are not helping children move forward. We are just adding pressure to a process that needs time.  In this episode, we explore what fine motor development actually involves, what needs to be in place before pencil control becomes relevant, and how practitioners and parents can support children in a way that works with their development rather than against it.   The Developmental Foundations That Come First  Pencil control doesn't develop in isolation. Core strength, shoulder stability, bilateral coordination and whole body movement all need to be established first. This section covers what that sequence looks like and why it matters for every child in your setting.   Why Pencil Control Gets So Much Attention Schools, assessments, parents — the pressure around writing readiness comes from multiple directions. We look at where that pressure originates and why it so often doesn't reflect how fine motor development actually works.   Activities That Build Fine Motor Strength and Coordination  The most effective fine motor activities are not the ones most practitioners reach for first. We cover what genuinely builds hand strength and coordination in young children, and why play-based, pressure-free experiences make the biggest difference.   Knowing When a Child Needs Additional Support Every child develops at a different rate. This section covers the signs worth paying attention to and how to respond in a way that supports children without undermining their confidence.   Supporting Parents With Fine Motor Development  Parents often need reassurance as much as practical guidance. We talk through how to have those conversations and what simple activities practitioners can suggest for home.   Continuing Professional Development 👉 Explore our upcoming CPD courses to continue developing your practice and supporting children in your setting.

  4. Jun 3

    #19 - The Importance of Language - Moving from Control to Connection

    Welcome to a new episode of Eyes On Us, where Emma and Sophie explore how the words we use every day can shape children’s confidence, behaviour, relationships, and emotional wellbeing, and why moving from control to connection matters in early years practice. The words we use every day have a powerful impact on how children see themselves, build relationships, and engage with the world around them. In this episode, Emma and Sophie explore how language influences children’s confidence, emotional wellbeing, behaviour, and sense of self. While phrases such as “be careful”, “good job”, and “stop that” are often used with the best intentions, they discuss whether these common responses always provide the guidance and support children need.   Moving from Control to Connection A key theme throughout the episode is the idea of moving from control to connection. Emma and Sophie reflect on how many of the phrases adults use throughout the day are often designed to manage situations quickly or maintain order, rather than helping children understand their feelings, develop problem-solving skills, or strengthen relationships. The discussion explores how simple changes in communication can create more meaningful interactions with children and support positive relationships in early years settings.   Practical Ways to Strengthen Communication Throughout the episode, Emma and Sophie share practical examples of how educators can adjust their language to create stronger connections with children. They discuss the value of acknowledging children’s feelings before giving direction, offering meaningful choices, and using specific praise that helps children understand exactly what they have achieved. They also explore how curiosity can become a powerful communication tool. By asking thoughtful questions and showing genuine interest in children’s ideas, educators can encourage conversations, deepen learning, and create more opportunities for meaningful interaction.   Small Changes Can Make a Big Differencee  Working in an early years environment is busy, demanding, and often time pressured. Emma and Sophie recognise that changing communication habits does not happen overnight. Instead, they encourage practitioners to become more aware of the language they use and to make small, manageable adjustments that can have a lasting impact over time.   Final Thoughts The episode concludes with a powerful reminder that the words children hear every day often become the voice they carry with them. By choosing language that supports connection, understanding, and positive relationships, educators can help create environments where children feel respected, capable, and confident to learn and grow.   Continuing Professional Development 👉 Explore our upcoming CPD courses to continue developing your practice and supporting children in your setting.

  5. May 20

    #18 - Using Loose Parts Effectively: A Practical Guide for Early Years Educators

    Welcome to a new episode of Eyes On Us, where Emma and Sophie get into one of the most talked-about topics in early years — loose parts play. We've all seen the stunning setups on Pinterest. Perfectly arranged pinecones, beautiful collections of shells and driftwood, colour-coordinated treasures laid out just so. But walk into a real nursery on a Tuesday morning and it can look a little… different. Bits everywhere, things going in mouths, children ignoring the setup entirely. Sound familiar?   What Are Loose Parts and Why Do They Matter?  From natural materials to everyday household objects, loose parts are open-ended resources with no fixed purpose — and that's exactly what makes them so powerful. This episode unpacks why they give children something that most conventional toys simply can't.   When It's Not Going to Plan This episode doesn't shy away from the real challenges. What's actually happening when play seems to be going wrong — and why the answer might surprise you. Plus, why the most beautiful setups are sometimes the least effective ones.   Making It Meaningful What needs to shift — in how we set up, how we show up, and how we think about our role when children are deep in child-led play.   Talking to Parents and Staff Not everyone immediately sees the value in yogurt pots and sticks. This episode covers how to confidently explain what's really happening when children engage with loose parts — and why the learning taking place is far richer than it might look.   Continuing Professional Development 👉 Explore our upcoming CPD courses to continue developing your practice and supporting children in your setting.

  6. May 6

    #17 - Transition Readiness in Early Years: Supporting Children Through Nursery and School Transitions

    Welcome to a new episode of Eyes On Us, where Emma and Sophie explore transition readiness in early years education and discuss how educators can support young children through nursery and school transitions. As the academic year comes to an end, conversations around school readiness and transition readiness become increasingly common across nurseries and early years settings. Parents, educators, and schools are often focused on whether children are “ready” for the next stage, but readiness is about far more than academic skills or checklists. Young children experience transitions in many different ways. Moving into a new classroom, adapting to different routines, building relationships with new adults, and adjusting to changing expectations can all feel overwhelming. These experiences can have a significant impact on children’s emotional wellbeing, confidence, and ability to engage within the environment.   Understanding Transition Readiness in Early Years In this episode, Emma and Sophie discuss the traditional expectations often linked to school readiness and transition readiness. Communication skills, independence, emotional regulation, resilience, and social development are all important aspects of child development during transitions. However, the conversation challenges the idea that readiness should only focus on what children can do. Instead, the episode encourages educators to reflect on how early years environments can become more emotionally responsive and developmentally appropriate for children experiencing change.   Creating Emotionally Secure Environments for Children  A key focus throughout the episode is emotional security. Children who feel safe, connected, and supported are more likely to develop confidence, curiosity, resilience, and positive relationships with others. Emma and Sophie explore how emotionally responsive adults help children regulate emotions during transitions. Calm, attentive educators create environments where children feel secure enough to ask for help, explore independently, and gradually adapt to unfamiliar routines and expectations. The discussion also highlights the importance of realistic expectations during nursery and school transitions. Young children entering a new environment are still learning routines, boundaries, social dynamics, and ways of communicating within the setting. Immediate independence and compliance should not be expected during these early stages of adjustment.   Why Play-Based Learning Supports Successful Transitions The episode also explores why play-based learning remains essential during periods of transition. Even within more structured environments, young children continue to learn through movement, exploration, play, and hands-on experiences. Emma and Sophie discuss how opportunities for movement, floor play, exploration, and independent choice help children feel more confident and emotionally regulated within a new environment. Creating spaces that support curiosity and engagement can make transitions significantly smoother for young children.   Supporting Parents During Nursery and School Transitions Parents also experience uncertainty during transitions, particularly when children are moving from nursery into school environments. Emma and Sophie reflect on the importance of acknowledging parents’ concerns and building supportive relationships with families throughout the transition process.  The episode highlights the importance of using clear, accessible language when discussing child development and school readiness with parents. Rather than focusing solely on short-term academic milestones, educators are encouraged to support families in understanding the long-term importance of confidence, communication, independence, emotional security, and curiosity.   The Role of Educators During Early Years Transitions The role of the educator during transitions is not simply to prepare children for routines and expectations, but to create environments where children feel emotionally secure, supported, and ready to learn.  By adapting routines, maintaining realistic expectations, supporting play-based learning, and building strong emotional connections, educators can help children navigate nursery and school transitions with greater confidence and resilience.   Continuing Professional Development 👉 Explore our upcoming CPD courses to continue developing your practice and supporting children in your setting.

  7. Apr 22

    #16 - Supporting Young Children When the World Feels Uncertain

    Welcome to a new episode of Eyes On Us, where Emma and Sophie explore how early years educators can support young children when the world feels uncertain and routines are disrupted.  As schools and nurseries reopen after a period of disruption, both educators and children are returning with a mix of emotions. Excitement, uncertainty, anxiety, and distraction can all show up at the same time, and this is completely normal.   Young children may not fully understand what has been happening, but they will have felt the emotional climate around them. Changes in routine, time away from settings, and the emotions of adults all influence how children respond when they return.   Expected Responses from Children In this episode, Emma and Sophie discuss what educators can expect when children come back into the setting. This may include increased clinginess, heightened emotions, changes in behavior, and reduced ability to focus, share, or engage in group activities. These responses are not unexpected. They are linked to how uncertainty impacts children’s emotional regulation and stress response.   The Importance of Co-Regulation A key focus is on co-regulation. Before expecting children to listen, share, or engage, educators need to support children emotionally. A calm, regulated adult helps children feel safe and begin to settle back into the environment. The episode also explores how to respond when children ask questions about what is happening in the world. Educators are encouraged not to initiate these conversations but to be prepared to respond in a simple, honest, and reassuring way when children ask. Consistency with parents is essential, and the focus should remain on helping children feel safe in the present moment.   Practical Strategies for Educators Practical strategies discussed include: Maintaining predictable routines Using visual timetables and clear transitions Creating calm, safe spaces for children Supporting emotional language through stories and conversations Working in small groups to build connection These approaches help children regain a sense of security and confidence within the setting.   The Role of Educators The role of the educator is not to explain the world in detail but to provide stability, connection, and care. Children need calm, consistent adults who can support them through uncertainty.   Self-Care for Educators Finally, the episode highlights the importance of educators looking after themselves. Supporting children starts with being regulated as an adult. Taking time to reflect, checking in with colleagues, and working as a team are essential during periods of uncertainty. By focusing on these strategies, educators can create a nurturing environment that helps children thrive, even in uncertain times. Together, we can build a supportive community that empowers both educators and young learners.   Continuing Professional Development  👉 Explore our upcoming CPD courses to continue developing your practice and supporting children in your setting.

  8. Apr 8

    #15 - From Blame to Curiosity: How to Build a Reflective Team Culture

    Welcome to a new episode of Eyes On Us, where Emma and Sophie explore what reflective practice really means and how it shapes the culture of a team in early years settings. In early years environments, situations don’t always go to plan. Something doesn’t work, a routine breaks down, or a child responds in a way that wasn’t expected. In those moments, the focus often shifts quickly to fixing the issue or identifying what went wrong. But how teams respond in those situations has a direct impact on how they learn and improve. Reflective practice is often misunderstood as something formal, written, or linked to performance management. In reality, it is about how teams think, question, and understand their practice. It’s not about paperwork, but about creating space to ask why something happened before deciding what to do next.  A key part of this is moving away from blame. When reflection turns into fault-finding, teams become defensive and conversations lose their value. Shifting towards curiosity allows practitioners to be more open, honest, and willing to learn from both challenges and successes.  Reflective practice benefits everyone in the setting. Children experience more thoughtful interactions and more responsive environments. Practitioners feel more supported, less pressured, and more confident in their roles. For leadership, it creates greater consistency, shared responsibility, and a clearer sense of direction across the team.  In practice, reflective teams do not rely on long meetings or written reflections. Instead, they build reflection into everyday routines. Short conversations, quick debriefs, and regular check-ins create more impact than occasional, formal sessions. Consistency over time allows reflection to become part of how the team naturally works.  Working in smaller teams also plays an important role. It creates more opportunities for open discussion, different perspectives, and shared understanding. Whether it’s a whole-setting reflection or a quick end-of-day conversation within a classroom, these moments help teams continuously improve their practice.  Reflective practice is not about perfection. It’s about progress. Teams that regularly reflect are better able to adapt, learn from experience, and create a stronger, more supportive environment for both children and staff.  👉 Explore our upcoming CPD courses to continue developing strong outdoor provision in your setting.

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About

What does great early years practice really look like? How do leaders support their teams through change? And how can we create environments where children, families, and educators can thrive? Join Sophie Booth and Emma Jayne Morgan as they explore the conversations shaping the early years sector today. Drawing on decades of experience in early years education, leadership, training, and consultancy, Sophie and Emma take a practical and honest look at the opportunities and challenges facing settings, leaders, and practitioners. From child development and inclusion to leadership, safeguarding, team culture, and professional growth, each episode is designed to help listeners reflect on their practice and leave with ideas they can put into action. This is not a podcast about quick fixes or one-size-fits-all solutions. Instead, it’s a space for thoughtful discussion, shared learning, and professional conversations grounded in the realities of working with young children and the people who support them. Whether you’re a nursery manager navigating the demands of leadership, an educator looking to deepen your understanding of child development, or an early years professional passionate about raising standards, Eyes On Us – Talking Early Years offers fresh perspectives, practical insights, and meaningful conversations from people who understand the sector from the inside. Because when we put our eyes on what truly matters in early years, we create better outcomes for children, stronger teams, and more confident leaders. Eyes On Us – Talking Early Years is presented by QuEST Direct Professional Services and released regularly for early years professionals committed to learning, leading, and making a difference.

Information

  • Creator
    Sophie Booth and Emma Jayne Morgan
  • Episodes
    22
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 QuEST Direct Professional Services
  • Show Website
    EYES ON US