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. 2d ago

    Why imagination is the missing dimension of school readiness

    As the world children are growing up in changes rapidly, educators have a chance to strengthen one of the most enduring foundations of learning: imagination. Rather than just a peripheral talent, this article argues that imagination is central to school readiness, lifelong learning, and the uniquely human capacities children will need. Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/why-imagination-is-the-missing-dimension-of-school-readiness/ This episode is in partnership with BookedIn. BookedIn is the 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.  To find out more 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: ·       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/ ·       Life skills over academic achievement with Zanna Clarke and Carmela Garcia Manas - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/life-skills-over-academic-achievement/ 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: 00:01:48 - Introducing Wylde Scott and Raising Dreamers 00:02:48 - From storytelling to imagination and human potential 00:08:20 - School readiness: what are we preparing children for? 00:13:09 - Developing imagination, curiosity, adaptability and resilience 00:18:34 - How children learn and the value of broad experiences 00:23:08 - Exploring the relationship between experience and brain development 00:27:02 - Adult screen habits, presence and human connection 00:30:35 - Nurturing imagination through reading and storytelling 00:32:32 - Nature, everyday exploration and imaginative play 00:34:38 - Making space for imagination within curriculum demands 00:37:58 - Exploring AI and personalised approaches to learning 00:42:46 - Bringing learning to life through play and projects 00:46:12 - Time, training and support for educators 00:51:37 - Developing creativity and agency as children grow 00:54:17 - Making changes through continuing professional development 00:55:16 - Helping young adults find direction in a changing world 00:59:27 - Connecting passion, purpose and contribution 01:01:07 - Learning through experience, internships and pursuing interests 01:06:44 - Developing agency and active participation in the world 01:09:18 - Closing reflections and further reading For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

  2. 2d ago ·  Bonus

    You Might Also Like: The Next Five

    Introducing Sovereignty, Data and Code: Who's in Control? from The Next Five. Follow the show: The Next Five Throughout history, statecraft was defined by borders, battlelines, and territory. In the 20th century, global power shifted to financial capital and energy reserves. Today, with the digital revolution well underway, does real authority now belong to those who control our data and code? And what does sovereignty now mean in a fast changing AI landscape? Back in the day it used to mean keeping data in a local server room. But today, frontier AI models are advancing at pace, some argue at a speed we can’t control and regulatory lines are being redrawn across the world to try and keep up. Governments and boardrooms now face a fundamental question: who’s controlling who? And what can we do about it? Joining host Tom Parker is Charlie Giancarlo, Chairman and CEO of Everpure, Sana Khareghani, Chief Strategy Officer at Era4, Professor of Practice in AI at King’s College London, AI Policy Lead for Responsible AI UK and Former Head of UK Government Office for Artificial Intelligence and Clare Schramm Fergus, Managing Director, Transaction Banking Technology Platforms, Lloyds Banking Group and Board Member of OpenUK. Sources: FT Resources, Wired, TAIDE, Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, UK GOV Sovereign AI Fund, Politico This content is paid for by Everpure and is produced in partnership with the Financial Times' Commercial Department. The views and claims expressed are those of the guests alone and have not been independently verified by The Financial Times. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. 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: The Next Five

  3. Oct 19

    From practice to progress: Do children need to be taught movement skills?

    This article and podcast episode explore how young children develop Fundamental Movement Skills through repeated, varied experiences and attuned adult guidance. Dr Leanne Jaye highlights the balance between structured support and child‑led exploration, the impact of movement on confidence, communication and social connection, and the crucial role practitioners and caregivers play in shaping high‑quality, enjoyable movement opportunities.   Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/from-practice-to-progress-do-children-need-to-be-taught-movement-skills/   This episode is in partnership with BookedIn.   BookedIn is the 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.    To find out more 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: ·       Fostering a love of movement for life, by Josh Candy: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/fostering-a-love-of-movement-for-life/ ·       Physical development frameworks, by Dr Lala Manners: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/physical-development-frameworks/ ·       'My child can't write yet': The foundations of early writing, by Helen Battelley: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/my-child-cant-write-yet-the-foundations-of-early-writing/   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 01:35 - Introducing Dr Leanne Jaye 03:09 - Do children pick up movement skills naturally? 05:26 - What are fundamental movement skills? 06:56 - Why movement needs greater attention in educator training 08:49 - Recognising when movement skills need support 11:48 - Unequal opportunities for movement development 15:12 - Looking at how children move, not just whether they move 17:36 - Making movement part of the whole day 19:04 - Repetition, practice and brain development 21:16 - Building children's movement vocabulary 25:39 - Keeping repetition playful through stories and games 28:48 - How environments shape movement opportunities 31:47 - Creating movement opportunities in smaller indoor spaces 34:30 - What to notice when observing children's movement 38:47 - Teaching movement: everyday practice and specialist support 41:27 - Educators as movement role models 43:40 - Bringing movement into other areas of learning 46:13 - Supporting independence without stepping in too quickly 50:49 - Final reflections: integrating movement across learning   For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

  4. Oct 12

    More than a father: Emotional presence in early childhood practice

    Children need more than provision; they need emotionally present adults who help them feel safe, understood and valued. Drawing on his work with children with complex and neurodivergent needs, his journey as a dad, and his book More Than A Father, Opeyemi Ogunmadeko explores what emotional presence can mean for parents, carers and early childhood educators.    Read the article here:   https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/more-than-a-father-emotional-presence-in-early-childhood-practice/    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.   To find out more and sign up to the wait list 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 relationship-based parenting? With Cara Tyrrell - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/what-is-relationship-based-parenting/  ·       The politics of parenting with Helen Simmons - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/the-politics-of-parenting/  ·       Perception, positivity and parents with Wendy Kettleborough - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/perception-positivity-parents/     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 01:47 - Introducing Opeyemi 02:30 - Emotional presence beyond provision 06:45 - Fathers' emotional connection and their own upbringing 11:03 - Connecting with each child through time and play 14:13 - Cultural expectations and fathers' involvement 18:01 - Building support networks for fathers 22:24 - Seeing children's identities beyond behaviour 25:54 - Understanding behaviour as communication 28:05 - Connection before correction 32:26 - Pausing before responding to children 34:55 - Recognising progress without comparing children 36:33 - How adults' words shape children's sense of self 39:01 - Welcoming fathers and father figures into early childhood settings 45:05 - Supporting fathers to reconnect with their children 48:20 - Reflecting on childhood experiences and seeking support 49:46 - Protecting children from parental conflict and modelling respect 54:49 - Self-awareness and rethinking the breadwinner role 56:37 - Emotional connection in care for children with additional needs 01:00:10 - Parental burnout and supporting siblings' emotional needs 01:03:30 - Professional love and trauma-informed practice 01:04:40 - Family diversity, father figures and role models 01:07:28 - More than a father: the inspiration behind the book 01:13:22 - Further reading and closing reflections  For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

    More than a father: Emotional presence in early childhood practice

  5. Sep 28

    More than a school-leaver's route: Why apprenticeships are becoming a retention strategy in early years

    Apprenticeships are often viewed as an entry route for young people, but they can also provide a valuable pathway for developing and retaining existing early years staff. This article and podcast episode explore how apprenticeships can support career progression, strengthen workforce skills and help settings invest in the practitioners they already have.   Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/more-than-a-school-leavers-route-why-apprenticeships-are-becoming-a-retention-strategy-in-early-years/   This episode is in partnership with The Childcare Company   The Childcare Company has delivered early years and childcare training since 2008 and is rated Good by Ofsted. It delivers apprenticeships, diplomas, skill builders and academies from Level 2 to Level 5, working alongside nurseries, early years settings, schools and residential childcare providers to build resilient, qualified teams. Training is delivered by its own delivery coaches, backed by funding, enrolment and free recruitment support. The Childcare Company is an Impact Futures Group brand. Building skills, impacting futures. Find out more here: https://thechildcarecompany.com/   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 does good quality CPD look like? With Dr Julian Grenier: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/what-does-good-quality-cpd-look-like/ ·       Early years leadership stories with Jenny Weidner: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-leadership-stories/ ·       Professional curiosity: Creating cultures of reflection, safety and growth with Jack Edwards and Kelly Hill: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/professional-curiosity-creating-cultures-of-reflection-safety-and-growth/   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 – Introducing Amanda and the episode's focus on apprenticeships 02:48 – Apprenticeships are not just for school leavers 04:28 – What settings lose when an experienced practitioner leaves 06:13 – Supporting staff retention through career progression 09:30 – Early years apprenticeship pathways: Level 2 to Level 6 10:47 – Different starting points and entering early years at any age 12:33 – Connecting theory, practical experience and reflective learning 14:57 – Addressing concerns about pay cuts and starting again as an apprentice 17:01 – Recognising prior learning and choosing the right apprenticeship level 19:59 – Making time for training alongside staffing pressures 23:22 – Flexible learning sessions and arranging workplace observations 26:04 – Understanding apprenticeship funding and the levy 27:49 – Funding for settings that do not pay the apprenticeship levy 29:14 – Discussing hiring incentives for new apprentices 30:23 – National Insurance relief for apprentices 31:07 – Employer support grants for the early years teacher degree apprenticeship 32:13 – Weighing training costs against the long-term value of retaining staff 33:40 – Why workplace culture, workload and pay still matter 34:34 – A practical first step for leaders exploring staff apprenticeships 35:30 – Contacting The Childcare Company and closing reflections For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

  6. Sep 22

    Are our expectations of children in early childhood evidence informed?

    What does it really mean for a child to be 'school ready', and are the expectations we place on children actually informed by evidence? Adam Marycz explores how policy, accountability and long-held assumptions can shape early childhood practice, questioning the push towards formal learning and considering how educators can keep children's development, individuality and play at the centre.   Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/are-our-expectations-of-children-in-early-childhood-evidence-informed/   This episode is in partnership with BookedIn   BookedIn is the 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.   To find out more 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: ·       Starting school: Supporting transitions to reception and key stage 1, with Delyth Linacre: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/starting-school-supporting-transitions-to-reception-and-key-stage-1/ ·       Life skills over academic achievement, with Carmela Garcia Manas and Zanna Clarke: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/life-skills-over-academic-achievement/   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 – Hear Adam at the 2027 Voice of Early Childhood Conference 01:35 – Welcome to the live podcast recording 02:49 – Introducing Adam Marycz 04:04 – What do we really mean by 'school readiness'? 07:01 – Confidence and independence versus academic expectations 09:27 – Developmental milestones: should we lower expectations? 10:55 – Good level of development: evidence or accountability pressures? 14:11 – Using interventions without reducing children to data points 16:42 – International approaches, school starting ages and protecting play 19:47 – Are we mistaking sitting still for learning? 21:14 – Educator training and becoming critical consumers of content 23:08 – Physical development, movement and realistic expectations 25:55 – Gaps in educator training and the importance of ongoing professional development 28:01 – What can we learn from Finland and China? 30:44 – Questioning everyday practice: why are we doing this? 32:41 – What do you want children to be able to do when they leave your setting? 34:57 – Audience Q&A: school readiness, SEND and inclusion 40:15 – Audience reflections: family pressures, screen time and wellbeing 43:57 – Moving beyond discussion: evidence, advocacy and meaningful change 46:09 – Closing thanks For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

    Are our expectations of children in early childhood evidence informed?

  7. Sep 14

    Reimagining outdoor learning: Understanding agency from risk to resilience

    This podcast episode and article are a research-informed exploration of how outdoor environments, adult language and risk narratives shape children's agency. Drawing on the Reimagining Outdoor Learning Toolkit, we examine how educators can move beyond checklists, embrace managed risk, and create outdoor spaces where children's autonomy, confidence and curiosity can genuinely flourish.   Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/reimagining-outdoor-learning-understanding-agency-from-risk-to-resilience/       This episode is in partnership with BookedIn   BookedIn is the 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.   To find out more 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: ·       Impacts of outdoors on children's behaviour and attention: The science behind outdoor play series, with Dr Gemma Goldenberg: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/impacts-of-outdoors-on-childrens-behaviour-and-attention/ ·       The therapeutic nature of outdoor play, with Jenny Smillie: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/the-therapeutic-nature-of-outdoor-play/   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 guest introduction 01:35 – How the outdoor agency research began 03:06 – Children's agency in policy and practice 05:17 – What makes outdoor learning unique? 08:41 – How weather and adult perceptions shape risk 10:21 – The dry robe dilemma: when protection restricts play 12:10 – How home experiences and family attitudes shape outdoor play 16:10 – The Outdoor Agency Model: environment, adults and community 20:47 – Outdoor learning beyond the early years and PE 23:53 – Exploring the Reimagining Outdoor Learning Toolkit 27:00 – Using action research to develop your own practice 28:38 – Photo tours: putting children's voices at the heart of research 30:02 – Supporting children to understand and manage risk 31:26 – What changed? Revisiting children's outdoor experiences 32:23 – Building stronger partnerships between home and settings 36:47 – Understanding and responding to parents' worries 39:26 – Final takeaways: trust, agency and ownership of childhood 40:59 – Closing reflections, further resources and thanks For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

  8. Sep 7

    Marketing your early childhood setting is an investment, not a cost

    This article and podcast episode explore why marketing should be viewed as an investment rather than a cost, why profitability matters for sustainability, the role a setting's website plays in both occupancy and recruitment, and why social media needs a clear purpose. They also consider the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) and why, useful as it can be, it should support rather than replace human judgement, creativity and responsibility.   Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/marketing-your-early-childhood-setting-is-an-investment-not-a-cost/     This episode is sponsored by Childcare Marketing Group Childcare Marketing Group is a specialist marketing partner dedicated to supporting nurseries, preschools and early years providers. Built by people who understand the childcare sector, CMG helps nursery owners and managers attract more children, recruit great staff and build stronger, more sustainable businesses. From websites, SEO and social media to advertising, video, reputation management and enquiry conversion, the group brings everything together under one joined-up approach. At its heart, Childcare Marketing Group is about helping childcare providers stand out, tell their story with confidence and connect with the families and teams who are right for them. To find out more and sign up to the wait list visit: https://childcare.marketing/uk   Our 2027 conference info & tickets: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2027/   Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: ·       Sustainable business growth in early childhood, with Jordan Tully: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/sustainable-business-growth-in-early-childhood/ ·       Building a lasting early years brand, with Harry Mills: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/building-a-lasting-early-years-brand/     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 04:12 – Why early childhood settings need to prioritise marketing 05:31 – Marketing as an investment rather than a cost 07:56 – Why profit matters for sustainable early childhood provision 10:15 – Perception, leadership and valuing educators 12:15 – Marketing your setting as an employer 15:24 – What makes an effective careers page? 18:26 – Making enquiries and applications simple 20:15 – Social media: moving beyond likes to meaningful objectives 22:11 – Aligning marketing across different platforms 23:57 – Sharing educators' achievements on social media 26:25 – Using AI as a marketing tool 28:35 – Knowing your audience and using accessible language 30:20 – Building a clear and recognisable brand 31:18 – Why human creativity still matters when using AI 33:43 – Where should settings start when improving their marketing? 34:50 – Why your website should be the anchor of your marketing 35:42 – Organic website traffic versus paid advertising 36:50 – Marketing as an expression of your values and ethos 38:07 – Building a sustainable business and planning ahead 39:04 – Why successful settings still need to keep investing 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
    177
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    Copyright © 2023 The Voice of Early Childhood
  • Show Website
    The Voice of Early Childhood

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