The Voice of Early Childhood

The Voice of Early Childhood
  • 4.5 (2)
  • How To
  • Updated Weekly

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. 1d ago

    Will you notice me? What children learn from how we respond to their distress

    What if children's distress is not just a problem to solve, but a signal of their need to be seen? This article and podcast episode explore how children's expectations about availability and effectiveness of support from close others develop through repeated interactions with multiple caregivers. Using a psychological lens - in particular looking at attachment theory - we explore how educators and parents/carers can shape these expectations of care through their everyday responses to children's distress.  Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/will-you-notice-me-what-children-learn-from-how-we-respond-to-their-distress/  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.  You can discover, compare, and manage bookings in one place – designed to help you book with more clarity and confidence. Whether you're booking CPD or are a speaker yourself, they're opening early access soon, and if you want to be first to hear when it's live, join the waiting list today!  To find out more and sign up to the wait list visit: https://waitlist.bookedin.online/   Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: ●      An introduction to John Bolwby - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/an-introduction-to-john-bowlby/ ●      An introduction to Mary Ainsworth - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/an-introduction-to-mary-ainsworth/ ●      Unconditional positive regard in early childhood: What we can still learn from Carl Rogers and Mister Rogers? - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/unconditional-positive-regard-in-early-childhood-what-we-can-still-learn-from-carl-rogers-and-mister-rogers/ ●      Understanding the impact of childhood trauma and how to develop trauma-informed practices - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/understanding-the-impact-of-childhood-trauma-and-how-to-develop-trauma-informed-practices/   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 episode focus 02:05 – Understanding distress as communication 04:14 – Why children's distress can be misunderstood 05:55 – Can you notice me? 06:57 – Repeated interactions and attachment 10:08 – Secure base script knowledge 10:46 – How children learn whether support is available 12:30 – Scripts, shortcuts and everyday experiences 15:10 – What attuned responses look like in practice 16:45 – Opening the gates of learning 17:55 – Acknowledging distress 19:57 – Feeling seen before setting limits 20:13 – Acknowledging feelings, not validating behaviour 21:34 – Sensitive limit setting 21:50 – Multiple caregivers and attachment networks 22:12 – Moving beyond one primary attachment relationship 23:54 – The role of educators and professional caregivers 25:54 – A village of caregivers 26:24 – Patterns over perfection 26:41 – Good enough care 29:30 – Children need patterns, not perfect adults 29:54 – Current research and longitudinal findings 32:30 – Secure base script knowledge and later wellbeing 33:26 – Supporting parents and the network of care 35:08 – Reflecting on the long-term impact of early relationships 36:19 – Responding to distress over time 37:17 – Intergenerational patterns of care 37:36 – A key shift in mindset 37:47 – From fixing the problem to being there 38:57 – Closing reflections and thanks For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

    40 min
  2. You Might Also Like: Morning Brew Daily

    1d ago ·  Bonus

    You Might Also Like: Morning Brew Daily

    Introducing Michaels Stages a Crafty Comeback & Americans Don’t Read Anymore from Morning Brew Daily. Follow the show: Morning Brew Daily #886: SK Hynix is slated to begin public trading on the Nasdaq as a company that has seen its stock pop more than sevenfold in due to the AI memory chip crunch. The NYC Midtown building partial-collapse scare has given pause to investors who thought it was supposed to be a boom-time for the office-to-residential revolution. Stock of the Week: Arts & crafts store Michaels is seeing success under private equity owner Apollo thanks to the demise of its competitors. Dog of the Week: Reading literacy in the US is sadly low. Finally, Claude launches its own version of “Wrapped.”  Get 10% off using MORNINGBREW10 at altrarunning.com/morningbrew  Get tickets for our trivia tournament! https://caveat.nyc/events/the-morning-brew-trivia-tournament-2026-07-30  Grab tickets to our Performance Revue show! https://www.morningbrew.com/events/brew-performance-revue-2026?utm_campaign=performance_revue_2026&utm_source=mbd Subscribe to Morning Brew Daily for more of the news you need to start your day. Share the show with a friend, and leave us a review on your favorite podcast app. Listen to Morning Brew Daily Here:⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.swap.fm/l/mbd-note⁠⁠⁠  Watch Morning Brew Daily Here:⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@MorningBrewDailyShow⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices 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.

  3. Jul 6

    Growing brains, growing bodies: Understanding ultra-processed foods

    The first five years are a once-in-a-lifetime window of opportunity for brain development. During this period, food does far more than fill tummies, it helps support learning, behaviour, emotional wellbeing and lifelong health. This article and podcast episode explore the emerging evidence around ultra-processed foods and why food quality matters during the early years.   Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/growing-brains-growing-bodies-understanding-ultra-processed-foods/     This episode is sponsored by Little Dish   Hillary Graves founded Little Dish in 2006 to provide fresh, nutritionally balanced meals for young children that tasted as good as homemade food, unlike shelf-stable alternatives with long shelf lives. Today, the award-winning range includes nine toddler meal recipes made with natural ingredients, available nationwide in the chilled aisles of major supermarkets and online.   Little Dish has expanded into frozen foods with Superstars, a new range of family favourites focused on better nutrition, including Chicken Nuggets with Hidden Veg, Crispy Fish Bites with Added Veg and Golden Veggie Bites with Mozzarella.   Every Little Dish product is developed with support from baby and child nutritionist Charlotte Stirling-Reed and approved by a panel of 250 Tiny Tasters across the UK. Ready in minutes, the range offers busy parents, grandparents and guardians stress-free healthy meals kids love.   To find out more visit: www.littledish.co.uk    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/ ·       A guide to potty training with Rebecca Mottram: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/a-guide-to-potty-training/   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 introduction to Louise 02:30 – Introducing ultra-processed foods in early childhood 03:05 – Why early brain development matters 05:45 – How food shapes brain connections, habits and behaviour 07:30 – What are ultra-processed foods (UPFs)? 10:15 – How to recognise UPFs through ingredients 12:00 – The NOVA classification and why food labels can be confusing 13:10 – Surprising examples of UPFs, including bread and baby food 15:20 – Why the concern is also about what UPFs replace 17:45 – Children's higher nutritional needs and brain energy demands 19:30 – Fortification, breakfast cereals and missing nutrients 21:05 – Fruit pouches, "no added sugar" claims and free sugars 24:10 – What happens when fruit is industrially processed 28:00 – Home-blitzed fruit, weaning and food texture 30:05 – Fruit sugars, teeth and moderation 31:40 – Vegetables, natural sweetness and balanced menus 33:30 – Texture progression, oral motor skills and speech development 35:30 – Developing children's palates through variety and repeated exposure 37:20 – Gagging, choking, allergies and safe food exploration 39:15 – Talking to children about what food does for their bodies 41:05 – Avoiding reward-based language around food 42:25 – Food relationships, marketing and emotional eating habits 43:45 – EYFS guidance, sugar and the need to explain why 45:00 – Advice for parents and educators: reducing UPFs without blame 45:35 – Early childhood settings, safeguarding and the role of menus 45:59 – Closing reflections and thanks   For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

    46 min

  4. Jun 22

    What does good quality CPD look like?

    Professional development is something every early childhood setting invests in, yet it does not always lead to meaningful or lasting change. Training sessions may be delivered, feedback forms may be completed, and educators may leave feeling inspired. But the more important question is what happens afterwards: does practice change in ways that benefit children? In this live podcast conversation and article, Dr Julian Grenier CBE reflects on what effective continuing professional development, or CPD, can look like in early childhood contexts. A central message is that high-quality professional development is not defined by a single event, but by how learning is sustained, supported and embedded over time. Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/what-does-good-quality-cpd-look-like/   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.   You can discover, compare, and manage bookings in one place – designed to help you book with more clarity and confidence.   Whether you're booking CPD or are a speaker yourself, they're opening early access soon, and if you want to be first to hear when it's live, join the waiting list today!   To find out more and sign up to the wait list visit: https://waitlist.bookedin.online/ Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: ·       Using the early years pupil premium to strengthen practice and equity, with Dr Julian Grenier - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/using-the-early-years-pupil-premium-to-strengthen-practice-and-equity/ ·       Astrea Academy Trust Project - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/projects/astrea-academy-trust-project/?playlist=56a5917&video=17c6a45   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 – Live podcast recording at Nursery World in London 02:10 – What does good-quality CPD look like? 03:22 – Introducing Dr Julian Grenier and the focus on effective professional development 04:00 – Moving beyond "train and pray" approaches to CPD 05:28 – Why professional development needs to be sustained over time 06:45 – Taking years, not days: embedding change in practice 08:05 – Motivation, relevance and why change is difficult 09:28 – What handwashing in healthcare teaches us about sustaining change 10:55 – Supporting educators through feedback, modelling and removing barriers 12:05 – Everyday coaching moments as professional development 13:10 – Aligning CPD with children, families and community context 14:28 – Working with external consultants and speakers 15:55 – Choosing fewer priorities and embedding them well 17:05 – Balancing inspiration with sustained change 18:05 – Building explicit knowledge of practices, not just enthusiasm 19:20 – Bridging theory, research and practice 20:15 – What evidence-informed CPD looks like in early childhood 21:18 – Evaluating CPD beyond feedback forms 22:10 – Looking for change one month, three months and one year later 23:02 – Final advice: focus on a few things and do them well 23:30 – Closing reflections and thanks For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

    24 min

  5. Jun 8

    What is relationship-based parenting?

    Raising happy, healthy, successful kids with the Core4Connectors - A relationship-based approach. Today's parents and carers are shifting their hopes for children from outward success to inner security. This article and podcast episode explore how relationship-based parenting from birth, rooted in trust, respect, honesty, and communication, creates the emotional safety that allows children to thrive. When children feel seen, heard, and secure, happiness and success follow naturally. Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/what-is-relationship-based-parenting/     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.   You can discover, compare, and manage bookings in one place – designed to help you book with more clarity and confidence.   Whether you're booking CPD or are a speaker yourself, they're opening early access soon, and if you want to be first to hear when it's live, join the waiting list today!   To find out more and sign up to the wait list visit: https://waitlist.bookedin.online/   Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: ●      Perception, positivity and parents with Wendy Kettleborough - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/perception-positivity-parents/ ●      The politics of parenting with Dr Helen Simmons - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/the-politics-of-parenting/ ●      Beyond partnership with families with Philippa Thompson - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/beyond-partnership-with-families/   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 to the episode and introduction to Cara 02:18 - Cara's background in linguistics, education and Core4 Parenting 03:42 - The "teacher teacher" approach: parenting, education and identity 05:10 - Interacting with children vs being in relationship with them 06:35 - Relational intelligence and the Core4Connectors 08:52 - Respect, trust, belief and being willing to talk 10:40 - Building trust through boundaries and consistent language 13:08 - The role of language in building relationships 14:32 - Commands, declarative language and moving away from imperatives 16:25 - Meaning-based communication and the power of non-verbal cues 18:18 - The "talking triangle": body language, tone, energy and words 20:05 - How children read facial expressions and emotional cues 21:18 - The trigger trap reaction cycle 22:45 - Using calm energy before words: Cara's coat anecdote 25:25 - Why connection comes before instruction 26:48 - Positive and negative imperatives: when commands are useful 28:20 - The five-to-one-and-done strategy 30:08 - Supporting children's autonomy, cognition and self-talk 31:30 - A key language shift: "if you choose to…" 33:28 - Natural consequences, ownership and critical thinking 35:05 - Introducing Talk to Them Early and Often 36:20 - Why early language matters from birth to three 37:05 - Who the book is for and where to find it 37:55 - Final reflections on autonomy, conflict and connection For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

    39 min

  6. Jun 1

    Early years leadership stories

    The stories we carry shape how we lead, often without us realising. In early years, these narratives influence who we see as a leader and how we show up. This article and podcast episode explore how leadership stories are formed, the impact they have, and how shifting them can open up more intentional and inclusive ways of leading.   Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/earlty-years-leadership-stories/   This episode is in partnership with The Early Years Leadership Conference and BookedIn.   To find out more about The Early Years Leadership Conference and grab your tickets visit: https://theearlyyearsleadershipconfer6.godaddysites.com/   To find out more about BookedIn and starting booking training 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 professional confidence? – with Dr Lewis Fogarty - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/professional-confidence-finding-the-confidence-to-speak-out/ ·      Accidental leadership in early years – With Jenny Weidner - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/accidental-leadership-in-early-years/   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 and welcome to the live podcast 01:35 About The Voice of Early Childhood and Booked-in Voices 03:05 Introducing Jenny Weidner and today's leadership discussion 04:10 Leadership stories: where our ideas about leadership come from 08:15 The influence of role models and leadership reference points 13:10 Positive and negative leadership experiences 16:05 Internal leadership stories and self-doubt 19:15 Accidental leadership and feeling unprepared for leadership roles 23:00 Imposter syndrome and leadership identity 25:10 Leadership beyond job titles 29:05 Developing professional confidence and recognising leadership in others 31:20 Untold leadership stories and the impact of personal experiences 35:05 Burnout, responsibility and the 'rescuer' mindset 37:20 Moving from accidental to intentional leadership 39:10 Audience reflections: leadership reference points 41:35 Final reflections and closing remarks For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

    43 min

  7. May 11

    Using the early years pupil premium to strengthen practice and equity

    This article and podcast episode explore how the early years pupil premium (EYPP) can be used to strengthen practice and promote greater equity across the early childhood community. Drawing on research and professional experience, they reflect on why relationships with families matter, what evidence tells us about effective use of funding, and how a focus on high-quality provision can benefit all children—particularly those facing disadvantage. They also consider the importance of professional judgement, teamwork and sustained approaches to improvement in creating meaningful and lasting impact.   Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/using-the-early-years-pupil-premium-to-strengthen-practice-and-equity/    This episode is in partnership with the Education Endowment Foundation:   The EEF is an independent charity dedicated to breaking the link between family income and educational achievement. They do this by supporting schools, colleges, and early years settings to improve teaching and learning through better use of evidence.   To find out more visit: https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/     Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: ·       The Best Start in Life strategy and what it means for the sector, with Dr Zoe Raven and Charlotte Goddard - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/the-best-start-in-life-strategy-and-what-it-means-for-the-sector/ ·       Ofsted's renewed early years inspection framework: What educators need to know, with Jayne Coward - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/ofsteds-renewed-early-years-inspection-framework-what-educators-need-to-know/   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 and welcome 01:35 – Dr Julian Grenier's background 03:45 – What is EYPP? 06:20 – Building relationships with families 09:10 – Why EYPP matters 12:10 – Research and what makes the biggest difference 16:05 – Professional development and improving quality 18:40 – Balancing quality with targeted support 22:10 – The EEF EYPP planning tool 25:15 – Whole-team approaches and sustained change 28:20 – Measuring impact in meaningful ways 31:45 – Early mathematics and communication 34:05 – Rethinking school readiness 36:10 – Strengthening equity in early childhood 37:35 – Final reflections and closing remarks For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

    38 min

  8. Apr 27

    What is sound-based emotional regulation?

    Sound based emotional regulation is an emerging approach which uses carefully designed auditory experiences including voice, rhythm and specific sound frequencies to help children regulate their nervous systems. This article and podcast episode explore the science behind sound-based emotional regulation, why it matters in early childhood, and how sound can support emotional wellbeing in a variety of developmentally appropriate ways.   Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/what-is-sound-based-emotional-regulation/   This episode is sponsored by HushAway   HushAway® is a sound-based emotional regulation initiative designed to support children's nervous systems, particularly those who are neurodivergent or experience sensory overwhelm. Using gentle soundscapes, calming voice, predictable rhythms, and ASMR-informed audio, HushAway® creates the conditions in which children can feel safe, settled, and ready to engage. Rather than focusing on behaviour management, HushAway® supports regulation at a physiological level, recognising that emotional regulation begins in the body, not with instructions. The approach is grounded in lived experience, early-years practice, and emerging research around sound, co-regulation, and nervous system safety. HushAway® works with children, families, and educators to embed compassionate, neuro-affirming regulation support into everyday environments, helping children feel understood, not corrected.   To find out more visit: www.hushaway.com   Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: ·       It's not time out, it's time in' for both of us by Julie Robinson and Charlotte Hannah: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/its-not-time-out-its-time-in-for-both-of-us/ ·       Aligning learning environments with the needs of the brain by Dr Kathryn Murray: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/aligning-learning-environments-with-the-needs-of-the-brain/   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 the episode: sound-based emotional regulation 02:10 – Guest introduction: Nikki's background and expertise 03:45 – Why emotional regulation matters in early childhood 05:30 – Behaviour as communication and understanding children's internal state 07:40 – The nervous system and co-regulation 09:50 – Why sound is powerful for emotional regulation 12:00 – What sound-based emotional regulation involves in practice 14:10 – Supporting children to develop independent regulation 16:20 – Introducing Hushaway: purpose and key features 18:50 – The inspiration behind Hushaway: sleep, routines and unmet needs 21:30 – Frequencies, ASMR and immersive storytelling 24:00 – Evidence base and research informing sound-based approaches 25:40 – Why sound regulation matters in today's context 27:10 – Using sound in educational settings and classrooms 28:40 – Considerations for educators: choosing appropriate sounds 29:10 – Advice for parents and educators 29:40 – Final reflections and key messages For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

    30 min
See All (162)

Ratings & Reviews

4.5
out of 5
2 Ratings

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
    162
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    Copyright © 2023 The Voice of Early Childhood
  • Show Website
    The Voice of Early Childhood

You Might Also Like