Little Minds, Big Ideas

The Early Years Network Ltd
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Little Minds, Big Ideas

Welcome to Little Minds, Big Ideas – the podcast where early years education meets inspiration, creativity, and a whole lot of fun! Hosted by passionate educators Emily Macfarlane and Ben Jones, this podcast is perfect for anyone invested in the world of early childhood, whether you're a teacher, parent, or just someone who believes in the power of young minds. Every Monday, Emily and Ben bring you the latest updates and must-know news from the world of early years education, keeping you ahead of the curve on the trends, challenges, and innovations shaping the future of learning for little ones. But it doesn’t stop there! Expect lively debates and thoughtful discussions on the biggest issues in early childhood education today. Emily and Ben dive deep into the topics that matter, from learning through play to the importance of outdoor exploration, always balancing expert insights with practical takeaways. Of course, no episode would be complete without a healthy dose of fun! Each week, you’ll find the show packed with games and lighthearted moments to keep things entertaining, making sure you end each episode with a smile. And when it’s time to get serious, Emily and Ben know how to tackle those tougher subjects too, offering real, relatable advice for navigating the ups and downs of working with young children. As part of the Early Years Network family, Little Minds, Big Ideas is also your go-to spot for staying up-to-date with what’s new on the platform, giving you the inside scoop on exciting content, upcoming events, and valuable resources to help you be the best educator or caregiver you can be. So, whether you’re tuning in during your morning commute, while setting up the classroom, or after a long day with your feet up, Little Minds, Big Ideas promises to deliver inspiration, information, and a bit of fun to fuel your passion for working with young children. No interviews, no fluff—just two passionate hosts sharing big ideas for the little minds that shape our future. Join us today over at www.theearlyyearsnetwork.co.uk and unlock a world of early years learning. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. The Episode All About Employee Motivation

    1 DAY AGO

    The Episode All About Employee Motivation

    In this episode of the Little Minds Big Ideas Podcast, hosts Ben and Emily discuss the importance of staff motivation in the realm of early years education. They highlight the impact of motivated staff on children's outcomes, team collaboration, and consistent attendance. The discussion covers various ways to show appreciation and recognise staff, such as professional development opportunities, autonomy, and positive reinforcement. They also touch on current news regarding childcare costs and share personal anecdotes about their experiences with team dynamics. The episode underscores the significance of creating a positive and supportive work environment to ensure the best outcomes for children. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    35 min
  2. Dear Diary: Celebrating Our Team

    3 DAYS AGO

    Dear Diary: Celebrating Our Team

    In this episode of 'Diary of an Early Years Educator,' Emily Macfarlane shares the highlights and challenges of organising a recent award ceremony to celebrate the staff from all four nurseries in their network. Held on a Saturday night, the event featured a quiz, formal attire, and multiple awards recognising long service, learning through play, personal development, and more. Emily discusses the shift from summer conferences with guest speakers to this new celebration format, the positive feedback received, and her own emotional journey presenting at the event. Tune in to hear how the evening unfolded, and join Emily next time as she and Ben talk about staff motivation and appreciation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    17 min
  3. The Episode All About Culture Capital

    NOV 13

    The Episode All About Culture Capital

    In this episode of the Little Minds Big Ideas podcast, hosts Ben and Emily from the Early Years Network discuss various topical issues despite suffering from lingering coughs. They start with a light-hearted apology for their health and then delve into recent news about the American elections, touching upon Trump's educational policies. They explore the concept of 'culture capital' in depth, discussing how it impacts early years education, and touch upon broader social issues, multiculturalism, and the education system's role in preparing children for future success. The episode wraps up with a preview of upcoming content and events, including a discussion about their upcoming award ceremony. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    32 min
  4. The Episode All About Process Over Product

    NOV 11

    The Episode All About Process Over Product

    In this episode of 'The Diary of an Early Years Educator,' Emily discusses her recent challenges and successes, including planning an awards ceremony and dealing with illness. She emphasises the importance of focusing on the process rather than the product in early years education, particularly during the Christmas season. Emily offers various Christmas activity ideas, from bauble painting to Christmas collages, while advocating for child-led creativity and reducing pressure on perfection. She wraps up by sharing her love of Christmas movies and invites listeners to share their favourites. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    18 min
  5. Dear Diary: Positive Vibes in Early Years Education

    NOV 6

    Dear Diary: Positive Vibes in Early Years Education

    In this episode of The Diary of an Early Years Educator, Emily takes over for Ben, who is unwell, to share some positivity in the early years education field. She addresses the negative atmosphere prevalent on social media and offers several uplifting viewpoints on the joy and fulfilment of working with young children. Emily emphasises the excitement of unpredictable daily routines, the comfort of being a supportive network for families, the magic of celebrations through children's eyes, and the joy of witnessing developmental milestones Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    15 min
  6. Dear Diary: EYFS Updates and Tough Talks with Parents

    NOV 4

    Dear Diary: EYFS Updates and Tough Talks with Parents

    In this episode of 'The Diary of an Early Years Educator,' Emily shares her recent experiences, including a Halloween event, battling tonsillitis, and updates on the EYFS changes effective from November 1st. She also delves into managing difficult conversations with parents, offering practical tips on maintaining honesty, privacy, and child-focused discussions. Emily concludes with personal book recommendations and a look at some upcoming content. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    18 min
  7. The Episode All About Halloween Room 101

    OCT 30

    The Episode All About Halloween Room 101

    Join Ben and Emily for a special Halloween edition of the Little Minds, Big Ideas Podcast. While Emily battles tonsillitis, they discuss their experiences with Halloween, share opinions on the spookiest holiday traditions, and debate what should go into their Halloween Room 101. From trick-or-treating mishaps to the controversy of pumpkin patches, they cover it all in this fun-filled episode! Don't forget if you enjoyed this episode make sure to head over to The Early Years Network where you can find a world of early years training and development at your finger tips at a click of a button. All for just £4.99 a month. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    30 min
  8. The Episode All About True or False Early Years Edition

    OCT 23

    The Episode All About True or False Early Years Edition

    Join hosts Ben and Emily in the latest episodes of the Little Minds, Big Ideas Podcast as they recount their hilarious adventures in Cornwall, address the drama and dynamics of Big Brother, and dive into the complexities of early childhood development. From sharing favourite spots and experiences in Cornwall to discussing the challenges faced by celebrities and the importance of balancing cognitive, physical, and emotional development in children, the hosts cover a wide range of engaging topics. They debunk common myths about child development, explore the impact of routines and behaviour management, and touch on the societal impact of negative news versus positive stories. With teasers of future episodes, including a big Halloween special, insightful debates, and hands-on advice for educators, this podcast offers an entertaining and educational experience for all listeners. Don't forget if you enjoyed this episode make sure to head over to The Early Years Network where you can find a world of early years training and development at your finger tips at a click of a button. All for just £4.99 a month. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    37 min
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About

Welcome to Little Minds, Big Ideas – the podcast where early years education meets inspiration, creativity, and a whole lot of fun! Hosted by passionate educators Emily Macfarlane and Ben Jones, this podcast is perfect for anyone invested in the world of early childhood, whether you're a teacher, parent, or just someone who believes in the power of young minds. Every Monday, Emily and Ben bring you the latest updates and must-know news from the world of early years education, keeping you ahead of the curve on the trends, challenges, and innovations shaping the future of learning for little ones. But it doesn’t stop there! Expect lively debates and thoughtful discussions on the biggest issues in early childhood education today. Emily and Ben dive deep into the topics that matter, from learning through play to the importance of outdoor exploration, always balancing expert insights with practical takeaways. Of course, no episode would be complete without a healthy dose of fun! Each week, you’ll find the show packed with games and lighthearted moments to keep things entertaining, making sure you end each episode with a smile. And when it’s time to get serious, Emily and Ben know how to tackle those tougher subjects too, offering real, relatable advice for navigating the ups and downs of working with young children. As part of the Early Years Network family, Little Minds, Big Ideas is also your go-to spot for staying up-to-date with what’s new on the platform, giving you the inside scoop on exciting content, upcoming events, and valuable resources to help you be the best educator or caregiver you can be. So, whether you’re tuning in during your morning commute, while setting up the classroom, or after a long day with your feet up, Little Minds, Big Ideas promises to deliver inspiration, information, and a bit of fun to fuel your passion for working with young children. No interviews, no fluff—just two passionate hosts sharing big ideas for the little minds that shape our future. Join us today over at www.theearlyyearsnetwork.co.uk and unlock a world of early years learning. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    The Early Years Network Ltd
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2024
  • Episodes
    70
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 The Early Years Network Ltd
  • Show Website
    Little Minds, Big Ideas

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