37 episodes

Emily Macfarlane from The Early Years Network is on a mission to shine a light on the incredible industry that is Early Years, and demonstrate why it's about so much more than bum wiping and babysitting. Join Emily and her fabulous guests as they embark on a rollercoaster of a journey exploring important topics that help shape who we are, and what our future is set to become. With a range of guests from inside the early years world and beyond, undoubtedly everyone has a story to tell when it comes to early years!Little Minds, Big Ideas is a 'The Early Years Network' production.Join us today over at www.theearlyyearsnetwork.co.uk and unlock a world of early years learning.
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Little Minds, Big Ideas The Early Years Network Ltd

    • Kids & Family

Emily Macfarlane from The Early Years Network is on a mission to shine a light on the incredible industry that is Early Years, and demonstrate why it's about so much more than bum wiping and babysitting. Join Emily and her fabulous guests as they embark on a rollercoaster of a journey exploring important topics that help shape who we are, and what our future is set to become. With a range of guests from inside the early years world and beyond, undoubtedly everyone has a story to tell when it comes to early years!Little Minds, Big Ideas is a 'The Early Years Network' production.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.

    The Episode All About Sex Education

    The Episode All About Sex Education

    Join Ben and Emily this week on Little Minds, Big Ideas as they dive into some of the most pressing issues affecting young minds today. In this episode, they explore the controversial topic of sex education bans for children under 9 and the implications this has for early childhood development. They also discuss the upcoming mental health class initiatives, highlighting how these programs aim to equip kids with the tools they need for emotional well-being.
    The hosts take a deep dive into the common societal urge to reassure others with "it’s okay," and how we can shift our mindsets to foster genuine, positive mental health. In honour of Mental Health Week, Ben and Emily share personal experiences and stories that underscore the importance of mental health awareness and support. Additionally, they examine the impact and dangers of social media on mental health, offering insights into how young people can navigate the digital world safely and mindfully. Tune in for a heartfelt and informative discussion that promises to leave you with a deeper understanding of the mental health challenges and opportunities facing our children today.


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    • 38 min
    The Episode All About Men In Childcare

    The Episode All About Men In Childcare

    In this episode of "Little Minds, Big Ideas," Emily has been ejected from the host seat as Ben welcomes a very special guest, Claudio Sisera from 'Male Childcare & Teaching Jobs,' to the studio. Together, they embark on a captivating exploration of the role of men in early childhood education.
    Delving deep into the conversation, Ben and Claudio highlight the multitude of benefits that come with male representation in the childcare sector. From providing diverse role models to offering unique perspectives, they shed light on why it's crucial to encourage more men to pursue careers in early years education. However, they don't shy away from addressing the challenges and barriers that men may encounter along the way. From societal stereotypes to systemic obstacles, Ben and Claudio engage in a candid discussion about the realities of being a man in a predominantly female-dominated profession.
    As the conversation unfolds, they also cast a hopeful gaze towards the future, envisioning a landscape where men are not only welcomed but celebrated in early childhood education. They explore potential solutions and strategies for fostering inclusivity and equality within the field, inspiring listeners to join the movement towards positive change.
    Tune in to this enlightening episode as Ben and Claudio navigate the complexities and possibilities of men in childcare, inviting listeners to rethink traditional perceptions and embrace a more inclusive vision for the future of education. 🎧

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    • 47 min
    The Episode All About Gender Stereotypes

    The Episode All About Gender Stereotypes

    Welcome to "Little Minds, Big Ideas," the podcast where we dive deep into the world of early childhood development with your hosts, Emily and Ben, from The Early Years Network. Join us as we unravel the mysteries of those crucial first years of life, exploring topics, news, and insights that illuminate the importance of early childhood education.
    Join Emily and Ben as they bring their expertise and passion to the forefront, delving into topics ranging from cognitive development to effective teaching strategies, all while weaving in anecdotes and experiences from their work at The Early Years Network. Through casual chats and thought-provoking dialogue, they uncover the latest trends, news, and research shaping the early years landscape.
    Whether you're a parent, educator, or simply curious about the fascinating world of early childhood, "Little Minds, Big Ideas" is your go-to podcast. Together, let's celebrate the wonder of childhood and champion the significance of investing in our youngest learners. Tune in, subscribe, and join us on this enriching journey into the magical realm of early years development.

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    • 42 min
    The Episode All About Storytelling & Books

    The Episode All About Storytelling & Books

    Welcome to 'Little Minds, Big Ideas,' episode 24 where Ben and Emily delve into the enchanting realm of storytelling in early childhood education.
    Discover the profound impact of stories and storybooks on young minds, as we explore their pivotal role in fostering imagination, language development, and social-emotional skills.
    Join us as we share practical strategies, expert insights, and engaging anecdotes to inspire and empower educators in nurturing the next generation of storytellers.
    And of course, we'll sprinkle in some Harry Potter chat along the way, because who doesn't love a bit of magic in education?

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    • 35 min
    The Episode All About Being Curious

    The Episode All About Being Curious

    Welcome to "Little Minds, Big Ideas," the podcast where we explore the fascinating world of childhood development and parenting strategies to nurture young minds. Join your hosts Ben & Emily as they delve into the latest research, expert insights, and practical tips to support children's growth and development. In each episode, Ben & Emily unpack a different aspect of early childhood development, from nutrition and cognitive development to social-emotional skills and beyond. With a focus on empowering parents and caregivers, they provide actionable advice and evidence-based strategies to help children thrive.
    In this episode all about being curious, Emily and Ben explore a number of topics in an action packed episode! Starting with a deep dive into some of the latest news in the world of early years, before exploring the topic of STEM and discussing some of the latest classes soon to be available over on The Early Years Network.
    Whether you're a parent, caregiver, educator, or anyone interested in children's health and well-being, "Little Minds, Big Ideas" is your go-to resource for navigating the exciting journey of early childhood development. Join Ben & Emily as they share big ideas for little minds, one episode at a time.
    As always if you enjoyed this podcast make sure to head over to The Early Years Network and discover a world of early years training and development for just £4.99 a month!

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    • 43 min
    The Episode All About Food, Glorious Food!

    The Episode All About Food, Glorious Food!

    Welcome to "Little Minds, Big Ideas," the podcast where we explore the fascinating world of childhood development and parenting strategies to nurture young minds. Join your hosts Ben & Emily as they delve into the latest research, expert insights, and practical tips to support children's growth and development. In each episode, Ben & Emily unpack a different aspect of early childhood development, from nutrition and cognitive development to social-emotional skills and beyond. With a focus on empowering parents and caregivers, they provide actionable advice and evidence-based strategies to help children thrive.
    In this episode all about nourishing young minds, Ben & Emily dive into the importance of prioritising nutrient-dense foods for children's health and well-being. They discuss the critical role of fruits and vegetables in providing essential vitamins, minerals, and fibre for growing bodies. Drawing on the latest research in neuroscience and nutrition, they explore why early experiences with food are so crucial and offer practical tips for introducing healthy eating habits from an early age.
    But it's not just about nutrition – Ben & Emily also address the current social issues surrounding rising food prices and food insecurity levels, highlighting the challenges faced by families in accessing nutritious foods. Through insightful discussions and inspiring stories, they empower listeners to make informed choices and create a positive food environment for their children.
    Whether you're a parent, caregiver, educator, or anyone interested in children's health and well-being, "Little Minds, Big Ideas" is your go-to resource for navigating the exciting journey of early childhood development. Join Ben & Emily as they share big ideas for little minds, one episode at a time.

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    • 51 min

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