Talking Early Years

Showcase Training

Welcome to Talking Early Years: A Showcase Training Podcast! Showcase Training are an Early Years-specialist training provider based on the south coast of the UK. This podcast explores the world of early childhood education, development, and care, as well as discussing supplementary topics such as business, safeguarding, and careers. Whether you’re a learner, educator, parent, or someone passionate about nurturing young minds, this podcast is your go-to resource. Get in touch to share ideas and topics by emailing us at hello@showcasetraining.co.uk, or visit our website showcasetraining.co.uk!

  1. 2D AGO

    Episode 17 - Different Approaches in Nurseries

    Welcome to the next episode of Talking Early Years! In this episode, Gemma and Ellen explore the different approaches used within nursery settings and how they shape children’s experiences, learning, and development. Together, the conversation looks at a range of early years approaches, considering how environments, routines, and practitioner interactions can vary between settings. We also explore the influence of key theorists and approaches, including Froebel and the Reggio Emilia approach, and how their ideas continue to shape modern early years practice. We reflect on how these approaches influence children’s independence, confidence, and emotional wellbeing, and why there is no one-size-fits-all model when it comes to supporting young learners. Key themes include challenging perceptions of what “high-quality” practice looks like, understanding how different philosophies and frameworks guide practitioners, and recognising the importance of adapting approaches to meet the needs of individual children. We also share practical examples and real-life experiences from nursery settings to support both practitioners and parents in understanding what effective early years practice can look like. Whether you are an early years professional, a parent choosing a setting, or simply interested in child development, this episode offers a thoughtful and relatable discussion to support your understanding of different nursery approaches in practice. Showcase Training are an Early Years-specialist training provider based on the south coast of the UK. Meet our hosts, Gemma and Ellen:⁠https://showcasetraining.co.uk/2025/01/09/podcast-meet-the-hosts/⁠ We would love your feedback on the episode, including comments and ideas for future discussions.Email us at ⁠hello@showcasetraining.co.uk⁠ and visit our website for further resources and reading at ⁠www.showcasetraining.co.uk⁠.

    50 min
  2. MAY 1

    Safeguarding Short: Serious Crime

    Welcome back to another episode of our Safeguarding Shorts side series, where we unpack key safeguarding topics and explore their relevance in everyday practice. In this special extended episode, we’re taking a deeper dive into the complex and often confronting area of Serious Crime and its intersection with safeguarding. Joined by guest speaker Jim Pegler, Director of the Violence Reduction Unit for Hampshire and Isle of Wight, we explore how serious violence impacts children, families, and communities, and what this means for professionals working across services. Together, we unpack what we mean by serious crime in a safeguarding context, including themes such as exploitation, violence affecting young people, and the wider contextual risks that can shape a child’s lived experience. We explore how these issues can present in practice, the warning signs practitioners need to be aware of, and the importance of seeing beyond presenting behaviours to understand underlying vulnerability. Throughout the episode, we reflect on the value of multi-agency collaboration, information sharing, and early intervention in reducing harm and preventing escalation. Jim shares insight into the role of Violence Reduction Units and the importance of a public health approach to tackling serious violence, reminding us that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. As always, we emphasise the importance of professional curiosity, respectful challenge, and keeping the child firmly at the centre of all decision making. This longer “Safeguarding Short” offers space for deeper reflection, practical insight, and a broader understanding of how serious crime connects to safeguarding in everyday practice. Supporting Links:Showcase Monthly Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://mailchi.mp/showcasetraining/subscribe-to-showcase-training⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Showcase Safeguarding Newsfeed: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://showcasetraining.co.uk/safeguarding/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠NSPCC CASPAR Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/newsletter/caspar⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hampshire Safeguarding Children Partnership Webinars: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://hampshirescp.event-booking.org.uk/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Showcase Training are an Early Years specialist training provider based on the south coast of the UK. Meet our hosts, Gemma and Ellen! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://showcasetraining.co.uk/2025/01/09/podcast-meet-the-hosts/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We’d love your feedback on the episode, including comments and ideas for future discussions. Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠hello@showcasetraining.co.uk⁠⁠⁠⁠ and visit our website for more safeguarding guidance and resources: ⁠www.showcasetraining.co.uk⁠.

    41 min
  3. APR 15

    Episode 16 - Parenting Types & Styles

    Welcome to the next episode of Talking Early Years! In this episode, Gemma and Ellen are joined by guest speaker Hannah to explore the different types of parenting styles and the impact they can have on children’s development, behaviour, and wellbeing. Together, the conversation unpacks a range of approaches, including authoritative, permissive, authoritarian, and gentle parenting. We reflect on how these styles show up in everyday interactions, how they shape children’s emotional security and independence, and why flexibility is often key when responding to individual children’s needs. Key themes include challenging common assumptions around what “good” parenting looks like, understanding the influence of our own upbringing on how we parent today, and recognising that there is no single ‘right’ way. We also share practical insights and real-life experiences to support parents and practitioners in building positive, responsive relationships with children. Whether you are a parent, early years professional, or simply interested in child development, this episode offers a thoughtful and relatable discussion to support your understanding of parenting in practice. Showcase Training are an Early Years-specialist training provider based on the south coast of the UK.Meet our hosts, Gemma and Ellen:https://showcasetraining.co.uk/2025/01/09/podcast-meet-the-hosts/ We would love your feedback on the episode, including comments and ideas for future discussions. Email us at hello@showcasetraining.co.uk and visit our website for further resources and reading at www.showcasetraining.co.uk.

    50 min
  4. APR 1

    Safeguarding Short: Fabricated or Induced Illness

    Welcome back to another episode of our Safeguarding Shorts side series, where we unpack key safeguarding topics and explore their relevance in everyday practice. In this episode, we’re exploring Fabricated or Induced Illness (FII), a complex and often misunderstood form of abuse that places children at significant risk of harm. Sometimes referred to as Perplexing Presentations or medically fabricated illness, FII can be particularly challenging for professionals to identify and respond to with confidence. We break down what Fabricated or Induced Illness is, how it presents in practice, and why it requires careful, coordinated multi agency working. We discuss the patterns and indicators practitioners may observe, including discrepancies in medical histories, frequent or unexplained health concerns, and situations where a child’s presentation differs from the parent’s account. Throughout the episode, we reflect on the importance of professional curiosity, accurate and objective recording, and maintaining a clear focus on the child’s lived experience. We explore the emotional impact these cases can have on professionals, the risks of disguised compliance, and the importance of respectful challenge within and across agencies. Supporting Links:Showcase Monthly Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://mailchi.mp/showcasetraining/subscribe-to-showcase-training⁠⁠⁠⁠Showcase Safeguarding Newsfeed: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://showcasetraining.co.uk/safeguarding/⁠⁠⁠⁠NSPCC CASPAR Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/newsletter/caspar⁠⁠⁠⁠Hampshire Safeguarding Children Partnership Webinars: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://hampshirescp.event-booking.org.uk/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Showcase Training are an Early Years specialist training provider based on the south coast of the UK. Meet our hosts, Gemma and Ellen! ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://showcasetraining.co.uk/2025/01/09/podcast-meet-the-hosts/⁠⁠⁠⁠ We’d love your feedback on the episode, including comments and ideas for future discussions. Email us at ⁠⁠⁠hello@showcasetraining.co.uk⁠⁠⁠ and visit our website for more safeguarding guidance and resources: ⁠www.showcasetraining.co.uk⁠.

    11 min
  5. MAR 15

    Episode 15 - Careers in Early Years

    Welcome to the next episode of Talking Early Years! In this episode, Gemma, Ellen, and guest speakers Nicky and Sophie explore the wide range of career opportunities within the early years sector and the important role the workforce plays in shaping children’s earliest experiences. Together, the conversation looks at the different pathways into and out of early years, from apprenticeships and qualifications to career progression within settings and leadership roles. The discussion highlights the skills, passion, and dedication required to work with young children, as well as the rewards that come from supporting their learning, development, and wellbeing during such a critical stage of life. Key themes include breaking down common misconceptions about careers in early years, recognising the professionalism within the sector, and encouraging more people to consider early childhood education as a meaningful and impactful career choice. We also reflect on our own journeys into early years, sharing insights and advice for those who may be considering entering the profession. Whether you are already working in early years, thinking about starting a career in the sector, or interested in understanding more about the people behind early childhood education, this episode offers an encouraging and informative discussion. Showcase Training are an Early Years-specialist training provider based on the south coast of the UK.Meet our hosts, Gemma and Ellen:https://showcasetraining.co.uk/2025/01/09/podcast-meet-the-hosts/ We would love your feedback on the episode, including comments and ideas for future discussions. Email us at hello@showcasetraining.co.uk and visit our website for further resources and reading at www.showcasetraining.co.uk.

    38 min
  6. MAR 1

    Safeguarding Short: Mandatory Reporting Duty 2026

    Welcome back to another episode of our Safeguarding Shorts side series, where we unpack key safeguarding topics and explore their relevance in everyday practice. In this episode, we’re focusing on the Mandatory Reporting Duty and what it means for professionals working with children and young people. With recent developments and increased national attention on strengthening safeguarding systems, understanding when and how a mandatory duty applies is more important than ever. We explore what mandatory reporting is, who it applies to, and the types of concerns that may trigger a legal duty to report. We break down the difference between statutory requirements and broader safeguarding responsibilities, helping practitioners feel clear about their role and accountability within current UK frameworks. We also reflect on the challenges professionals may face, including confidence in decision making, fears around getting it wrong, and balancing relationships with families while prioritising the child’s safety. As always, we emphasise a child-centred approach grounded in clarity, confidence and compassion. Supporting Links:Showcase Monthly Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://mailchi.mp/showcasetraining/subscribe-to-showcase-training⁠⁠⁠⁠Showcase Safeguarding Newsfeed: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://showcasetraining.co.uk/safeguarding/⁠⁠⁠⁠NSPCC CASPAR Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/newsletter/caspar⁠⁠⁠⁠Hampshire Safeguarding Children Partnership Webinars: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://hampshirescp.event-booking.org.uk/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Showcase Training are an Early Years specialist training provider based on the south coast of the UK. Meet our hosts, Gemma and Ellen! ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://showcasetraining.co.uk/2025/01/09/podcast-meet-the-hosts/⁠⁠⁠⁠ We’d love your feedback on the episode, including comments and ideas for future discussions. Email us at ⁠⁠⁠hello@showcasetraining.co.uk⁠⁠⁠ and visit our website for more safeguarding guidance and resources: ⁠www.showcasetraining.co.uk⁠.

    12 min
  7. FEB 15

    Episode 14 - The Father's Role

    Welcome to the next episode of Talking Early Years! In this episode, Gemma and Ellen are joined by guest James Sproat, Director of Sales at Showcase and a dad himself, to explore an important and sometimes overlooked topic in early childhood practice: the father’s role. Together, the conversation looks at how fathers and male caregivers can support children’s learning, development, and wellbeing from the very earliest years. The discussion reflects on changing family dynamics, the impact of positive male role models, and the barriers that can sometimes prevent fathers from feeling fully included in early years settings. Key themes include engaging fathers in meaningful ways, challenging stereotypes around caregiving and early education, and recognising the unique contributions fathers bring to children’s development. James also shares personal reflections on fatherhood, offering an honest and relatable perspective that bridges professional insight with lived experience. Whether you are an early years professional, a parent, or someone interested in building stronger partnerships with families, this episode offers thoughtful discussion, practical reflections, and encouragement to create more inclusive, welcoming environments for all caregivers. Showcase Training are an Early Years-specialist training provider based on the south coast of the UK.Meet our hosts, Gemma and Ellen:https://showcasetraining.co.uk/2025/01/09/podcast-meet-the-hosts/ We would love your feedback on the episode, including comments and ideas for future discussions.Email us at hello@showcasetraining.co.uk and visit our website for further resources and reading at www.showcasetraining.co.uk.

    51 min
  8. FEB 1

    Safeguarding Short: FGM and Honour-Based Violence

    Welcome back to another episode of our Safeguarding Shorts side series, where we unpack key safeguarding topics and explore their relevance in everyday practice. In this episode, we’re focusing on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and Honour-Based Violence (HBV) - complex, sensitive forms of abuse that can affect children and young people across all communities. We explore what FGM and HBV are, why they are safeguarding issues, and the crucial role professionals play in recognising risk, responding appropriately, and supporting those affected. We discuss key indicators and warning signs, common myths and misconceptions, and the legal and safeguarding frameworks that underpin practice in the UK. The episode also considers how these forms of abuse can intersect with culture, identity, gender and control, and why a trauma-informed, culturally sensitive approach is essential, without losing sight of the child’s right to safety. Throughout the conversation, we share practical guidance on how practitioners can create safe spaces for disclosure, ask difficult questions with confidence, and work effectively with other agencies when concerns arise. We also highlight the importance of professional curiosity, clear recording, and understanding when and how to escalate concerns. Join us as we break down this challenging topic with clarity and care, drawing on national safeguarding guidance and real-world practice to help you feel more confident in identifying, responding to and preventing harm related to FGM and Honour-Based Violence. Supporting Links:Showcase Monthly Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠https://mailchi.mp/showcasetraining/subscribe-to-showcase-training⁠⁠⁠Showcase Safeguarding Newsfeed: ⁠⁠⁠https://showcasetraining.co.uk/safeguarding/⁠⁠⁠NSPCC CASPAR Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/newsletter/caspar⁠⁠⁠Hampshire Safeguarding Children Partnership Webinars: ⁠⁠⁠https://hampshirescp.event-booking.org.uk/⁠⁠⁠ Showcase Training are an Early Years-specialist training provider based on the south coast of the UK. Meet our hosts, Gemma and Ellen!⁠⁠⁠https://showcasetraining.co.uk/2025/01/09/podcast-meet-the-hosts/⁠⁠⁠ We’d love your feedback on the episode, including comments and ideas for future discussions. Email us at ⁠⁠hello@showcasetraining.co.uk⁠⁠ and visit our website for more safeguarding guidance and resources: ⁠www.showcasetraining.co.uk⁠.

    14 min

About

Welcome to Talking Early Years: A Showcase Training Podcast! Showcase Training are an Early Years-specialist training provider based on the south coast of the UK. This podcast explores the world of early childhood education, development, and care, as well as discussing supplementary topics such as business, safeguarding, and careers. Whether you’re a learner, educator, parent, or someone passionate about nurturing young minds, this podcast is your go-to resource. Get in touch to share ideas and topics by emailing us at hello@showcasetraining.co.uk, or visit our website showcasetraining.co.uk!