The Voice of Early Childhood

The Voice of Early Childhood
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The Voice of Early Childhood

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. 3 DAYS AGO

    The emotional toll of gender stereotypes on male educators

    In education, particularly in early years settings, male educators often face gender stereotypes that impact their professional and emotional wellbeing. These expectations not only shape how male teachers are perceived but also affect their ability to express their authentic selves, nurture students, and create truly inclusive learning environments. This article and podcast episode explore the emotional toll that gender stereotypes impose on male educators and highlights the need for greater representation across early years provision, including elements such as same-sex relationships, neurodiversity, cultural differences, skin colour and the visible inclusion of male role models. Read Simon’s article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/the-emotional-toll-of-gender-stereotypes-on-male-educators Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: What is it like being a man in early childhood – Kevin Nelson – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/what-is-it-like-being-a-man-in-early-childhood/ Men in early childhood home page: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/articles/men-in-early-childhood/ Support for men:  To support men in early childhood further, we have partnered with Male Childcare & Teaching Jobs as part of this episode and ongoing podcast series on 'men in early childhood'. Male Childcare and Teaching Jobs advocate for greater male participation in education and caregiving roles, offering support and guidance to enhance gender inclusion in nurseries and schools.  To find out more visit:  https://malechildcareandteachingjobs.co.uk/  Episode break down: 00:00 – The men in early childhood series introduction 02:00 – Simon’s journey into early years 04:30 – The impact of our experiences on young children 06:45 – The lived experience of a male, neurodivergent, LGBTQIA+ educator 08:00 – The lack of male educators in early years 10:00 – Gender roles and stereotypes in society 14:00 – Toxic masculinity and its impact on children 20:10 – Tackling gender stereotypes through role play 24:45 – The only male in the whole school 28:00 – Staying resilient in the early years sector 31:10 – The toll on mental health 33:36 – External networks, mentoring and coaching For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

    35 min

  2. NOV 11

    Classroom design: How can we create awe and wonder?

    There are still too many uninspiring classrooms, staffrooms and learning spaces, with little thought around user experience. The Rocket Approach challenges this by seeking to truly redefine early years education through creativity, innovation, and design. Winsy Flores shares Rocket Production’s mission of nurturing tomorrow’s creators and thinkers, and how this is brought to life.  Read Winsy’s article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/classroom-design-how-can-we-create-awe-and-wonder/ Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: Life skills over academic achievement – Zanna Clarke and Carmela Garcia Manas – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/the-case-for-systemic-change-in-ofsteds-approach/ Enquiry led learning: A curious classroom – Stuart Cloke – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/enquiry-led-learning-a-curious-classroom/ Aligning learning environments with the needs of the brain – Dr Kathryn Murray – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/aligning-learning-environments-with-the-needs-of-the-brain/  Astrea Academy Trust Brain-SET Project – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/projects/astrea-academy-trust-project Episode break down: 00:00 – How did the Rocket mission begin? 03:00 – Uninspiring classrooms and staffrooms 04:20 – Bringing the joy back to teaching 05:15 – Trusting children’s natural curiosities 06:30 – Fostering awe and wonder through the environment 10:45 – User experience: A vital part of designing education spaces 11:50 – Creating a story around a physical space 15:00 – Creating a curious environment 16:45 – Taking inspiration from adventure playgrounds 19:00 – The era of cinema 20:10 – Affective design 21:00 – Fostering collaboration 26:30 – A competitive and academic context: How do we navigate this? 36:50 – Co-construction and international influences 40:30 – Training, CPD and time for reflection 44:00 – Trusting your team 45:50 – Themed learning 49:40 – Over-stimulation in learning environments 57:25 – Budget and being resourceful and sustainable For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

    1h 6m

  3. NOV 4

    What is it like to work in international schools?

    Leanne Galloway gives us insight into working in international schools, including challenges and opportunities, accountability measures in Dubai, Bangkok and England and cultural impacts on pedagogy, as well as her previous experience as an Ofsted inspector.  Read Leanne’s article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/what-is-it-like-to-work-in-international-schools Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: The case for systemic change in Ofsted’s approach – Lucy Lewin – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/the-case-for-systemic-change-in-ofsteds-approach/ Ofsted: ‘Sole arbiter of quality’– Dr Sue Allingham – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/ofsted-sole-arbiter-of-quality/   Episode break down: 00:00 – From a UK primary school to a Dubai international school 03:00 – Challenges and opportunities of an international school 08:00 – Creating ‘working parties’ and leading democratically 10:00 – Delegating, upskilling and empowering 11:00 – Leader vs manager/boss 15:00 – Not overloading your team with too much change 20:20 – 101 different nationalities in one school 24:00 – Instilling a longevity mindset 27:00 – High level of mobility of families 29:00 – Challenges around planning for learning 30:30 – Cultural sensitivity and climate challenges 36:50 – Working with high fee paying families 42:00 – Embarking on international work 45:40 – Challenges around cultural sensitivity 50:15 – Regulatory bodies and accountability 54:00 – Does Ofsted have an improvement focus? 01:02:45 – Collaboration is key 01:04:45 – Bringing parents into the early childhood community 01:06:30 – Opening challenging conversations For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

    1h 10m

  4. OCT 28

    Fostering independence in Montessori settings

    This podcast episode and article take a critical look at independence in Montessori practice, discussing Montessori materials, the dichotomy between work and play, an asset-based approach, the role of the adult and more. Sole Scuderi shares his experience of working in Montessori settings and explains that blended practice is considered best practice – merging different approaches and pedagogies with Montessori principles. Read Sole’s article here:  https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/fostering-independence-in-montessori-settings Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: Montessori for sustainability – Sarah Cummins -  https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/montessori-for-sustainability/ Montessori in practice today – Sarah Thorpe –  https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/montessori-in-practice-today/ Learned helplessness: Are we setting children up for failure? – Dr Sue Allingham – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/learned-helplessness/   Episode break down: 00:00 – Sharing international pedagogies 04:00 – How is independence a Montessori value? 08:28 – Self-correcting materials 11:00 – Activities for everyday living/practical life 13:00 – The adult’s role as a guide 14:30 – Calm and order in Montessori classrooms 15:10 – Cultural area of learning – the map game 18:00 – Unlocking the child’s potential through independence 19:30 – The ‘horme’ concept in Montessori 20:00 – Adult as a guide vs co-constructor 21:30 – Sensorial area in Montessori classrooms   25:30 – Is there role play in Montessori classrooms? 31:00 – ‘Mainstream provision’ blending with Montessori provision 33:00 – Modern Montessori practice 33:39 – The concept of ‘work’ in Montessori classrooms 34:45 – Is ‘work’ contradictory to ‘play’? 38:00 – Learned helplessness can happen in Montessori classrooms 39:30 – Curriculum provision in Montessori 43:30 – Unlocking a child’s potential   48:00 – Montessori classroom myth 49:00 – Cycles of activities and tidying up 56:00 – Group presentations and activities 59:00 – In the moment planning 01:01:30 – The nature table – a strong Montessori influence 01:03:40 – Taking a critical lens but equally celebrating Montessori practice For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

    1h 7m

  5. OCT 21

    Why is my child not speaking yet?

    Knowing when to step back, good quality conversations, space for both talking and listening, interacting with the environment around you…Gillian Craig shares her expertise as a language teacher and consultant, as well as a parent herself. We problematise when is the right time to stop babbling back to a child, how much choice we give to children, should we use ‘big’ words with children, whether watching TV is useful for learning language, creating a need to communicate, and much more… Read Gillian’s article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/why-is-my-child-not-speaking-yet Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: My child can’t write yet – Helen Battelley https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/my-child-cant-write-yet-the-foundations-of-early-writing/ My child can’t read yet – Stacy Benge https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/my-child-cant-read-yet/ Episodes mentioned in this recording:  Proactively promoting positive mental health – Matt Bawler https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/proactively-promoting-positive-mental-health/ The power of play in the absence of language – Marlis Juerging-Coles https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/bridging-language-barriers-for-eal-children/  Episode break down: 00:00 – My own concerns as a parent 04:30 – The intersections of parent and educator 06:00 – More input is not always better! 09:00 – Language learning through everyday routines 13:45 – Treating your child like they DO understand language 14:15 – Serve and return interactions 16:00 – You ARE doing the right things! 19:00 – If a child is not ready, don’t force them! 21:50 – Don’t always fill gaps of silence! 24:00 – Reading stories is SO valuable 26:40 – Giving children a NEED to communicate 28:50 – Is babbling back to babies ok? 36:55 – Don’t be scared of using ‘big’ words 41:30 – Labelling feelings to support self-regulation 42:30 – How watching TV can support language 52:00 – Top tips for parents and educators in Gillian’s article For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

    55 min

  6. OCT 14

    Enquiry led learning: A curious classroom

    This episode is in partnership with the Nursery Management Show Innovate, Educate, Elevate: Leading nursery management into tomorrow Experience an event that can help you, your business, and your career flourish. Located at ExCeL, London, it includes two days of insightful content, CPD training, networking, plus industry leaders and 150+ exhibitors. Register for your free ticket here: https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0cRmXs0 Adopting an enquiry led approach to learning – this is something Stuart Cloke and his team are carrying out. Stuart shares with us his journey so far, discussing key points such as the importance of ensuring the approaches you are looking at adopting actually fit in with your ethos, values and your setting. We also discuss high quality continuous provision, the challenges involved in enquiry led learning, being critical of new trends and adopting a reflective mindset.  Read Stuart’s article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/enquiry-led-learning-a-curious-classroom Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: Jan Dubiel & Ruth Swailes – What is an early years curriculum - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/what-is-an-early-years-curriculum/ Di Chilvers – Observing and documenting children’s interests - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6iplox8_54   Tricia Mohamed – The skill of observation - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/the-skill-of-observation/ Durham Early Years Curriculum Project - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/projects/education-durham-project/   Episode break down: 00:00 – Partnership message 01:25 – What is enquiry led learning? 02:40 – What made you look into enquiry led learning? 04:00 – Being mindful of trends and shifting your mindset 07:25 – What changes are you making in your planning? 09:45 – An open approach with more freedom 11:00 – Fluidity of the curriculum 14:15 – High quality continuous provision 19:00 – Challenges of enquiry led learning 22:00 – Informal training around enquiry led learning 24:00 – Neuro-affirming practice 25:00 – What about the more formal learning? 30:30 – Documentation and floor books 35:30 – Taking inspiration from other settings 38:45 – Next steps for Stuart’s team For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

    44 min

  7. OCT 7

    Scrapbooks as a methodological and practice based tool

    Dawn Jones’ and team’s research unexpectedly unveiled the use of scrapbooks as a new methodological approach to action research within practice as well as research studies. Dawn proposes that scrapbooks could provide a rich collection of documented evidence to support both the inspection framework and the EYFS outcomes.   Read Dawn’s article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/scrapbooks-as-a-methodological-and-practice-based-tool/   Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like to take a listen to and read Dawn’s previous episodes and articles:   What do children have to say about their environment? -      https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/what-do-children-have-to-say-about-their-environment/   Problematising behaviour management systems -      https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/problematising-behaviour-management-systems/   Episode break down: 00:00 – Research context 09:00 – Scrapbooks as a listening tool 11:00 – Slowing down as a researcher and educator 14:00 – A collaborative tool for practice 21:00 – Empowering students to make an impact 25:00 – Scrapbooks as an analytical tool 30:00 – Scrapbooks for aiding inspection processes 32:30 – Collaborative tool and aiding joint observations 35:00 – Developmentally appropriate documentation 40:00 – Not having complete control as educator 44:00 – Slowing down, pondering and wallowing 46:30 – Accessibility of research   For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

    50 min

  8. SEP 30

    The case for systemic change in Ofsted’s approach

    A need for a culture shift and systemic change within Ofsted – this is what setting owner Lucy Lewin is advocating for after her recent Ofsted inspection. Lucy believes that Ofsted is too focused on protecting its system’s integrity, rather than focusing on improvement and raising quality.  Read Lucy’s article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/the-case-for-systemic-change-in-ofsteds-approach/  Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: Dr Sue Allingham’s article and episode critiquing Ofsted being the sole arbiter of quality – -       https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/ofsted-sole-arbiter-of-quality/ Adam Marycz discussing the toxic and divisive rhetoric between Ofsted and the DfE and the early years sector, and how we can make a change by working together – -       https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/collaboration-between-us-the-dfe-and-ofsted-is-the-only-way-forward/ -       https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/ofsteds-and-the-dfes-voices-must-be-heard-whether-we-like-them-or-not/ Eva Kyriacou Anastasi providing an honest and raw reflection of the realistic wellbeing struggles that educators face across the teaching profession – -       https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/teacher-burnout/ Episode break down: 00:00 – What has made you lose your trust in Ofsted? 05:37 – Inspection day 08:28 – The word ‘inadequate’ 10:57 – Addressing wellbeing 11:55 – Is Ofsted’s remit improvement? 13:00 – The complaints process 16:05 – The need for a culture change 18:30 – Addressing inspectors’ own bias’s 24:00 – Changing the inspection framework 25:00 – How can things change? 28:00 – The ecosystem around the child 29:00 – Transactional to transformational 31:00 – Top down inspection process 32:00 – Making Ofsted a force for good 34:00 – Where do you go as a leader? 38:45 – Freedom of information 48:00 – From ‘inadequate’ to ‘good’ – but nothing changed 53:00 – The removal of one word judgements 54:50 – What would I like to see change? 01:00:45 – A message for policy makers 01:04:02 – What is the system we need? 01:05:00 – Is Ofsted upholding British values? 01:07:00 – Educator and parent voice during inspections 01:21:24 – Ofsted needs to listen to the sector For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

    1h 26m
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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 - 2024
  • Episodes
    91
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    Copyright © 2023 The Voice of Early Childhood
  • Show Website
    The Voice of Early Childhood

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