Early Excellence Podcast
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Join us as we discuss a diverse range of EYFS and KS1 best practice and provision, resourcing your Early Years environment and keep you up to date news and reviews from Ofsted & the DfE
204 Episodes
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What does truly high-quality education for two year olds actually look like in practice?Re-release: Originally aired on 5 Sep 2025In this episode, Andy Burt speaks with Gemma Stanton and Kate Kelly from Dulwich College Shanghai about their experiences and insights into two-year-old practice in early years education. They discuss the challenges of establishing a nurturing environment for toddlers, the importance of understanding child development, and the role of parents in the learning process. The conversation also explores the significance of creating a child-centred space and the impact of schematic play.Episode LinksExplore our Dedicated 2-4yrs PageDiscover Expert-Curated Resources for 2-3yrs
What does creating an inspiring outdoor space actually look like in early years settings?Re-release: Originally aired on 16 Jan 2026In this episode, we explore the key features of effective practice outdoors with the inspirational Kathryn Solly. As part of the conversation, we discuss the importance of creating a positive culture towards outdoor learning and explore a broad range of rich outdoor experiences.Episode LinksDiscover our brand new Outdoor RangeWatch the Outdoor Range launch videoExplore the Outdoor RoadshowOrder Kathryn's Book "Leading Learning Outdoors from Birth to Seven"
Dr Gai Lindsay joins us this week on the podcast as we explore the rich learning opportunities provided by visual art experiences. We discuss the wonderful nature of creative experiences for young children and offer practical guidance for teachers and practitioners.Episode LinksExplore Dr Gai Lindsay’s websiteOrder a copy of her book on AmazonDiscover Early Excellence resources to facilitate creativity
In this episode, Jonathan Tremewan and Jess Denning from the BBC Bitesize team join us as we explore their recent projects and resources to inspire young learners.Episode LinksExplore BBC BitesizeDiscover Early Excellences Free Learning Resources
In this, our 200th Episode, we’re joined by Nancy Stewart. We explore Nancy’s career at the forefront of early years education and also the new updated version of Birth to 5 Matters.Episode LinksExplore the Birth to 5 Matters GuidanceRead the Survey ResponsesInvest in the Continuous Provision GuidesDiscover the EExREC Baseline Assessment Tool
What happens when you take early years learning outside the classroom — and into the woods?Re-release: Originally aired on 24 Oct 2025Claire Underwood shares her journey in early years education, from teaching in affluent areas to leading outdoor learning at Hopping Hill School. She introduces Wonderwood, a nature-based space that inspires creativity and connection, and reflects on the importance of adult engagement, teacher wellbeing, and belonging in early education.Episode LinksJoin the New Outdoor Roadshow at a Location Near YouExplore our Complete Outdoor Learning Solutions
Emma Weston is our guest for this week’s episode of the podcast. Emma is a Learning Designer at Verso International School in Bangkok. As part of the conversation, Emma takes us on a tour of their inspirational learning environments and we also explore how Emma and her team follow children’s interests, and plan fascinating projects.Episode LinksDiscover our support for International Schools & SettingsRead how San Silvestre School in Lima transformed their Early Years and Key Stage One provision through international EYFS consultancy.
This week, we’re joined by Eugene Minogue, Interim Executive Director at Play England. We discuss the vital importance of play and the barriers to it within society. We also explore what needs to happen to create a positive cultural shift around play.Episode LinksExplore Play England's Official WebsiteListen to our Episode with Ruth Lue-Quee
In this episode, Anne Brass and Kate Gingles join us to discuss mixed-age classes and the complexities schools face when change is driven by necessity rather than vision. The conversation explores the difficulty of establishing a clear guiding purpose, the pressures that can lead to structural change, and the limited guidance available for schools navigating transformation in mixed-age classrooms.Episode LinksOrder our New Guide to Mixed-Aged ClassesDiscover more from Education DurhamDownload the Free School Leader Reflection Tool on Mixed-Aged ClassesFind out more about the Education Durham Mixed Phase Magic guidance books
Practical guidance for planning, resourcing, and delivering high-quality outdoor learning in the EYFS.Re-release: Originally aired on 15 Nov 2024In this episode, Evan McCormick explores the key principles of effective outdoor learning in the early years. We discuss the importance of thoughtful organisation, purposeful resourcing, and careful planning, alongside the vital role of the adult in supporting learning outdoors. The conversation focuses on creating outdoor environments that are engaging, well-structured, and responsive to children’s needs.Episode LinksJoin The Outdoor RoadshowIs Outdoor Learning a key area for development at your school or setting? Find Out About our TrainingOur Team of Curriculum Consultants are available to support you in developing your outdoor space. Find Out About our Outdoor Planning ServiceListen To Evan's First Podcast Episode
This week, we’re joined by Leanne Foster as we discuss her experience of a pilot Ofsted inspection at her school. We discuss the focus on the EYFS and the conversations that Leanne and her team had with the inspectors as part of the process.Episode LinksExplore more from Ofsted at our Senior Leader BriefingStay up to date with our Early Years Update Blogs
In this week’s episode we meet with Charlotte Knight- Benjafield and Rob Spillane from Wellington College in Shanghai. We discuss their bilingual and immersive curriculum and how they use project based learning to fully embed effective learning characteristics.Episode LinksDiscover our support for International Schools and SettingsExplore more about Wellington College
In this episode, we explore the key features of effective practice outdoors with the inspirational Kathryn Solly. As part of the conversation, we discuss the importance of creating a positive culture towards outdoor learning and explore a broad range of rich outdoor experiences.Episode LinksDiscover our brand new Outdoor RangeWatch the Outdoor Range launch videoExplore the Outdoor RoadshowOrder Kathryn's Book "Leading Learning Outdoors from Birth to Seven"
In this episode, Lana Webster shares her experience of Forest School and outdoor learning, exploring how child-led experiences in nature support wellbeing, skill development, and meaningful learning. Lana reflects on creating safe, magical outdoor environments, working with families, and the positive impact outdoor provision has on both children and staff.Episode LinksDiscover our brand new Outdoor RangeWatch the Outdoor Range launch videoExplore the Outdoor RoadshowLearn more about Lana’s Forest School approach
In this week’s episode, we’re joined by children’s Nurse and potty training expert Rebecca Mottram. Rebecca discusses the different stages of the potty training process and offers key advice for Teachers, Practitioners and parents.Episode LinksExplore Rebecca's Website to Find Out MoreDownload the FREE Supporting Children’s Toileting Needs in Early Years Settings Guidance for Preschools and Nurseries guideOrder Rebecca's book "Positively Potty" from Bloomsbury
Ruth Lue-Quee joins us this week to discuss her campaign to make play and continuous provision statutory in England’s Key Stage One Curriculum. As part of the conversation, we explore how learning through play is vital for young children’s learning beyond the EYFS.Episode LinksFind out More and Sign the Petition To Make Play and Continuous Provision statutory in England's Key Stage 1 CurriculumExplore our Complete Provision Areas and Resources for KS1Invest in the Early Excellence Guide to Continuous Provision 5-7yrs
Discover how outdoor learning can transform teaching and inspire young minds.In this episode, Sarah Seaman, also known as The Muddy Puddle Teacher, shares her journey from traditional classroom teaching to pioneering outdoor learning. With over 17 years of experience, Sarah discusses the benefits of nature-based education, offers practical tips for teachers, and introduces her new Key Stage 1 book published by Bloomsbury, inspiring schools across the UK and beyond.Episode LinksExplore Sarah’s book "The Muddy Puddle KS1 Teacher" from BloomsburyShop our Outdoor Learning Resources
Practical ways to enrich learning and meaningful talk through home corner role play in the early years.Re-release: Originally aired on 1 Apr 2022In this episode, Andy chats with Amanda Belbin from Bincombe Valley Primary School in Weymouth. Amanda shares how purposeful enhancements and high-quality interactions have made Home Corner Role Play a central part of their early years practice — inspiring creativity, communication, and confidence in young learners.Episode LinksShop our Home Corner Role Play ResourcesFollow Bincombe Valley on X Read Amanda’s Home Corner Role Play Blog
In this engaging conversation, Karen Faux, the editor of Nursery World, discusses the magazine's significant role in early childhood education over the past 100 years. She reflects on the evolution of the publication, the societal changes it has witnessed, and the influential figures who have contributed to its content. The discussion also highlights the upcoming anniversary edition, which aims to celebrate the past while looking forward to the future of early childhood education.Episode LinksExplore Nursery World's WebsiteJoin the Early Excellence Inspiration Hub App
Practical ways to recognise and build on every child’s cultural capital in the EYFS.Re-release: Originally aired on 3 Mar 2023 What does ‘cultural capital’ really mean in the early years? Nicky Turner from Astrea Multi-Academy Trust joins us to discuss how educators can celebrate children’s experiences, backgrounds, and interests — and use them to shape meaningful learning every day.Episode LinksRead our Blog "All About Building on Children’s Interests"Access Training on How to Explore and Develop Children’s InterestsExplore Continuous Provision Inside Out and make the most of your provision.
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