Froebel Trust Podcast

Following the International Froebel Society Conference in the summer, in this episode of The Froebel Trust Podcast we catch up with six Froebelians across the globe on their reflections on Froebelian education.  Together with presenter Colin Kelly, they explore Froebel's influence throughout history, why Froebelian pedagogy is so important for modern educators and young children today, and how the approach can be used to navigate both modern day and future challenges. "You're part of a professional community that has succeeded in many places over very long periods of time and often under circumstances that were pretty tricky for all different sorts of reasons. So I think that's important just to know that you're not alone." Dr. Kristen Nawrotzki  "Everything about Froebel for myself helps me to meet the needs of my children and helps me to get it right for them and think about what's important for them and put them at the heart of everything we're doing." Donna Kilpatrick  "[Froebelian education] is a way of thinking about education that puts the child at the centre that really has a very sound value base that I think offers teachers and educators opportunities to make sense of it as learners in their own right." Dr Karen Vincent "I think it's a great contribution to inclusive education too, because in his engagement with educationally disadvantaged children and young people affected by poverty and disability, Froebel is already regarded as a pioneer of inclusion and a school for all, I think." Dr Andrea Schmid "One of my favourite phrases, 'life is messy.' [...] it's part of being alive and that makes us human. But if AI starts making everything more predictable, you know. Too much listening, too much coping with children's emotions and over empathising with their every little emotions and eliminating conflicts or failure. Then, I mean can you really call that education?" Grace Choi "Early years educators are part of a profession and part of one of the characteristics of a profession is having a common history that becomes, and knowing that becomes part of our professional socialisation and builds community." Professor Larry Prochner Join us as we take a journey through Froebelian education past, present and future and find out how a Froebelian approach has been and continues to be used to support educators of young children.  Guests in this episode:  Professor Larry Prochner Professor Larry Prochner is a professor of early childhood education at the University of Alberta. He has been a member of research teams for two Froebel Trust-funded history projects—Froebelian Endeavours and Reimagining Teaching. He is the editor, with Kristen Nawrotzki, of the forthcoming book Nature and Early Education: Global Perspectives on Outdoor Learning for Young Children, to be published by Routledge. He serves on the executive committee of the International Froebel Society and was co-president for several years.  Dr Kristen Nawrotzki Dr. Kristen Nawrotzki is a historian of education at Heidelberg University of Education in Germany. She has authored numerous studies of the movements for Froebelian education in the US, UK and elsewhere and is a former co-president of the International Froebel Society.  Dr Karen Vincent Dr Karen Vincent is an Honorary Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood Education at Canterbury Christ Church University. Her experiences as a teacher in early years settings are at the root of her pedagogical research interests. She is currently engaged in researching with nurseries in Kent to explore pedagogical interactions in the outdoors. This is part of a Froebel Trust funded project to explore the use of wearable technology to explore freedom with guidance. She is also engaged in a collaborative project with Birmingham City University and the University of the West of England exploring experiences of Early Childhood Studies graduates in the workplace. She co-wrote Supporting Early Literacies through Play, with Dr Kate Smith. Karen is Secretary and Vice Chair of the England branch of the International Professional Development Association (IPDA), Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and a TACTYC Trustee. Donna Kilpatrick Donna Kilpatrick is a Mum of two girls aged 19 and 17. She has taught in Falkirk schools for over 25 years and is proud to be the Head Teacher of Whitecross Primary School and Nursery.  Donna recently started her Froebel journey and has been so inspired by the teaching that she received at the University of Edinburgh where she completed the Froebel in Childhood Practice Course.    Donna has had the opportunity to learn from the most amazing educators but also had the privilege to meet them at the IFS Conference in Erfurt. She is passionate to ensure that play and the Froebelian Principles continue to be developed in her practice at her nursery and school.  Grace Choi Grace Choi is the President of the International Froebel Society and the Principal of Rainbow Kids International Kindergarten in Beijing, China. For over a decade, Grace has been committed to advancing Froebelian principles in early childhood education, focusing especially on Froebel Gift Blocks teacher training since 2012. As the founder of Rainbow Teacher Training School, Grace has worked closely with educators and organizations like the Korean Froebel Society and Taiwan Froebel and Montessori Society to bring Froebel's child-centered approach to educators in China and beyond.  In recent years, Grace has shifted her attention to the intersection of technology and Froebelian education. She believes that in the face of rapid technological advances—especially in areas like AI and digital learning—it is more important than ever to focus on maintaining a holistic, child-centered approach to education. Instead of simply adapting Froebelian education to fit into the modern tech-driven world, Grace is passionate about exploring how Froebel's principles can coexist with technological innovation, preserving the integrity of Froebelian pedagogy in a world increasingly shaped by machines and digital platforms.  Grace's work is grounded in the belief that the future of education must prioritize the whole child -nurturing intellectual, emotional, and social development- not just focusing on solutions that serve narrow human advancement. She is dedicated to pioneering a future where Froebelian values continue to inspire holistic learning environments amid the challenges of the digital age.  Dr Andrea Schmid Dr Andrea Christine Schmid is a professor of the University of Erfurt in Thuringia/Germany at the Faculty of Educational Science and the Department of Special and Social Education. Her main areas of focus in research and teaching are as follows: special needs education and inclusion, Reform- and Froebel Pedagogy, health and professionalization research and counseling. She heads the Froebel Research Unit at the University of Erfurt and is Vice President of the International Froebel Society. Links and resources for educators related to Episode 19: Froebel Trust Short Courses - A series of short courses for educators and carers in early years settings. A series of Froebel Trust pamphlets - available to download for free on the Froebel Trust website. A transcript of Episode 19 is available to download at froebel.org.uk/training-and-resources/podcast Visit the Froebel Trust website to access a range of free resources and find out more about a Froebelian approach to early childhood education. froebel.org.uk

Welcome to the Froebel Trust Podcast - inspiring conversations about early learning.     This podcast is for you if you've ever wondered what a Froebelian approach to early education is all about - and want to know what it looks like in action.   This podcast series is presented by Colin Kelly. He's a journalist and father of 2 young sons. He has no existing experience of a Froebel based approach but wants to find out more.   Access the training and resources discussed in this podcast.   You'll hear from this panel of expert guests: Dr Stella Louis, Lead Tutor for the Froebel Trust Short Courses and an independent early years consultant.   Sally Cave, Headteacher at Guildford Nursery School and Family Centre and Co-director of The Froebel Partnership.    Professor Chris Pascal, Director of the Centre for Research in Early Childhood    Dr Lynn McNair, Head of Cowgate Under 5's Centre in Edinburgh and Programme Director of Froebelian Futures.   Simon Bateson, Co-director of Froebelian Futures and a senior practitioner at Cowgate Under 5's Centre.       Visit the Froebel Trust website to find out more about our work and to contact us with any comments or questions.        Find out more about our podcast guests and access a transcript of this podcast       Access Froebel Trust training and resources        Follow/Subscribe to this podcast and you'll receive new episodes as they're published.  

In this episode, our host Colin Kelly asks his panel to explain more about the Froebel early years setting. What does it look like? And sound like? How would you know you were in a Froebel based nursery or early years setting? What sets it apart from others?   Our panel of experts returns. You'll hear from: Dr Stella Louis, Lead Tutor for the Froebel Trust Short Courses and an independent early years consultant.   Sally Cave, Headteacher at Guildford Nursery School and Family Centre and Co-director of The Froebel Partnership.   Professor Chris Pascal, Director of the Centre for Research in Early Childhood.   Dr Lynn McNair, Head of Cowgate Under 5's Centre in Edinburgh and Programme Director of Froebelian Futures.   Simon Bateson, Co-director of Froebelian Futures and a senior practitioner at Cowgate Under 5's Centre.     Visit the Froebel Trust website to find out more about our work and to contact us with any comments or questions.     Find out more about our podcast guests and access a transcript of this podcast.     Access Froebel Trust training and resources.     Follow/Subscribe to this podcast and you'll receive new episodes as they're published.

In this episode, Colin and guests discuss how educators can ensure that we celebrate difference in early years settings. How can we make sure early years settings are welcoming places for everyone? And how might a Froebelian approach support early years settings to connect with families, carers and local communities? You'll hear from: Dr Stella Louis, Lead Tutor for the Froebel Trust Short Courses and an independent early years consultant.     Sally Cave, Headteacher at Guildford Nursery School and Family Centre and Co-director of The Froebel Partnership     Professor Chris Pascal, Director of the Centre for Research in Early Childhood Dr Lynn McNair, Head of Cowgate Under 5's Centre in Edinburgh and Programme Director of Froebelian Futures   Simon Bateson, Co-director of Froebelian Futures and a senior practitioner at Cowgate Under 5's Centre     Visit the Froebel Trust website to find out more about our work and to contact us with any comments or questions.   Find out more about our podcast guests and access a transcript of this podcast   Access Froebel Trust training and resources   Follow/Subscribe to this podcast and you'll receive new episodes as they're published.

What is block play? In this episode, presenter Colin Kelly and guests discuss what block play looks like in early childhood education now - and find out more about the difference it can make to children's learning and development.  How is playing with wooden blocks relevant to young children now? And what space and resources do early years settings and schools need to encourage young children's block play? You'll hear from:  Lauren Gray - Senior Early Years Officer at Larbert Village Nursery and Primary School in Falkirk, Scotland.  Paula Phillips - Senior Leader at Tops Day Nursery Group, with Early Years settings throughout S.W. England. Paula has also been a Froebel Trust Travelling Tutor since 2017. Jane Whinnett MBE - Associate Tutor on the Froebel in Childhood Practice course at the University of Edinburgh and a Travelling Tutor for the Froebel Trust. Jane is author of the Froebel Trust pamphlet on Froebel's Gifts and Block Play Today.     Visit the Froebel Trust website to access the free resources mentioned in this episode, find out more about our work and contact us with any comments or questions.

This episode explores outdoor play and young children's connections with nature. Froebel was a pioneering educator who invented kindergarten. The word kindergarten actually means 'garden for children'. Froebel's vision was for a garden which offered space for young children's play and exploration, with educators making time for children to be in contact with nature.  How can schools and early years settings support outdoor play for young children now?  And, what if your setting is in the middle of the city or has very limited access to outdoor space?  You'll hear from: Beverley Dickinson - Nursery Manager at Tiddlers Wraparound in Caerphilly, Wales Holli Williams - Froebel Trust trustee and Head of Schools at Linden Tree Nursery Schools in South London Janice Marriott - Head of Tuff Kid Nursery in Golders Green in North London Felicity Thomas - a Froebel Trust Travelling Tutor and former Head of Earlham Nursery School in Norwich  Visit the Froebel Trust website to find out more about our guest speakers and to access the free resources mentioned in this episode.

A thought-provoking discussion which challenges all educators who work with babies and young children to consider the basis for their approach to assessment in nursery schools, early years settings and kindergartens. This episode of the Froebel Trust podcast asks: how can a Froebelian educator navigate assessments, inspections and progress reporting systems in schools and early years settings today?  what does a Froebel approach to assessment look like in practice?  how might observing young children help educators to truly see what young children know, understand and are able to do? You'll hear from: Dr Stella Louis - Lead Tutor for the Froebel Trust Short Courses, author and an independent early years consultant. Gaynor Brimble - School Improvement Partner (Early Years), South East Wales Education Achievement Service Visit the Froebel Trust website to find out more about our guest speakers and to access the free resources mentioned in this episode.

Froebel, the inventor of kindergarten, recognised that children thrive when they are emotionally secure and in close relationships with others - educators, families and carers. Presenter Colin Kelly and his guests explore how children's wellbeing is connected to educators' wellbeing. They discuss ways that leaders and managers can best support educators' wellbeing in their work with children and families in schools and early years settings. "...relationships are absolutely at the heart of Froebelian practice... relationships deeply matter... there needs to be a space where practitioners/ educators can talk about their relationships..." Dr Peter Elfer In this episode of the Froebel Trust podcast you'll hear from: Dr Peter Elfer - Honorary Research Fellow, School of Education at the University of Roehampton Holli Williams - A Froebel Trust Travelling Tutor and Head of Schools at Linden Tree Nursery Schools in South London Dr Jools Page - Senior Early Years Lecturer, School of Education at University of Brighton  Dr Robyn Dolby - A psychologist and researcher who specialises in infant mental health and supporting educators in early years settings Visit the Froebel Trust website to find out more about our guest speakers and to access the free resources mentioned in this episode.

Recent data from the Department for Education suggests only 2% of the people who work in early years education in England are male. This episode of the Froebel Trust podcast asks - why does early childhood education continue to have one of the most gender imbalanced workforces? And what would Froebel, inventor of kindergarten, have made of this? Presenter Colin Kelly and his panel of guests consider how nursery school and early years setting leaders could support more men to work in early education. "... if we really believe in giving children equal opportunities... it's all about challenging stereotypes. And we do that on a day to day basis within our settings. But our workforce is this giant stereotype, we've got a lot of work to do to challenge that..." Pete Moorhouse In this episode of the Froebel Trust podcast you'll hear from: Matt Langton - educator at Outdoor Owls and Nursery World Awards 2023 Practitioner of the Year Pete Moorhouse - Froebel Trust Travelling Tutor and early years creative consultant Dr Shaddai Tembo - lecturer in Early Childhood Studies at Bath Spa University Louie Werth -  Froebel Trust PhD bursary student at the University of Cambridge  Visit the Froebel Trust website to find out more about our guest speakers and to access the free resources mentioned in this episode.  www.froebel.org.uk

Educators working in nursery schools and early years settings across the UK share their personal stories about how they connected with a Froebelian approach and their experiences of changing the way they work with young children. "...the Froebelian principles are the original reasons why people go into teaching and then, due to the political climate, due to all the other stuff that comes with teaching, that gets forgotten..." Jessica Holme Today, there are many kinds of settings, centres and schools offering early childhood education and supporting young children and their families - all working with diverse funding and governance systems. Our guests discuss with presenter Colin Kelly whether a Froebelian approach can still work in any kind of early years setting or school today. Our panel of guests in this podcast episode are: Annamaria Bevan - Head at Ely & Caerau Children's Centre Jessica Holme - A Froebel trained primary school teacher Paula Phillips - Early years leader and Froebel Trust Travelling Tutor Craig Taylor - Registered childminder "I found, as lots of people do, that I was actually Froebelian by nature, but I just hadn't come across that terminology and hadn't realised how much I fitted, how much I belonged in the Froebelian pedagogy and principles..." Paula Phillips You can find out more information about each of our guests at www.froebel.org.uk/training-and-resources/podcast Visit the Froebel Trust website to access the free resources mentioned in this episode and find out more about the Froebel Short Courses.  www.froebel.org.uk

A special episode to celebrate 12 months since the Froebel Trust podcast was first launched - with over 10,000 downloads of the series so far! A 40minute, informative and thought-provoking compilation of extracts from the series - featuring inspiring conversations about early learning. The series has been created for all educators who work with babies and young children. This episode, presented by Colin Kelly, will take you on whistle-stop tour of the past nine episodes - introducing many of the guests and experts who've appeared on the series to date.  A chance to catch up on previous episodes and find out what a Froebelian approach to early childhood education is all about... before more, brand new episodes are released later this Spring. You can find out more information about each of our podcast guests at www.froebel.org.uk/training-and-resources/podcast Visit the Froebel Trust website to access the free resources mentioned in this episode and find out more about the Froebel Short Courses.  www.froebel.org.uk

Babies are often overlooked in discussions about early childhood education and care today. With the rapid expansion of baby room provision in England underway - with new government funded childcare support being offered from September 2024 to working parents with a child from 9 months old – it's time to focus on the experiences, rights and needs of babies in early years settings This episode of the Froebel Trust podcast explores what it's like working in a baby room today: What skills and knowledge do educators caring for babies need? Are early years settings ready to welcome more babies? And how might a Froebelian approach support educators in their work with babies? "....we've had this astronomical growth in particularly private sector provision for very young children, and that's only going to grow in England from September this year. I think we have to find a way of ensuring that babies have environments that are specifically designed for them... We need to think about space. We need to think about cosy spaces. We need to think about access to gardens..." Dr Caroline Guard "... we really need to wind back, slow down, allow ourselves to slow down with our children, allow our children to slow down and allow practitioners to slow down..." Julia Manning-Morton Guests appearing in this episode include:  Dr Caroline Guard - Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood Education at Kingston University, London Julia Manning-Morton - Author, lecturer and Froebel Trust Travelling Tutor Chloe McLaughlin & Kerri Stephen - Two experienced educators who work with and care for babies at Poppies Pre-school in Aberdeenshire. You can find out more information about each of our guests at www.froebel.org.uk/training-and-resources/podcast During Episode 11 presenter, Colin Kelly, and guests refer to the following resources for educators: 'Thinking About Babies' by Dr Caroline Guard, Froebel Trust, April 2024 (free to download) 'A Sense of Belonging' A project report from Poppies Pre-School, November 2023 (free to download) 'The Baby Room' by Kathy Goouch and Sacha Powell, OU Press, 2013 'From Birth to Three' by Julia Manning-Morton, Routledge, March 2024  'Shifting the Conversation' A report by the Early Education and Childcare Coalition, Spring 2024 (free to download) 'Froebel's principles and practices today' by Helen Tovey, Froebel Trust, 2020 (free to download) 'Elinor Goldschmied and treasure baskets' – a collection of resources and information available via the Froebel Trust website: (free to access) 'Slow knowledge and the unhurried child' - A collection of resources and information connected to Dr Alison Clark's 'slow pedagogy' research and work. Available via the Froebel Trust website: (free to access)   Visit the Froebel Trust website to access the free resources mentioned in this episode and find out more about the Froebel Short Courses.  www.froebel.org.uk

In this episode, guest presenter Dr Kate Smith (Froebel Trust Travelling Tutor) looks at the ways educators can support babies and young children's language and literacy in schools and settings today. Kate is joined by a panel of experts, sharing the latest research and exploring a holistic approach to developing literacy in early childhood education. Together they discuss how babies learn language, the use of phonics in schools, the importance of singing, play, storytelling and much more... "...rhythm is the hidden glue that underpins all the world's language systems..." Prof. Usha Goswami "This idea that there's one way to teach children to learn to read is just not tenable..." Prof. Dominic Wyse Guests appearing in this episode: Professor Usha GoswamiUsha Goswami CBE FRS FBA is Professor of Cognitive Developmental Neuroscience at the University of Cambridge and a Fellow of St John's College, Cambridge. She is also founding Director of the Centre for Neuroscience in Education.  After training as a primary school teacher, Usha decided to pursue research in child psychology. Her core interests are the neural mechanisms underpinning language acquisition, including relationships to the rhythmic structure of infant- and child-directed speech and the brain basis of dyslexia and speech and language difficulties. She is researching the potential utility of assistive listening technology, coupled with music- and rhythm-based behavioural interventions. Find out more at BabyRhythm Jane WhinnettJane Whinnett MBE is an associate tutor on the Froebel in Childhood Practice course at the University of Edinburgh and a Froebel Trust Travelling Tutor.She is author of the Froebel Trust pamphlet on Froebel's Gifts and Block Play Today and co authored Sewing with Young Children. She has published chapters in 'Early Childhood Practice: Froebel Today' (2012) and co-edited the award winning book 'Putting Storytelling at the Heart of Early Childhood Practice' (2020) and 'The Bloomsbury Handbook to Friedrich Froebel' (2023). Jane trained as a primary school teacher, later specialising in early years and went on to become Headteacher at two local authority nursery schools in Edinburgh. In 2019 Jane was awarded an MBE for services to Early Childhood Education. Professor Dominic WyseDominic Wyse FAcSS FRSA is Professor of Early Childhood and Primary Education at the Institute of Education (IOE), University College London (UCL). He is Founding Director of the Helen Hamlyn Centre for Pedagogy (0-11 Years) (HHCP), a research centre devoted to improving young children's education. Dominic was President of the British Educational Research Association (BERA) from 2019 to 2022. Dominic has made a leading contribution to research on curriculum and pedagogy, including national curricula, for more than 25 years. He has led multiple research projects and has published many books and research papers. Dominic's main research is on effective teaching of reading and writing. His book 'The Balancing Act: An Evidence-Based Approach to Teaching Phonics, Reading and Writing' (co-authored with Charlotte Hacking. Routledge Publishing), and a research paper, advanced 'The Double Helix of Reading and Writing', a new theory and model for teaching. Dominic's research on writing developed 'the ear of the writer' as a metaphor for effective writing across the life course, for novice and expert writers. This multidisciplinary research was published in the book 'How Writing Works: From the invention of the alphabet to the rise of social media' (Cambridge University Press). An original feature of the work was the comparisons made between language and music. Dominic's research on grammar and writing, in the context of national curricula, has included seminal research papers and more recently a randomised controlled trial to examine a new approach to teaching grammar. The book 'Teaching English, Language and Literacy - 5th Edition' (with Helen Bradford and John-Mark Winstanley. Routledge) has been a leading text for teachers and teacher education for more than 20 years. -   During Episode 12 presenter, Dr Kate Smith and guests refer to the following research and resources for educators: How rhythm and tone are key for the early language-learning brain by Prof. Usha Goswami (Nursery World magazine, March 2024) BabyRhythm Project, University of Cambridge The Baby Room by Kathy Goouch and Sacha Powell, OU Press, 2013 Froebel's principles and practices today by Helen Tovey, Froebel Trust, 2020 (free to download) Empowering learning: Play, symbols and creativity by Prof. Tina Bruce, Froebel Trust, 2023 (free to download) The Balancing Act: An Evidence-Based Approach to Teaching Phonics, Reading and Writing by Prof. Dominic Wyse, Charlotte Hacking, Routledge, June 2024 Synthetic phonics and the teaching of reading by Dominic Wyse and Usha Goswami, British Educational Research Journal, 2008 (free to access)   Visit the Froebel Trust website to access the free resources mentioned in this episode and find out more about a Froebelian approach to early childhood education. froebel.org.uk

A special edition of the Froebel Trust podcast bringing together two highly respected champions of the Early Years sector - Liz Roberts (former Editor-in-Chief, Nursery World) in conversation with Professor Tina Bruce CBE. This episode was recorded in the week leading up to the 2024 UK General Election. During their conversation, they discuss the state of early childhood education today and hopes for the future. "The thing I care about most is that if children are going to be in group settings, they need to be with nurturing, knowledgeable adults." 
Prof. Tina Bruce CBE A transcript of this episode is available at: froebel.org.uk/training-and-resources/podcast Guests appearing in this episode: Professor Tina Bruce is considered a world-leading Froebelian educator. She has written or edited over 30 books about early childhood education and is perhaps best known for the 'ten principles of early childhood education' first published in 1987 in her book Early Childhood Education. Many know Tina for her writing and extensive work about young children's play – introducing the idea of 'free flow play' and championing the need for children to be given time and opportunity to play in schools and early years settings. In the 1990s and into the 2000s she worked with successive Ministers for Children - as Coordinator of the Early Years Advisory Group. During her career, Tina has worked with a freelance portfolio with CPD and consultancy across a variety of early childhood context. She co-founded the Centre for Early Childhood Studies (which later became the Early Childhood Research Centre at Roehampton University) - and as an educator she is guided by Froebelian principles, being known for her ability to interweave theory and practice in creative and challenging ways. In 2008, she was made a CBE for Services to early years education and in 2014 was given the Nursery World Lifetime Achievement Award. Tina, with a group of Froebelian colleagues, helped to re-establish the Froebel Certificate courses in Scotland and at the University of Roehampton. She led the group who subsequently developed these into a format for the Froebel Trust Short Courses. These introduced Froebel's main ideas and educational approach. They are designed for everyone who works with babies and young children in early years settings and schools today. In the past year alone, the Froebel Trust offered over 1,500 training places for educators in the UK, allowing them to take part in the Short Courses designed by Tina. Liz Roberts is a consultant, editor and writer. She started working at Nursery World in 1996 leading its editorial operations for many years. Liz stepped down as editor-in-chief in 2023. She frequently chairs early years events, as well as commenting on the early years sector for national TV, radio and newspapers. During her career Liz has been a member of several early years sector working groups and think-tanks. She is also a trustee of CREC, the Centre for Research in Early Childhood. - During Episode 13 guests, Liz Roberts and Prof. Tina Bruce, refer to the following research, policies, organisations, courses and resources for educators: EPPE - The Effective Provision of Pre-School Education (EPPE) Project: Final Report: A Longitudinal Study Funded by the DfES 1997-2004. Sylva, Kathy; Melhuish, Edward; Sammons, Pam; Siraj-Blatchford, Iram; Taggart, Brenda; (2004) Institute of Education, University of London/ Department for Education and Skills/Sure Start: London. QTS - Qualified Teacher Status The Plowden Report (1967) Froebel Trust Short Courses NNEB - National Nursery Examination Board qualification Usha Goswami How rhythm and tone are key for the early language-learning brain. Nursery World: March 2024.  Dominic Wyse and Alice Bradbury Reading wars or reading reconciliation? A critical examination of robust research evidence, curriculum policy and teachers' practices for teaching phonics and reading (2022) The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) Report - The short- and medium-term impacts of Sure Start on educational outcomes (2024) HMI - His Majesty's Inspector (HMI). Ofsted inspectors visit, inspect and report on the quality of places of education and learning in England. Ofsted is the Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills. Ofsted is a non-ministerial department. Peter Mortimore - Ofsted: The case for reform (2023) Peter McKellar - Imagination and Thinking: A Psychological Analysis (1957)

At a time of year when many young children are joining early years settings and schools for the first time - this podcast episode explores how educators can support and welcome every child. How can educators today ensure that they are offering a truly inclusive environment which allows all children to play and learn? "One of the key Froebelian principles is starting where the learner is at, letting the child be the stage they are at and not focusing constantly on pushing them to reach the next stage... A Froebelian approach is all about respecting diversity, respecting that all children are different..." Eve Mawby Whistler Presenter Colin Kelly is joined by a panel of guests: Dr Agnes Agyepong Agnes is a mother of three and the Founder and CEO of Global Black Maternal Health, a leading advocate for empowering Black communities to reclaim their health narratives. Agnes spearheaded the pioneering Black Child SEND report and conference, highlighting the experiences of Black children and their families with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. As a maternal health advocate and former Head of Engagement at a national charity, Agnes is dedicated to promoting representative research in maternal health, education and healthcare. Janice Marriott Janice is Head of Tuffkid Nursery which is part of Kisharon Charity Organisation. Kisharon offers education, opportunity and support for people with learning disabilities and their families throughout life's journey. Tuffkid is a Jewish nursery for mainstream children and those with disabilities and special educational needs, with an integrated approach to learning through play. Tuffkid has been recognised by Ofsted three consecutive times as 'Outstanding'. Janice has been working as Head of Tuffkid for 22 years and has a background in Education and Therapy. Having completed four Elements of the Froebel Trust Short Courses at Tuffkid, Janice has introduced Froebel to Kisharon School which has been participating in the year long Froebel Trust Online Course. Janice has promoted parent/ family involvement with Froebel in the nursery, with Dr Stella Louis supporting Parent Evening. Eve Mawby Whistler Eve worked in a maintained nursery school in Peckham, London for over 6 years and is currently a nursery teacher in a primary school in Cambridgeshire. She gained her MA in Early Childhood Studies at University of Roehampton and it was there that she became inspired by a Froebelian approach to early education. She is now a Froebel Trust Travelling Tutor, sharing her Froebelian knowledge and supporting educators in schools and settings across the UK. Eve co-authored the Froebel Trust pamphlet 'Supporting children with additional needs'. Published in September 2024. - Research, links and resources for educators mentioned in Episode 14: Supporting children with additional needs by Eve Mawby Whistler with Lizzie Montgomery (Froebel Trust, September 2024) Free to download. Black Child SEND Report: Accessing special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) provision for Black and mixed Black heritage children: Lived experiences from parents and professionals living in South London (Global Black Maternal Health, February 2024)Free to download. Tuffkid Nursery, London Nursery attachments and the Key Person role by Dr Peter Elfer (Froebel Trust, September 2022) Free to download. - A transcript of Episode 14 is available to download at froebel.org.uk/training-and-resources/podcast - Visit the Froebel Trust website to access the free resources mentioned in this episode and find out more about a Froebelian approach to early childhood education. froebel.org.uk

In this episode, presenter Colin Kelly and guests discuss the the main challenges facing leaders in early childhood education today. What does being "a leader" mean in nursery schools and early years settings? And how might a Froebelian approach support leaders in their work with educators, young children and families? This episode is packed with advice and inspiration for anyone starting out in their first leadership role and for those who are keen to develop leadership skills. "...leadership can not just be with one person. It can't be assigned to a job title... leadership has to be throughout everything you do... giving everybody that confidence and the skills to be able to lead in their own way, in ways that suits them..."
Sam Jones, Headteacher, Tremorfa Nursery School Presenter Colin Kelly is joined by a panel of guests: Simon Bateson Simon was a Co-director of Froebelian Futures, an international training and research programme (funded by the Froebel Trust 2021- 2024) which aimed to develop and deepen Froebelian pedagogy and leadership in Scotland and beyond. He teaches on the Froebel and Social Justice MSc at The University of Edinburgh. Simon also works as a senior practitioner with young children at Cowgate Under 5's Centre in Edinburgh.  In 2024, he co-led a Froebel Trust funded research project which considered anti-racist practice in early childhood eduction today and co-authored (with Dr Shaddai Tembo) a guide for educators: Playing with Power (free to download). Kayla Halls Kayla Halls is a Research Fellow at Middlesex University. Kayla worked alongside Dr Mona Sakr on a Froebel Trust funded research project: Exploring Froebelian Principles in Early Years Leadership (November 2024). She recently completed her MA in Early Childhood at University of Roehampton. Sam Jones Sam Jones is Headteacher at Tremorfa Nursery School in Wales. Sam has recently taken part in the Froebel Trust Short Courses and leads a maintained nursery school in Cardiff. The nursery school is family-centred, "... a resource for the whole community..." offering courses for parents, baby groups and a community cafe on site. Research, links and resources for educators mentioned in Episode 15: Froebelian Leadership (a 10 minute short film), produced by Froebelian Futures in 2023. Exploring Froebelian Principles in Early Years Leadership (final report), a research project led by Dr Mona Sakr - with Kayla Halls. Funded by the Froebel Trust. Completed in November 2024. Tremorfa Nursery School, Cardiff, Wales. What is Froebelian Leadership?, a recorded session from the Froebelian Futures Conference held in Edinburgh in May 2024. Cowgate Under 5s Centre, Edinburgh, Scotland. Froebel Trust Short Courses - a series of short courses for educators and carers in nursery schools and early years settings. - A transcript of Episode 15 is available to download at froebel.org.uk/training-and-resources/podcast - Visit the Froebel Trust website to access the free resources mentioned in this episode and find out more about a Froebelian approach to early childhood education. froebel.org.uk

The latest episode of the Froebel Trust podcast explores the ways educators and leaders in early years settings can develop play and learning environments which inspire and truly reflect children's interests.  Froebel was the inventor of Kindergarten. He advocated for places where young children can grow and develop at their own pace, nurtured by knowledgeable and supportive adults - a place for activity, curiosity, investigation and play. But what does that look like in the modern education system of today? "... it's really important to think about how the children feel... Do they feel secure? Do they feel that sense of curiosity - that they want to investigate and find out more?" Emma Short, Headteacher, Camborne Nursery School Find out what the key ingredients of a Froebelian early years setting are and the difference a nurturing learning environment can make to young children today - with special guests Helen Adams, Liam Graham, Emma Short, Helen Tovey: Helen Adams Helen is the Headteacher of Truro Nursery School in Cornwall. She has worked in a range of schools as well as leading an additional resource base. She co-authored the Froebel Trust pamphlet "Creating Environments for Children to Play and Learn" (published in January 2025). Liam Graham Liam Graham is a Reception teacher with 7 years teaching experience, and currently the Early Years Lead at Monnow Primary School. Liam is passionate about child-centred learning, outdoor learning, offering rich, engaging, and meaningful experiences for all our children - and recently completed the Froebel Trust Short Courses. Recognising Liam's approach to Early Years education, the Welsh Government recently invited him to create a presentation on 'Enabling Learning at Monnow Primary School' - sharing his experience of implementing a Froebelian approach. Emma Short Emma is the Headteacher of Camborne Nursery School in Cornwall. She has extensive experience of working in early years both in the UK and abroad. She co-authored the Froebel Trust pamphlet "Creating Environments for Children to Play and Learn" (released in January 2025). Helen Tovey Helen is a former Principal Lecturer in Early Childhood Studies at the University of Roehampton. She is a Froebel trained nursery teacher and previous headteacher of an inner city nursery school. She is the author of "Bringing the Froebel Approach to your Early Years Practice" (published by Routledge) and the Froebel Trust pamphlets "Froebel's Principles and Practice Today" and "Outdoor Play and Exploration". _ Links and resources for educators mentioned in Episode 16: Creating Environments for Children to Play and Learn by Helen Adams and Emma Short (Froebel Trust, January 2025) Froebel's Principles and Practice Today by Helen Tovey (Froebel Trust, March 2020) Outdoor Play and Exploration by Helen Tovey (Froebel Trust, August 2017) Bringing the Froebel Approach to your Early Years Practice by Helen Tovey (Routledge, 2017) 'Enabling Learning at Monnow Primary School' - a presentation by Liam Graham (2024) Froebel Trust Short Courses - A series of short courses for educators and carers in nursery schools and early years settings. - A transcript of Episode 16 is available to download at froebel.org.uk/training-and-resources/podcast - Visit the Froebel Trust website to access the free resources mentioned in this episode and find out more about a Froebelian approach to early childhood education. froebel.org.uk

Episode 17: A Froebelian Path in Bewildering Times This special episode of the Froebel Trust Podcast was recorded at the Trust's 2025 Conference, Inspiring Early Learning. During this episode Presenter Colin Kelly hears from Jane Whinnett as she presents her keynote speech, a Froebelian Path in Bewildering Times. Through Jane's speech, this episode explores Froebel's ideas, the resurgence of academic interest in his teaching, and the relevance of Froebelian principles and practice today.   "[Froebel's] views of training and women becoming educators was ridiculed in his time and yet these ideas have become foundations of current early childhood education and care today." A transcript of this episode is available at: froebel.org.uk/training-and-resources/podcast  Guests appearing in this episode: Jane Whinnett MBE started studying Froebel in 2005 at the University of Roehampton. She was previously the head teacher of two Edinburgh Nursery Schools and now tutors at the University of Edinburgh where she contributes to two courses: Froebel in Childhoos Practice and MSc Education: Early Childhood Practice and Froebel pathway. Jane is also an Endorsed Froebel Travelling Tutor who teaches the Froebel Trust's Short Courses and Online Course. In 2019, Jane received an MBE from HRH The Prince of Wales for services to early education. She and her co-authors were also awarded the 2021 Nursery World Professional Book Award for Putting Storytelling at the Heart of Early Childhood Practice [Bruce, McNair and Whinnett Eds. 2020, Routledge].  During Episode 17, Jane refers to the following resources and courses for educators, including: Courses: Froebel in Childhood Practice Course at the University of Edinburgh MSc Education: Early Childhood Practice and Froebel pathway at the University of Edinburgh Froebel Certificate in Early Childhood at the University of Roehampton. Early Childhood Studies (MA) at the University of Roehampton Articles,books and resources: Bruce, T., (2021) Friedrich Froebel A Critical Introduction to key Themes and Ideas London: Bloomsbury Bruce, T., McNair, L., Whinnett, J., (2023) Putting Storytelling at the Heart of Early Childhood Practice Abingdon: Routledge Bruce, T., (2023) Empowering learning: play, symbols and creativity London: Froebel Trust Colliles, S., Play and Inclusion https://www.froebel.org.uk/about-us/the-power-of-play/play-and-inclusion Imray, S., Thomson, T., and Whinnett, J., (2023) A Froebelian approach to sewing with young children London: Froebel Trust Lilley, I. M., (1967)  Friedrich Froebel A Selection from his Writings London: Cambridge University Press Louis, S., (2022) A Froebelian approach to observing young children London Froebel Trust Manning-Morton, J., (2024) From Birth to Three An Early Years Educator's Handbook Abingdon: Routledge May, H., (2006) 'Being Froebelian': An Antipodean analysis of the history of advocacy and early childhood in History of Education, 35(2) pp.245-262 McNair, L.J., Learning from our children The story of Eilidh in Bruce, T., Nishida, Y., Powell, S., Wasmuth, H., and Whinnett, J.,(eds) (2024) Bloomsbury Handbook to Friedrich Froebel London: Bloomsbury McNair, L J., and Powell, S. (2020) Friedrich Froebel: a path least trodden. Early Child Development and Care, 191(7–8), pp. 1175–1185.  Moorhouse, P. (2021) A Froebelian approach to the wonder of woodwork London: Froebel Trust Osgood, J., Archer, N.J., Albin-Clark, J., & Mohandas, S., (2024) Bewildering early childhood 'pioneers', Pedagogy, Culture & Society, 32:4, 875-883, DOI: 10.1080/14681366.2024.2355096 Parker, L.,(2017) A Froebelian approach to exploring clay London: Froebel Trust Pascal, C., Bertram, T., Cave, S., Bruce, T., Lyndon, H., Bennett, S., & Denham, A., (2024) Praxeological action research: a Froebelian approach for professional development, flourishment and wellbeing, European Early Childhood Education Research Journal, 32:6. 1059-1078, DOI: 10.1080/1350293X.2024.2427849 Sakr, M., & Kaur, V., (2024) Re-imagining the Froebelian influence on early childhood education as a dynamic and ever-changing web of encounter, Pedagogy, Culture & Society, 32:4, 923-940, DOI: 10.1080/14681366.2024.2355092 Snaza, N., (2013) Bewildering Education, Journal of Curriculum and Pedagogy, 10:1, 38-54, DOI: 10.1080/15505170.2013.783889 Stewart, N., Hope brings change in Bruce, T., Nishida, Y., Powell, S., Wasmuth, H., Whinnett, J., Bloomsbury Handbook to Friedrich Froebel London: Bloomsbury Tovey, H., (2nd ed)(2017) Bringing the Froebel Approach to your Early Years Practice Wasmuth, H., (2022) What does in mean to be Froebelian in the 21st century? An essay in Global Education Review 9 (2) p23 Whinnett, J., (2024) Introduction in Bruce, T., Nishida, Y., Powell, S., Wasmuth, H., Whinnett, J., Bloomsbury Handbook to Friedrich Froebel London: Bloomsbury Whinnett, J., (2020) A Froebelian Approach to FrFroebel's Gifts and block play today London: Froebel Trust Visit the Froebel Trust website to access the free resources mentioned in this episode and find out more about the Froebel Short Courses. If you'd like to contact us with questions about this podcast or suggestions for future episodes, you can email office@froebeltrust.org.uk    

"Today the most urgent need in education is that the school should be united with the life of home and family." Froebel in Lilley 1967, p.156. Froebel advocated for understanding and building upon the child's prior life experiences and knowledge. How can a Froebelian approach support modern day educators to connect with the families and communities of the children in their setting? The latest episode of the Froebel Trust podcast focuses on connection and celebrates the launch of the Froebel's Trust's pamphlet, A Froebelian approach to connecting with parents, families and communities: a starting point. It explores the importance of relationships and the ways educators and leaders in early years settings can connect with parents, families and communities to understand more about each child's individual experiences. Only then can we truly start from where the child is. "…It really is our job to be able to open up those conversations in meaningful ways and really get to know their child in meaningful ways, because only then can we support their child, can we develop those relationships and bonds with those children." Holli Williams, Head of Schools at Linden School Nursery Schools in London During this episode, the authors of the pamphlet, Froebel Trust Travelling Tutors Holli Williams and Rachna Joshi explain why it's so important for educators to build connections with the parents, families and communities of children in their setting. They share examples of simple ways educators can begin to build relationships, how to approach challenges around connection and the difference strong connections can make to children. We then hear how connecting with parents, families and communities has been taken one step further at a setting in Sheffield. Fufy Demissie, a senior lecturer in early years at Sheffield Hallam University shares how the University's nursery has developed a special connection with the families it supports. A transcript of this episode is available at: froebel.org.uk/training-and-resources/podcast  Episode 18 Resources and Links ·      Download Connecting with Parents, Families and Communities: A starting point on the Froebel Trust website. Free to download.  ·      Developing a mapping tool to support connection and loving relationships in early years settings. Pastoral Care in Education, 1-18. Pearse, S., & Boylan, M. (2025). This includes the relationship mapping tool.  ·      Guests appearing in this episode: Holli Willams Holli Williams is a Froebel Trust Travelling Tutor. Holli is Head of Schools at Linden Tree Nursery Schools, a small chain of privately-owned settings in Southwest London. Linden Tree has undertaken all six Froebel Short Course Elements, which began their transformation to a Froebelian educational approach in all their settings.    Holli is also a Trustee of the Froebel Trust.    Rachna Joshi  Rachna is a Froebel Trust Travelling Tutor and an early childhood teacher, action-researcher and consultant. She works with under-threes, Nursery and Reception children in classroom settings and holds an MA in Early Childhood Studies. Rachna also writes for organisations like Tapestry and Early Education. Her recent work includes embedding music into settings via grants to purchase outdoor music walls, open-ended music resources and workshops for children and their families.    Fufy Demissie Dr Fufy Demissie is a senior lecturer in the Sheffield Institute of Education. She began her career in higher education after 10 years of teaching in Foundation Stage settings.  She currently coordinates the Continuing Professional Development network and the student placement programme for the Early Years Community and Research Centre (EYCRC) at the Meadows nursery, Sheffield.    Fufy teaches on the BA and PGCE early years courses at Sheffield Hallam University and supervises doctoral candidates. Her own research focuses on understanding the role of dialogic pedagogies in professional learning in the early years and beyond. Recent projects include an Erasmus project on Global Citizenship and Mathematics education and a classroom intervention to promote metacognition in early childhood settings. Fufy is also a trustee of the Froebel Trust. Courses: Visit the Froebel Trust website to access more free resources and find out more about the Froebel Short Courses. If you'd like to contact us with questions about this podcast or suggestions for future episodes, you can email office@froebeltrust.org.uk