The Voice of Early Childhood

Play is not a luxury—it's a biological necessity. From early childhood through adulthood, play fuels cognitive growth, emotional resilience, social competence, and physical development. This article and podcast episode explore why play matters, how it shapes learning, and what educators and caregivers must consider to protect and promote it. Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/why-play-how-to-make-play-an-essential-part-of-early-education/   This episode is sponsored by Funding Loop   Funding Loop automates the process for nurseries of collecting funding forms from parents and typing that information into council portals. Funding Loop is used by over 2000 nurseries including over 80% of the top 25 nursery chains in the UK including Busy Bees.   To find out more visit: https://www.fundingloop.co.uk/home   Our 2026 conference info & tickets: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2026/   Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: ·       Elevating children's thinking: Conceptual understanding through inquiry and play, by Sue Tee - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/elevating-childrens-thinking-conceptual-understanding-through-inquiry-and-play/ ·       Advocacy, agency and rights in early childhood, by Dr Jo Albin-Clark and Dr Nathan Archer - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/advocacy-agency-and-rights-in-early-childhood/   Get in touch and share your voice: Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/   Episode break down: 00:00 – Welcome and episode introduction 01:36 – Framing the central question: why play? 02:37 – Play as nature's plan for learning and why sitting harms 04:11 – Parental pressure, misinformation and the 'earlier is better' myth 05:03 – A global pushdown of academics in early childhood (US and UK) 05:47 – Educators torn between child development knowledge and policy demands 06:29 – Policymakers' power and Alfie Kohn's analogy 08:22 – Losing play from five onwards and revisiting child development 09:41 – Free play as child-initiated, child-chosen learning 10:24 – Guided play and supporting self-regulation (the statues game) 11:17 – Joy, fun and intrinsic motivation in learning 11:45 – Outdoor, nature and cooperative play versus competition 13:37 – The brevity of childhood and 'what is the hurry?' 14:24 – Knowing when to step back in children's conflicts 15:49 – Understanding and valuing rough and tumble play 16:07 – Risky or adventurous play and learning to assess risk 17:39 – Reading cues for when to intervene in rough and tumble play 18:33 – Rethinking 'calm down' and supporting different arousal states 20:22 – Play as a way to express and process emotions 21:47 – Co-creating rules, personal space and managing movement and sound 23:16 – Developmental readiness for sitting still (around six) 24:10 – Unrealistic expectations of three-year-olds (sitting still and pencil grip) 24:47 – Behaviour as a response to developmental mismatch and lack of movement 25:22 – Fidgeting, movement and alternative ways of paying attention 27:11 – Children who 'don't know how to play' and aggressive play 28:54 – Modelling, scaffolding and gently redirecting play 29:36 – Using invitations and provocations to deepen play 31:55 – 'Play Matters' and reconnecting with theory, research and advocacy 33:32 – Remembering our own childhood joy as a guide for practice 35:35 – Big body play, physical health and strong bodies 36:27 – Integrating literacy and maths through active, playful experiences 37:04 – Multi-sensory, embodied learning and why it sticks 39:13 – Play as integrated, holistic learning across content areas 40:39 – Reflective questions for educators about honouring play 41:33 – Small steps for change and everyday acts of advocacy For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

Emotional intelligence refers to the ability to recognise, understand and manage one's own emotions whilst also being able to empathise with and respond appropriately to the emotions of others. This article and podcast episode delve into this subject to explore what we can do to support emotional intelligence in the earliest years.   Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/the-importance-of-developing-emotional-intelligence-in-childrens-early-years/   This episode is in partnership with Male Childcare and Teaching Jobs.   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/   Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like to hear more at https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/articles/men-in-early-childhood/   Our 2026 conference info & tickets: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2026/   Get in touch and share your voice: Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/   Episode break down: 00:00 – Welcome! 02:00 – Karl's personal journey 10:00 – Why early years? 13:00 – Settling in as a natural process 16:00 – Meeting interests and needs 17:00 – Recognising children's emotions 19:00 – Following an approach or ethos 21:00 – Supporting parents as well as children 24:00 – Stories to support complex feelings 27:00 – Checking in on all children 28:00 – Children with special educational needs 31:00 – Adapting to individual needs 35:00 – Validating children's feelings For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

There has never been a more urgent time to reflect on how we, as a profession, present ourselves to the world. The early childhood community is rich in knowledge, experience and deep commitment to children's learning and wellbeing. Yet, we continue to wrestle with misunderstanding, mistrust and misrepresentation—externally and, at times, internally. This podcast episode and article draw attention to the language we use in early childhood education—how it defines us, how it connects (or disconnects) us from the wider world, and how it influences perceptions of what we do. Language shapes reality. The words we choose matter. Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/reframing-early-childhood-how-language-impacts-our-professional-identity/   This episode is sponsored by Childcare Marketing:   Our team of passionate childcare marketing and childcare professionals have the experience to take your childcare business and its online presence to the next level. Starting with a bespoke childcare website design, we then focus on strategic marketing activity aligned to your goals and objectives. Whether is revenue, recruitment or reputation, our goal is to help you grow and sustain your business.   To find out more visit: childcaremarketing.co.uk   Our 2026 conference info & tickets: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2026/   Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like more from Jan: ·       What is an early years curriculum? - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/what-is-an-early-years-curriculum/ ·       Data in early childhood - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/data-in-early-childhood/ ·       It's not really about dinosaurs… - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-curriculum/   Get in touch and share your voice: Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/   Episode break down: 00:00 – Welcome and introduction03:30 – Why language matters in early childhood education06:25 – Who defines professional language?09:05 – Rethinking the word 'play'13:25 – Emotional attachment to terminology16:15 – Using the right language to elevate our practice19:15 – Building confidence to talk about curriculum and learning22:45 – Science, history, and geography in the early years27:05 – Breaking down the education–care divide30:15 – Recognising all roles in the profession32:35 – How do you value different voices in your setting or network?33:45 – Addressing disadvantage and the role of early education37:25 – A one-size-fits-all approach doesn't work41:35 – Recognising and responding to different forms of cultural capital44:45 – The importance of knowing children and families deeply47:05 – What do we mean by curriculum?49:35 – Using GLD data to ask better questions53:05 – Language, learning goals, and conversations with families55:15 – Rethinking 'academic' and 'intellectual'58:00 – Final reflections and key messages For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

This article and podcast episode with Dr Dan Wuori, author of The Daycare Myth, challenge outdated perceptions of early childhood education, highlighting the need for policy reform, professional respect, and fair pay. Drawing on decades of experience, Dr Wuori calls for a reimagining of early learning as essential, complex, and deserving of greater societal value.   Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/the-daycare-myth-shifting-the-narrative-on-early-childhood-education/   This episode is in partnership with Male Childcare and Teaching Jobs.   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/   Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like to hear more at https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/articles/men-in-early-childhood/   Our 2026 conference info & tickets: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2026/   Get in touch and share your voice: Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/   Episode break down: 00:00 – Welcome! 02:00 – The Daycare Myth 07:00 – How the profession is viewed 14:00 – A journey into the profession 21:45 – Encouraging more men into the profession 26:00 – Inconsistency for young children 29:00 – A stagnant level of men in early childhood 31:00 – The joy of working in early childhood 33:00 – We need to do a better job working with policy makers 35:00 – Further information For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

The UK Government's Best Start in Life strategy, released in July 2025, sets out a cross-departmental vision to improve services for children and families in England. While it acknowledges the importance of early childhood, this article and podcast episode explores the significant gaps in funding, workforce support, and inclusion—raising critical questions about its implementation and long-term impact.   Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/the-best-start-in-life-strategy-and-what-it-means-for-the-sector/   This episode is in partnership with Nursery Management Show: Nursery Management Show is the largest show dedicated to nursery management and leadership. Join us on the 28th November 2025 for one day of insightful content, discussion and networking for the early years sector, plus access to industry leaders, suppliers and providers.   To find out more visit:  https://nurserymanagementshow.co.uk/   Our 2026 conference info & tickets: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2026/   Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: ·       Should 4-year-olds really be expected to sit still? With Poppy LeMar - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/should-4-year-olds-really-be-expected-to-sit-still/ ·       Elevating children's thinking: Conceptual understanding through inquiry and play with Sue Tee - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/elevating-childrens-thinking-conceptual-understanding-through-inquiry-and-play/   Get in touch and share your voice: Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/   Episode break down: 00:00 – Welcome! 02:00 – What is the Best Start in Life strategy? 04:15 – A critical eye on the strategy 06:00 – Funding and optional extras 08:00 – Funding in economically deprived areas 10:00 – Qualifications & a graduate workforce 15:00 – The experience based route to being qualified 16:00 – Family Hubs and community 18:30 – Support for children with SEND 20:00 – Ofsted inspections & inclusion 22:00 – Social enterprises & non for profit 27:00 – Government Policy at the Nursery Management Show 29:30 – School readiness within the strategy 34:00 – Further reading & information For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

This article and podcast episode take a close look at some of the key questions around nutrition for under 5's; from what "free sugars" really are and why young children don't need much sugar, to how we can approach weaning confidently, prepare finger foods safely, and understand portion sizes in the early years.   Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/nutritious-mealtimes-for-under-5s/   This episode is sponsored by Nursery Kitchen: Nursery Kitchen's Food Innovation Team creates exciting, nutritionally balanced meals using the best and freshest ingredients. With wholesome nursery menus filled with variety and global flavours, children are encouraged to be more adventurous with food. This approach supports the development of a varied palate and a lasting appreciation for healthy eating.   Nursery Kitchen recognises that food education is just as important as the food itself. The team is committed to inspiring children to enjoy nutritious meals and to understand where their food comes from.   To find out more visit: https://nurserykitchen.co.uk/   Early Years Foundation Stage Nutrition Guidance: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6839b752210698b3364e86fc/Early_years_foundation_stage_nutrition_guidance.pdf   Our 2026 conference info & tickets: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2026/   Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: ·       From picky eating to positive mealtimes: Supporting varied eating habits – with Charlotte Goddard and Catherine Lippe: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/from-picky-eating-to-positive-mealtimes-supporting-varied-eating-habits/   Get in touch and share your voice: Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/   Episode break down: 00:00 – Introduction to Catherine and Nursery Kitchen 05:20 – How much sugar should under 5's be consuming? 13:00 – The weaning stage: Purees and blending foods 17:00 – Choking hazards and guidelines on this 22:00 – Portion sizes and food groups 29:00 – Lunchboxes and allergies 39:00 – Small pieces of foods 42:00 – Where to find out more For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

New research reveals the profound impact of play on family bonding, language development, and emotional connection   Kinder and the University of East London's Institute for the Science of Early Years released preliminary research exploring how play ignites language skills, builds emotional connection, and bridges family disconnect. Using wearable technology monitoring real-time responses during home play sessions, the study demonstrates that simple play moments spark joy, encourage language development, reduce stress, and nurture emotional wellbeing.   Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/the-science-of-play-how-shared-activities-transform-family-dynamics/   This episode is sponsored by Kinder:   To find out more visit: https://www.kinder.com/   The Kinder® brand was founded in 1968 and is inspired by bringing small but special moments to everyday life. Kinder creates innovative products made for sharing, family and togetherness across all ages. Kinder products include Kinder Surprise, Kinder Chocolate and Kinder Bueno.    Our 2026 conference info & tickets: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2026/   Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like:   ·       It's time to rethink attention, by Professor Sam Wass and Dr Gemma Goldenberg: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/its-time-to-rethink-attention/   Get in touch and share your voice: Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/   Episode break down: 00:00 – Welcome & introduction 02:45 – Research on play in the home vs the lab 05:25 – Shared & non-functional play 09:30 – Synchrony & connectedness during play 15:00 – Shared rhythm & parent-child relationships 16:30 – Semantic interrelatedness 20:00 – Child initiated vs adult initiated play 23:30 – Does technology reduce shared play? 29:00 – The need for predictability & repetitive behaviours for babies 36:30 – Future research at Kinder 39:30 – Key takeaways For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

Indoor air quality (IAQ) directly impacts child and staff health in early years settings and schools. This article and podcast episode explores why clean air matters, what we've learned from COVID-19, and three essential actions to reduce airborne disease transmission: monitor, filter, and ventilate.   Read Anne Marie McConway's article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/a-breath-of-fresh-air/   This episode is sponsored by Long Covid Kids Charity   Long Covid Kids is a UK charity which represents and supports families, children, and young people living with Long Covid and related post-viral illnesses. Through awareness campaigns, research advocacy, and expert-by-experience guidance, the charity works to increase understanding, aid early diagnosis, and improve intervention responses. The volunteer team provides support, guidance, and signposting for affected families navigating the many challenges of paediatric Long Covid.   To find out more visit: https://www.longcovidkids.org/   Download the free Clean Air Guide here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/a-breath-of-fresh-air/   Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: Advocating for two-year-olds by Cassie Holland - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/advocating-for-two-year-olds/ Advocacy, agency and rights in early childhood by Dr Jo Albin-Clark & Dr Nathan Archer   Get in touch and share your voice: Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/   Our 2026 conference info & tickets: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2026/   Episode break down: 00:00 – Welcome & introductions 04:00 – Why does indoor air quality matter? 06:00 – Which diseases are airborne? 08:45 – Government guidelines 10:00 – Carbon dioxide monitors 16:00 – Long Covid infections increasing 21:00 – We can't eliminate all risk 25:00 – Do air filters work? 28:00 – There are solutions to cleaner air 29:00 – The 3 essential steps to take 33:30 – Getting the children involved 34:30 – A cultural shift towards clean air 35:30 – Health benefits of outdoor fresh air 38:00 – Lack of staff training 40:00 – Attendance crisis in settings & schools 42:00 – Clean air should not be a selling point 44:00 – Clean air initiatives in England 47:00 – Free Clean Air Guide For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

How early is too early for literacy? It is never too early! This article and podcast episode explore the significance of early literacy from the prenatal period onwards. Drawing on brain development research and practical strategies, it highlights the power of narration, modelling, and bonding through books—laying strong foundations for language and a lifelong love of reading.   Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/extremely-early-literacy/   This episode is in partnership with Male Childcare and Teaching Jobs.   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/   Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like to hear more at https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/articles/men-in-early-childhood/   Our 2026 conference info & tickets: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2026/   Get in touch and share your voice: Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/   Episode break down: 00:00 – Welcome! 01:30 – New host introduction 04:00 – United for Literacy Initiative 05:00 – Dolly Parton's Imagination Library 08:45 – Prenatal early literacy 13:15 – The 30 million word gap 14:20 – Language immersion through narration 16:00 – You can never spoil a baby 17:10 – Book prescriptions by physicians 18:40 – Instilling a love for books early 20:00 – Books for babies 23:00 – Creating dedicated reading spaces 26:00 – Diversity & representation in books 30:00 – Screens vs physical books 35:45 – Presence & teachable moments 39:45 – Reading doesn't start at age 3+ 41:00 – PreemieWorld Foundation – supporting premature babies 43:00 – Future episodes For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers a pivotal role in reshaping daily practice by streamlining the administrative processes, therefore freeing up valuable time and reducing time burden administrative tasks. AI can also support individuals with learning difficulties, dyslexia and visual impairments alongside non-native English speakers. However, AI is far from being inclusive whilst also raising significant ethical concerns that need to be considered. This podcast episode and article explores all of this and more.   Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/beyond-the-algorithm-exploring-inclusion-and-diversity-within-ai/   This episode is sponsored by Magic Notes by Beam Beam is a national leader in tech-enabled welfare services, and created Magic Notes - an AI tool designed by frontline workers to help reduce admin and transform the productivity of frontline teams. The tool creates structured and compliant reports and case studies from recordings of meetings between frontline workers and their clients. Magic Notes was first developed by Beam to support its own frontline teams, before being made available to other frontline workers. It has since been co-developed with frontline practitioners during pilots with several local authorities, including Kingston, Ealing, and Swindon, and is used by over half of all local authority social care teams across the UK.   To find out more visit: https://magicnotes.ai/   Our 2026 conference info & tickets: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2026/   Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: ·       How can AI positively impact education? By Richard Waite: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/how-can-ai-positively-impact-education/ ·       Active vs passive screen time by Musa Roshdy: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/active-vs-passive-screen-time/ ·       Using artificial intelligence in early years by Joshua Barr: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/using-artificial-intelligence-in-early-years/   Get in touch and share your voice: Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/   Episode break down: 00:00 – Welcome! 03:30 – Defining & unpicking AI 06:00 – The need for human intelligence 07:00 – Reducing the burden of admin 08:00 – AI reflecting the voice of the individual 10:45 – Using AI for accessability 14:00 – AI and ethics – whose voice is heard? 15:00 – Diversity crisis in technology 18:30 – Changing the narrative around STEM subjects 20:30 – Representing the child's voice 25:00 – The need for training in using AI 30:00 – Using Magic Notes 34:00 – Risk assessing the use of AI 34:45 – The impact on the child and family 37:30 – Changing the gender narrative in tech 39:00 – Closing reflections 40:45 – Further listening & reading For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

The International Baccalaureate (IB) emphasises concept-driven inquiry. In the Primary Years Programme (PYP) learners explore broad and transferable ideas, enabling deeper thinking and application across different contexts. This powerful way of thinking and learning begins with our younger learners who inquire into the world around them and develop conceptual understanding through both educator-led experiences and play.   Read Sue's article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/elevating-childrens-thinking-conceptual-understanding-through-inquiry-and-play/   This episode is sponsored by the International Baccalaureate: Founded in 1968, the International Baccalaureate (IB) pioneered a movement of international education and now offers four high quality, challenging educational programmes to students aged 3-19. The IB gives students distinct advantages by providing strong foundations, critical thinking skills, and proficiency for solving complex problems while encouraging multiculturalism, curiosity, and a healthy appetite for learning and excellence. In a world where asking the right questions is as important as discovering answers, the IB champions critical thinking and flexibility in study by crossing disciplinary, cultural, and national boundaries. Supported by world-class educators and coordinators, the IB currently engages with more than two million students in over 5,900 schools across 160 countries.    To find out more visit: https://www.ibo.org/   Our 2026 conference info & tickets: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2026/   Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: ·       Enquiry led learning: A curious classroom by Stuart Cloke – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/enquiry-led-learning-a-curious-classroom/ ·       What is an early years curriculum? By Jan Dubiel and Ruth Swailes – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/what-is-an-early-years-curriculum/ ·       The Cornish Curriculum by Mandy Richardson - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/the-cornish-curriculum/   Get in touch and share your voice: Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/   Episode break down: 00:00 – Welcome! 03:00 – What is the International Baccalaureate? 04:30 – What is conceptual understanding? 09:30 – Taking a curious stance as an educator 12:00 – Looking beyond what children are doing 13:30 – Having the time for analysing observations 15:50 – Educator planned inquiries 18:50 – Learning the concept of responsibility 22:30 – Self-expression in different ways 24:30 – A responsive planning process 29:00 – Concepts or skills & facts? 31:00 – Adult extended inquiries 36:00 – Honouring children's thinking 37:00 – Key takeaways For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

This article and podcast episode challenges the conventional practice of tummy time, drawing on research from Pikler, Feldenkrais, and Goddard Blythe to argue that babies thrive when allowed to move freely and naturally. It explores how self-initiated movement supports neurological development, reflex integration, and emotional regulation—highlighting the importance of trust, observation, and respectful environments over intervention and milestone-driven practice.   Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/tummy-time-is-an-outdated-notion/   This episode is sponsored by Pikler UK Pikler UK promotes the principles of the Pikler® approach: respectful care, free movement development, and self-initiated play in the early years. We offer training and resources for parents and professionals, supporting secure relationships and natural development. Rooted in the work of Dr Emmi Pikler, we nurture trust in each child's competence from the very beginning.   To find out more visit: https://pikler.co.uk/   The Pikler UK conference: https://pikler.co.uk/shop/conference-25   Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: ·       The Pikler Triangle: The tip of the iceberg – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/the-pikler-triangle-the-tip-of-the-iceberg/ ·        An introduction to Emmi Pikler – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/introduction-emmi-pikler/   Get in touch and share your voice: Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/   Episode break down: 00:00 – Welcome! 01:45 – Reflexes & tummy time 04:00 – School readiness linked to reflexes 06:00 – Is my child behind? 08:50 – Should we help babies to roll over? 11:00 – Building resilience through freedom of movement 13:40 – Development through loving presence 14:30 – How does it feel for the child being rushed to the next step? 18:20 – Learned helplessness 21:00 – Movement as communication & relationship building 25:00 – Containment – restrictive movement 28:00 – Issues arising from containment 30:00 – Pikler UK conference 2025: Born ready 31:20 – Challenging the notion of school readiness For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

In this re-released episode and article David Meechan critically explores the reception baseline assessment (RBA), questioning its purpose, reliability and impact on children, teachers and families. Drawing on his research and personal experience, he highlights practical ways educators and leaders can navigate the RBA while advocating for assessment approaches that truly reflect and support child-centred learning in the early weeks of school.  Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/whats-the-problem-with-the-reception-baseline-assessment/ Our 2026 conference info & tickets: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2026/ Get in touch and share your voice: Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/ Episode breakdown:  03:30 - How David's work started on the RBA 05:50 - Requesting his son's withdrawal from the assessment  07:55 - Inconsistencies of withdrawal from the assessment 09:30 - Moral issues with assessment and testing 11:30 - Research into the baseline assessment 14:40 - Signing away a child's data footprint 15:57 - The datafication of early years 19:00 - Are the children's best interests at heart?  20:40 - Taking teachers out of classrooms 21:58 - Key findings from David's baseline research 23:50 - Treating children as a means to an end 27:35 - Making the most of the reception baseline assessment 29:00 - A holistic approach to the baseline assessment 30:40 - Reliability of the baseline assessment 32:00 - Reducing lived experiences to abstract numbers 34:15 - Positives taken from the baseline assessment  36:00 - Giving value to assessment 40:00 - Tips for teachers conducting the baseline assessment Hear and read more on The Voice of Early Childhood website: www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

Reception teacher Poppy LeMar responds to Bridget Phillipson's claim that "half can't sit still" at age four, explaining that while children can sit briefly, their self-regulation is still developing. She highlights what sitting still actually looks like in a reception classroom, challenges misconceptions, and encourages better understanding between families and educators. She also advocates for inclusion and realistic expectations.   Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/should-4-year-olds-really-be-expected-to-sit-still-?/ This episode is sponsored by Funding Loop Funding Loop automates the process for nurseries of collecting funding forms from parents and typing that information into council portals. Funding Loop is used by over 2000 nurseries including over 80% of the top 25 nursery chains in the UK including Busy Bees.   To find out more visit: https://www.fundingloop.co.uk/home   Our 2026 conference info & tickets: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2026/   You might also like… ·       Proactively promoting positive mental health by Matt Bawler – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/proactively-promoting-positive-mental-health/ ·       Self-regulation, co-regulation & mental health by Dr Mine Conkbayir – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/self-regulation-co-regulation-and-mental-health/ ·       'It's not time out, it's time in' for both of us: Co- and self-regulation by Julia Robinson & Charlotte Hannah – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/its-not-time-out-its-time-in-for-both-of-us/ ·       Understanding neuroscience in early childhood by Mandy Worsley – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/understanding-neuroscience-in-early-childhood/   Get in touch and share your voice: Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/   Episode break down: 00:00 – Welcome! 01:50 – Should 4-year-olds really be expected to sit still? 04:00 – Expectations on starting school 06:30 – Safety requirements 08:00 – From sitting still to sitting safely 11:00 – Sitting still is outdated 12:30 – 'Fidget toys' and sensory resources 16:00 – Putting children at the back of the carpet 18:00 – Negative spaces in the classroom 21:45 – 'Marketing' & reframing as a teacher… 24:00 – Freedom to sit how children want 27:00 – Expectations for learning 28:00 – Engaging in deep play 30:00 – Children struggling to play 34:00 – What is your understanding of school readiness? 38:30 – Preparing your child for school 40:00 – Communication & trust is number 1 For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

Screen time isn't inherently passive — or problematic. This article and podcast episode explores the difference between active and passive screen time in early childhood, and how digital play, when used intentionally, can support critical life skills like empathy, resilience, and problem-solving. A balanced, developmental approach can help educators and caregivers make informed choices about children's use of screens.   Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/active-vs-passive-screen-time/   This episode is sponsored by Nurture   Nurture is an interactive learning app designed for children aged 4–7, developed to teach essential life skills that traditional schools often overlook. Through immersive, story-driven games and a unique dual‑screen experience (mobile/tablet + TV), the platform focuses on mindfulness, emotional regulation, growth mindset, resilience, money smarts, and critical thinking. Built on a science-backed educational framework and crafted by educators, child development experts, and Emmy-winning storytellers, Nurture aims to transform screen time into purposeful play.   To find out more visit: www.nurture.is   Our 2026 conference info & tickets: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2026/   Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: ·       Life skills over academic achievement by Carmela Garcia Manas & Zanna Clarke - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/life-skills-over-academic-achievement/ ·       How can AI positively impact education? By Richard Waite - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/how-can-ai-positively-impact-education/   Get in touch and share your voice: Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/   Episode break down: 00:00 – Welcome & introductions 03:30 – Screen time as a concern 05:30 – What does active screen time mean? 07:00 – Digital social environment 08:30 – Gaming as active screen time 13:00 – Musa's role of game design and research 15:00 – Structure & habit of screen time 16:30 – Co-engagement in screen time 19:30 – Games as safe environments to take risks 21:00 – Asking children the right questions 22:00 – Are games similar to books? 24:00 – Agency and co-creation through screen time 25:00 – What is Nurture? 26:30 – Taking screen time offline & into the real world 28:45 – A balanced digital diet: Passive screen time is also valuable 30:00 – Learning consequences in safe spaces 31:00 – Co-regulation through gaming 33:25 – Eye health & screen use 35:00 – Digital wellbeing 36:00 – Digital expression & creativity (toolbox of expression) 37:00 – Tips for parents who are nervous about allowing screen time 38:00 – A digital canyon – falling behind 41:00 – Key takeaways For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

This reflective piece explores how perspectives on risky play have changed over time, highlighting its importance for children's development. Darren Barkhouse draws on personal experiences and cultural comparisons – challenging today's risk-averse attitudes and advocates for supportive environments where children can explore, take risks, and grow. The article and podcast episode invite educators and families to reconsider their own approaches to risk in play.   Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/changing-perspectives-on-risky-play/   This episode is sponsored by Funding Loop Funding Loop automates the process for nurseries of collecting funding forms from parents and typing that information into council portals. Funding Loop is used by over 2000 nurseries including over 80% of the top 25 nursery chains in the UK including Busy Bees.   To find out more visit: https://www.fundingloop.co.uk/home   Our 2026 conference info & tickets: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2026/   Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: ·       A nature-deficit childhood by Julia Packwood - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/a-nature-deficit-childhood/ ·       The therapeutic nature of outdoor play by Jenny Smillie - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/the-therapeutic-nature-of-outdoor-play/ ·       The science behind outdoor play by Dr Gemma Goldenberg - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/author/gemma-goldenberg/   Get in touch and share your voice: Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/   Episode break down: 00:00 – Welcome & introductions 04:30 – Reflecting back to early experiences of risky play 08:25 – Positive stress situations & building resiliency 13:00 – Controlled learning environments for exploration 18:00 – Teaching children to risk assess for themselves 20:00 – Less risky play or a different type of risky play? 22:00 – Asking why rather than saying no 28:00 – A cultural lens on risky play 34:00 – The power of boredom 35:00 – Control, scaffolding learning & Vygotsky 37:00 – The impacts of media and technology 43:00 – Building relationships and trust 46:00 – Your own toolbox as an educator or parent/carer For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

Transitions are significant milestones in a child's early learning journey, deeply shaping their sense of security, confidence, and readiness to engage with new experiences. Transitions to an early years setting from home and to starting school can be particularly significant periods of time for young children. In this article and podcast episode school improvement officer and director of early years, Delyth Linacre, talks to us about vital considerations for transitions to and within school, including tips for both educators and families.    Read Delyth's article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/starting-school-supporting-transitions-to-reception-and-key-stage-1/   Download the free transition support PDF's here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/starting-school-supporting-transitions-to-reception-and-key-stage-1/   This episode is sponsored by Funding Loop Funding Loop automates the process for nurseries of collecting funding forms from parents and typing that information into council portals. Funding Loop is used by over 2000 nurseries including over 80% of the top 25 nursery chains in the UK including Busy Bees.   To find out more visit: https://www.fundingloop.co.uk/home   Our 2026 conference info & tickets: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2026/   Get in touch and share your voice: Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/   Episode break down: 00:00 – Welcome! 02:00 – What are transitions 03:00 – What do transitions look like in your setting? 04:00 – Transition as a process, not an event 05:00 – A gradual and child-centred approach 06:00 – Involving all stakeholders 07:00 – The importance of effective communication 08:00 – Capturing parent and child voice 09:00 – Considering barriers to effective transitions 10:30 – Knowing each individual child 13:40 – Transition plans and building on what the child knows 14:30 – Identifying what is and needs to be the same 15:40 – Peer buddies as transition support 16:30 – Identifying early interventions 18:00 – Transitions from reception to year 1 21:30 – A transition plan spanning the whole reception year 22:00 – Focus on the similarities rather than differences 28:00 – Collaborating across settings and understanding each other's practice 30:45 – How can parents support transitions? 37:00 – Starting reception free support document 37:45 – Books to support transitions 38:20 – Free PDF transition guidance document For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

Children today are spending significantly less time outdoors than just a generation ago and this raises the question for parents and educators to consider, what are the implications of a childhood disconnected from nature? In this article and podcast episode Julia Packwood, early years outdoor specialist, highlights current research and explores how simply spending time outdoors can build the foundations for a healthier and happier childhood.   Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/a-nature-deficit-childhood/   This episode is sponsored by Funding Loop   Funding Loop automates the process for nurseries of collecting funding forms from parents and typing that information into council portals. Funding Loop is used by over 2000 nurseries including over 80% of the top 25 nursery chains in the UK including Busy Bees.   To find out more visit: https://www.fundingloop.co.uk/home   Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: ·       The therapeutic nature of outdoor play by Jenny Smillie – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/the-therapeutic-nature-of-outdoor-play/ ·       The science behind outdoor play series by Dr Gemma Goldenberg – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/author/gemma-goldenberg/   Our 2026 conference info & tickets: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2026/   Get in touch and share your voice: Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/   Episode break down: 00:00 – Welcome! 03:45 – What is nature-deficit disorder? 07:00 – Noticeable benefits of being outdoors 09:20 – Reclaiming childhood 12:30 – Risk-benefit analysis 13:45 – What does childhood look like now? 16:55 – Less screen time, more green time 28:15 – Barefoot benefits & grounding 30:20 – Safety sweeps 34:00 – Air quality 37:20 – Conservation 43:50 – Calls to action to government and communities 50:00 – It starts with us reflecting inwards 52:00 – Further reading For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

This article and podcast episode explore the benefits of covering climate change and sustainability in early years settings, for both children and staff. It also outlines England's Department for Education's expectations on nurseries, relating to climate change, and introduce the England's leading environmental education programme for nurseries, 'Eco-Schools: Early Years'.    Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/how-to-take-the-first-steps-on-your-sustainability-journey/   This episode is sponsored by Keep Britain Tidy.   Keep Britain Tidy is a leading independent environmental charity that works to inspire, educate and enable everyone in this country to value the environment on their doorstep. Keep Britain Tidy includes the programmes Eco-Schools, Eco-Schools: Early Years, the Green Flag Award for parks and green spaces and the Blue Flag/Seaside Awards for beaches, as well as annual campaigns.   To find out more about Eco-Schools: Early Years visit: https://www.eco-schools.org.uk/early-years/   Get in touch and share your voice: Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/   Episode break down: 00:00 – Welcome! 02:00 – Children are perfect climate ambassadors 03:20 – Sustainability eco leads 05:40 – Eco-Schools: Early Years 09:30 – Educating the staff and using model nurseries 10:30 – Eco-challenges 12:00 – Involving families 14:45 – Government guidance 17:30 – Climate action plan is a journey 18:00 – Carbon calculator 19:00 – Getting the whole team on board 20:20 – Combatting eco-anxiety 23:00 – Tools to address climate change early 24:00 – Equipping children with language around sustainability 26:00 – Understanding sustainability as part of routines 28:00 – Eco-Schools: Early Years going beyond the EYFS 30:00 – Applications now open for Eco-Schools: Early Years For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

Education consultant Joanne Lo explores how self-reflection and personal wellbeing are essential foundations for effective leadership in schools and early years settings. Drawing on mindfulness and social-emotional learning, she shares practical strategies for fostering resilience, building supportive cultures, and modelling wellbeing as an educational leader.   Read Joanne's article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/it-starts-with-us-looking-inwards-as-educational-leaders/   This episode is sponsored by Funding Loop   Funding Loop automates the process for nurseries of collecting funding forms from parents and typing that information into council portals. Funding Loop is used by over 2000 nurseries including over 80% of the top 25 nursery chains in the UK including Busy Bees.   To find out more visit: https://www.fundingloop.co.uk/home   Our 2026 conference info & tickets: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2026/   Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: ·       Accidental leadership in early years by Jenny Weidner: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/accidental-leadership-in-early-years/ ·       My experience of burnout as a Black manager by Lorraine Kara: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/my-experience-with-burnout-as-a-black-manager/ ·       Supporting employee wellbeing by Enya Last: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/supporting-employee-wellbeing/   Get in touch and share your voice: Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/   Episode break down: 00:00 – Introductions 03:00 – Invisible pressures carried by leaders 03:45 – Non-verbal communication 04:30 – Normalising every single emotion 09:00 – Giving yourself permission to just 'be' 10:00 – Noticing how your emotions affect your body 12:00 – Setting goals for the week or day ahead, then reflect 14:00 – Stress-ees becoming stress-ors! 15:00 – Having a sunny disposition 16:30 – Using language that serves you, language of kindness 17:20 – Zone of control 19:00 – Children emotionally checking in with themselves 21:00 – Creating a safe space to just 'be' 23:00 – Reflective practices 24:00 – Checking in with your team 25:30 – How do we 'sell' this to our teams? 26:20 – Flattening the hierarchy & tuning into passions 27:00 – Connecting with each team member 28:00 – Toxic vs positive culture examples 29:00 – Creating a climate of belonging 31:00 – What are we doing that isn't supporting our teams? 33:00 – Understanding different cultural contexts 33:45 – Observing your teams as well as children 35:00 – Seeking to understand before judging 35:50 – Body language stats! 38:45 – As a leader you are developing people 40:00 – There's always a way to handle stress & difficult conversations 40:25 – When you're in charge you often neglect yourself 42:00 – 2-minute check-ins 42:45 – You can choose to be toxic or positive 44:00 – Shifting from how we were, to how we will be 44:45 – Building relational trust 45:20 – Equipping our feelings with vocabulary 46:30 – Joanne's childhood & professional journey 53:00 – Children's summer camps 54:00 – Asking for permission to help & allowing time 59:00 – Episode reflections 01:00:00 – Enquire about working with Joanne For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com