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PODCAST

Early Excellence Podcast

Early Excellence

Join us as we discuss a diverse range of EYFS and KS1 best practice and provision, resourcing your Early Years environment and keep you up to date news and reviews from Ofsted & the DfE

education courses

All Episodes

42:51

Wonderwood: Outdoor Learning in the Early Years with...

Early Excellence Podcast ·

2026/03/06

What happens when you take early years learning outside the classroom — and into the woods?Re-release: Originally aired on 24 Oct 2025Claire Underwood shares her journey in early years education, from teaching in affluent areas to leading outdoor learning at Hopping Hill School. She introduces Wonderwood, a nature-based space that inspires creativity and connection, and reflects on the importance of adult engagement, teacher wellbeing, and belonging in early education.Episode LinksJoin the New

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49:03

Designing Inspirational Learning Opportunities with...

Early Excellence Podcast ·

2026/02/27

Emma Weston is our guest for this week’s episode of the podcast. Emma is a Learning Designer at Verso International School in Bangkok. As part of the conversation, Emma takes us on a tour of their inspirational learning environments and we also explore how Emma and her team follow children’s interests, and plan fascinating projects.Episode LinksDiscover our support for International Schools & SettingsRead how San Silvestre School in Lima transformed their Early Years and Key Stage One provision

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43:06

Exploring the Vital Importance of Play with Eugene...

Early Excellence Podcast ·

2026/02/20

This week, we’re joined by Eugene Minogue, Interim Executive Director at Play England. We discuss the vital importance of play and the barriers to it within society. We also explore what needs to happen to create a positive cultural shift around play.Episode LinksExplore Play England's Official WebsiteListen to our Episode with Ruth Lue-Quee

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49:37

Navigating Change in Mixed-Age Classes: Challenges...

Early Excellence Podcast ·

2026/02/13

In this episode, Anne Brass and Kate Gingles join us to discuss mixed-age classes and the complexities schools face when change is driven by necessity rather than vision. The conversation explores the difficulty of establishing a clear guiding purpose, the pressures that can lead to structural change, and the limited guidance available for schools navigating transformation in mixed-age classrooms.Episode LinksOrder our New Guide to Mixed-Aged ClassesDiscover more from Education DurhamDownload the

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53:49

Supporting Communication and Language Development in...

Early Excellence Podcast ·

2026/02/06

Practical strategies to strengthen communication, language, and interaction in the early years.Re-release: Originally aired on 5 July 2024In this episode, Evan McCormick joins us to explore key strategies for supporting children’s communication and language development in the EYFS. We discuss the role of consistent routines, plan–do–review cycles, and effective adult interactions, alongside approaches to meeting the needs of children with English as an Additional Language (EAL) and those with

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37:04

Navigating Ofsted Inspections: Insights from a Pilot...

Early Excellence Podcast ·

2026/01/30

This week, we’re joined by Leanne Foster as we discuss her experience of a pilot Ofsted inspection at her school. We discuss the focus on the EYFS and the conversations that Leanne and her team had with the inspectors as part of the process.Episode LinksExplore more from Ofsted at our Senior Leader BriefingStay up to date with our Early Years Update Blogs

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01:00:21

The International Language of Learning

Early Excellence Podcast ·

2026/01/23

In this week’s episode we meet with Charlotte Knight- Benjafield and Rob Spillane from Wellington College in Shanghai. We discuss their bilingual and immersive curriculum and how they use project based learning to fully embed effective learning characteristics.Episode LinksDiscover our support for International Schools and SettingsExplore more about Wellington College

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55:05

Creating Inspiring Outdoor Spaces with Kathryn Solly

Early Excellence Podcast ·

2026/01/16

In this episode, we explore the key features of effective practice outdoors with the inspirational Kathryn Solly. As part of the conversation, we discuss the importance of creating a positive culture towards outdoor learning and explore a broad range of rich outdoor experiences.Episode LinksDiscover our brand new Outdoor RangeWatch the Outdoor Range launch videoExplore the Outdoor RoadshowOrder Kathryn's Book "Leading Learning Outdoors from Birth to Seven"

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38:54

The Transformative Power of Forest Schools with Lana...

Early Excellence Podcast ·

2026/01/09

In this episode, Lana Webster shares her experience of Forest School and outdoor learning, exploring how child-led experiences in nature support wellbeing, skill development, and meaningful learning. Lana reflects on creating safe, magical outdoor environments, working with families, and the positive impact outdoor provision has on both children and staff.Episode LinksDiscover our brand new Outdoor RangeWatch the Outdoor Range launch videoExplore the Outdoor RoadshowLearn more about Lana’s Forest

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40:59

Playful Potty Learning with Nurse Rebecca Mottram

Early Excellence Podcast ·

2025/12/05

In this week’s episode, we’re joined by children’s Nurse and potty training expert Rebecca Mottram. Rebecca discusses the different stages of the potty training process and offers key advice for Teachers, Practitioners and parents.Episode LinksExplore Rebecca's Website to Find Out MoreOrder Rebecca's book "Positively Potty" from Bloomsbury

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44:48

The Role of Play in Key Stage One Education with Ruth...

Early Excellence Podcast ·

2025/11/28

Ruth Lue-Quee joins us this week to discuss her campaign to make play and continuous provision statutory in England’s Key Stage One Curriculum. As part of the conversation, we explore how learning through play is vital for young children’s learning beyond the EYFS.Episode LinksFind out More and Sign the Petition To Make Play and Continuous Provision statutory in England's Key Stage 1 CurriculumExplore our Complete Provision Areas and Resources for KS1Invest in the Early Excellence Guide to

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31:02

The Muddy Puddle Teacher's Journey with Sarah Seaman

Early Excellence Podcast ·

2025/11/21

Discover how outdoor learning can transform teaching and inspire young minds.In this episode,Sarah Seaman, also known asThe Muddy Puddle Teacher, shares her journey from traditional classroom teaching to pioneering outdoor learning. With over 17 years of experience, Sarah discusses the benefits of nature-based education, offers practical tips for teachers, and introduces her newKey Stage 1 bookpublished byBloomsbury, inspiring schools across the UK and beyond.Episode LinksExplore Sarah’s book "The

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29:48

Exploring Powerful Learning Through Home Corner Role...

Early Excellence Podcast ·

2025/11/14

Practical ways to enrich learning and meaningful talk through home corner role play in the early years.Re-release: Originally aired on 1 Apr 2022In this episode, Andy chats withAmanda BelbinfromBincombe Valley Primary Schoolin Weymouth. Amanda shares how purposeful enhancements and high-quality interactions have made Home Corner Role Play a central part of their early years practice — inspiring creativity, communication, and confidence in young learners.Episode LinksShop our Home Corner Role Play

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32:46

100 Years of Nursery World with Karen Faux

Early Excellence Podcast ·

2025/11/07

In this engaging conversation, Karen Faux, the editor of Nursery World, discusses the magazine's significant role in early childhood education over the past 100 years. She reflects on the evolution of the publication, the societal changes it has witnessed, and the influential figures who have contributed to its content. The discussion also highlights the upcoming anniversary edition, which aims to celebrate the past while looking forward to the future of early childhood education.Episode

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55:31

Understanding Cultural Capital in the EYFS with Nicky...

Early Excellence Podcast ·

2025/10/31

Practical ways to recognise and build on every child’s cultural capital in the EYFS.Re-release: Originally aired on 3 Mar 2023 What does ‘cultural capital’ really mean in the early years? Nicky Turner from Astrea Multi-Academy Trust joins us to discuss how educators can celebrate children’s experiences, backgrounds, and interests — and use them to shape meaningful learning every day.Episode LinksRead our Blog "All About Building on Children’s Interests"Access Training on How to Explore and Develop

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42:54

Teaching Beyond the Classroom: Lessons from...

Early Excellence Podcast ·

2025/10/24

Claire Underwood shares her journey in early years education, from teaching in affluent areas to leading outdoor learning at Hopping Hill School. She introduces Wonderwood, a nature-based space that inspires creativity and connection, and reflects on the importance of adult engagement, teacher wellbeing, and belonging in early education.Episode LinksJoin the New Outdoor Roadshow at a Location Near YouExplore our Complete Outdoor Learning Solutions

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50:59

Why Rich Experiences in Early Childhood are the Key...

Early Excellence Podcast ·

2025/10/17

Re-release: Originally aired on 17 Feb 2023This week, we’re joined on the podcast by Ben Kingston-Hughes. Ben is an author, trainer, keynote speaker and also the Managing Director of Inspired Children. Our conversation takes many twists and turns but focuses on the vital importance of early childhood.Episode LinksJoin our "The Child in Mind" ConferenceOrder a copy of Ben's BookExplore our Training & EventsListen to our interview with Prof. Sam Wass "The Secret Lives of Young Learners"

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42:57

From Both Sides: Exploring Key SEND Advice with Jenny...

Early Excellence Podcast ·

2025/10/10

This week we talk to Jenny Nechvatal about her experience as a parent of children with autism. She shares key advice for effective practice when working with children with SEND.Episode LinksDiscover SEND Training and Support to Guide YouExplore the Innovative Disability Solutions WebsiteOrder Embracing Disability in Early Childhood on Amazon

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52:58

An In-Depth Look at Physical Development with Helen...

Early Excellence Podcast ·

2025/10/03

Re-release: Originally aired on 18 Nov 2022As one of the prime areas of learning, physical development underpins children’s overall learning and development. Yet how often do we consider children’s physical development in real depth? In this week’s episode, we talk with Helen Hawes about her support work in schools and how small changes to our practice can have a big impact for our children.Episode LinksExplore our CPD coursesExplore our Outdoor Resource CollectionsContact Helen to find out more

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47:52

Fostering Independence in Early Years Education with...

Early Excellence Podcast ·

2025/09/26

The team from San Silvestre School in Lima, Peru, shares their journey in early years education, exploring continuous provision, fostering independence, and creating nurturing environments that inspire inquiry, collaboration, and lifelong learning.Episode LinksExplore what International Services we can offerRead San Silvestre's Case Study from the Visit

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199 results

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