Alice Sharp is joined by Simon Airey, an educator with over 20 yearsā experience of teaching, working in specialist provision and the EYFS. In this episode, Alice and Simon explore the language opportunities beyond the setting and how educators can tap into the childrenās unique experiences to enhance language development. Simon explains the power of forging strong relationships with all parties, right from the practitioner to the child, to the parents and carers. Reflecting on his teaching expe...
May 18, 2023ā¢17 minā¢Season 2Ep. 6
Alice Sharp is joined by Simon Airey, an educator with over 20 yearsā experience of teaching, working in specialist provision and the EYFS. Simon is passionate about facilitating open-ended play-based learning to develop key skills and shares his thoughts on why role play is essential to language development in the Early Years. Alice and Simon strip the conversation right back to the basics, looking at what role play is, the different types of role play and practical ways to engage children in t...
May 11, 2023ā¢19 minā¢Season 2Ep. 5
During this episode of the TTS Talking Early Years Podcast, Alice Sharp and Olivia Kirkby talk all things resources. Olivia shares the importance of open-ended resources in the Early Years and the learning opportunities these physical resources support. Providing open-ended, cross-curricular resources can enhance cognitive skills, language, self-regulation and self-discovery. Olivia explains that by using open-ended resources to support play-based learning enables children to learn new words and...
May 04, 2023ā¢19 minā¢Season 2Ep. 4
During this episode of the TTS Talking Early Years Podcast, Alice Sharp and Olivia Kirkby explore the importance of quality interactions in the Early Years and the role practitioners must play in encouraging these interactions. From open-ended questions, positive reinforcement to practitioners self-evaluating and reflecting on their own communication, Olivia and Alice suggest various practical ways to achieve quality and effective interactions that will form the foundations for language and cogn...
Apr 27, 2023ā¢19 minā¢Season 2Ep. 3
During this episode of the TTS Talking Early Years Podcast, Alice Sharp and Olivia Kirkby continue the conversation on creating enticing, language-rich learning environments. This week, Alice and Olivia focus on exploring the emotional environment. How do we create safe, secure and cosy places for play-based learning? And why is the emotional environment so integral to childrenās learning and development in the Early Years? Alice and Olivia reflect on these questions and so much more to provide ...
Apr 20, 2023ā¢19 minā¢Season 2Ep. 2
Welcome to Series 2 of the TTS Talking Early Years Podcast! In this very first episode Alice Sharp (podcast host) is joined by TTSā very own Early Years Consultant, Olivia Kirkby, to talk all things Early Years. Alice and Olivia explore the role of the physical environment and why creating an enticing physical space is so important. Olivia explains that reflective practice is key in creating an enabling environment. When you enter a room in your setting, how does the space make you feel? How do ...
Apr 15, 2023ā¢17 minā¢Season 2Ep. 1
This episode of the TTS Talking Early Years podcast wraps up what has been a jam-packed series 1; discovering the wonderful world of outdoor learning. In this final episode of series 1, Alistair and guests, Mel Mcree and Sarah Lawfull, jump right back into the topic of Forest School and why itās so important. Alistair Bryce-Clegg asks Mel and Sarah the million-dollar question; in an Instagram and Pinterest-dominated world, what exactly is the REALITY of Forest School and why is this reality so i...
Apr 13, 2023ā¢22 minā¢Season 1Ep. 20
Episode 19 of the TTS Talking Early Years podcast continues the conversation about all things Forest School. Alistair Bryce-Clegg is joined again by renowned Forest School experts and advocates, Mel McCree and Sarah d Sarah Lawfull. Research and evidence show that the Forest School approach actively develops childrenās risk awareness and confidence in managing their own risk-taking abilities. Although it is such an integral part of early years education, we know it can sometimes be a daunting ap...
Apr 08, 2023ā¢19 minā¢Season 1Ep. 19
In this TTS Talking podcast episode, Alistair Bryce-Clegg is joined by renowned Forest School experts, Mel McCree and Sarah Lawfull. Sharing their knowledge and passion for everything Forest School, Sarah and Mel share their tips and guidance to help practitioners develop their confidence when taking childrenās learning outdoors and why the Forest School approach is an integral part of early childhood. š To shop for resources relevant to Forest School in the early years, click here . Listened a...
Apr 05, 2023ā¢20 minā¢Season 1Ep. 18
In this TTS Talking podcast episode, Alistair Bryce-Clegg is joined by renowned Forest School experts, Mel McCree and Sarah Lawfull. Sharing their passion for the Forest School approach, Sarah and Mel explain to Alistair the 6 key principles and how this ethos benefits child development. The Forest School ethos offers children a play-based approach to learning in the great outdoors. The approach focuses on all children having the opportunity to develop in a hands-on learning environment with exp...
Apr 01, 2023ā¢20 minā¢Season 1Ep. 17
With many Early Years settings looking for ways to implement more sustainable practices in their settings and outdoor areas, Cheryl Hadland, Managing Director at Tops Day Nurseries, joins our latest podcast episode to share her thoughts on creating a more sustainable learning environment. From top tips on fostering a love for environmentally friendly activities, resources, and practices, to practical ways to help children (and practitioners) understand the benefits of this, Cheryl reveals some o...
Mar 29, 2023ā¢22 minā¢Season 1Ep. 16
Cheryl Hadland, Founder, and Managing Director at Tops Day Nurseries, joins Alistair Bryce-Clegg in this episode to talk about climate action plans in the Early Years. A climate action plan aims to address climate challenges, relevant to the individual setting based on factors such as the environment, financial impact, society and the community, plus so much more. Throughout this episode Cheryl shares the benefits of having a plan for your setting, as well as tips and advice for achieving best p...
Mar 25, 2023ā¢21 minā¢Season 1Ep. 15
Cheryl Hadland, Founder, and Managing Director at Tops Day Nurseries, joins Alistair Bryce-Clegg in this episode to talk about practical ways to adopt a more sustainable approach in Early Years settings. Cheryl shares her passion for planting and eating sustainably, sharing practical tips and guidance to overcome some of the challenges practitioners may experience when introducing planting and gardening in early years settings. From nurturing plants indoors, to seeding and planting vegetables ou...
Mar 23, 2023ā¢20 minā¢Season 1Ep. 14
Cheryl Hadland, Founder, and Managing Director at Tops Day Nurseries, joins Alistair Bryce-Clegg in this episode to talk all things sustainability in the Early Years. Cheryl explains the importance of recycling and reusing in the Early Years, sharing practical tips to help make your resources go further and, in return, adopt a more sustainable approach. Talking passionately about recycling and reusing, Cheryl suggests that the idea of being thrifty with how nursery settings use, repair and reuse...
Mar 16, 2023ā¢19 minā¢Season 1Ep. 13
In this episode, International Educational Consultant and nature-based learning advocate, Niki Buchan, offers practical suggestions for creating a positive ethos for nature-based learning in all different types of environments. Niki encourages practitioners to consider the following; š³ Taking learning beyond the setting by visiting local parks and utilising local amenities š¼ Having arrangements in place with local suppliers and/or family members to help bring nature to the setting when itās no...
Mar 09, 2023ā¢18 minā¢Season 1Ep. 12
During this episode, Niki Buchan, international educational consultant and nature-based learning advocate, encourages practitioners to be more open and reflective (and a lot less fearful!) in their approach to outdoor provision. Niki has worked in settings worldwide and has a wealth of expertise and knowledge when it comes to enriching childrenās learning opportunities outdoors. Throughout this episode, Niki and Alistair explore the different approaches they have experienced internationally and ...
Mar 02, 2023ā¢20 minā¢Season 1Ep. 11
In this episode, International Educational Consultant and nature-based learning advocate, Niki Buchan, shares why it is so vital for practitioners and childcare settings to engage children in nature-based learning. Niki explains that outdoor play offers a new and exciting learning opportunity each day. The great outdoors is a stimulating environment for children to challenge themselves and experience the world around them. š To shop for resources relevant to nature-based learning, click here . ...
Feb 23, 2023ā¢21 minā¢Season 1Ep. 10
The great outdoors offers so many opportunities for interpretation and choice, providing children with enriching learning experiences. Throughout this podcast episode, nature pedagogue and author, Niki Buchan, explores the concept of nature-based learning in the early years. Taking it right back to basics, Niki explains what nature-based practice is, answering questions such as what it looks like, and why it is so important for children and adults to connect with nature every single day! š To s...
Feb 16, 2023ā¢17 minā¢Season 1Ep. 9
Throughout this episode, Ellen Sandseter, researcher and expert in Childrenās Risky Play, shares practical tips and guidance for adopting a more relaxed approach to childrenās risk-taking in the Early Years. Have you ever considered taking your next staff meeting outdoors to immerse yourself in some of those thrill-seeking adventures our children are encouraged to experience? Ellen suggests that this type of reflective practice is a simple (and enjoyable) way to become more comfortable in adopti...
Feb 09, 2023ā¢21 minā¢Season 1Ep. 8
Throughout this episode, Ellen Sandseter, researcher and expert in Childrenās Risky Play, explores how approaches to learning through risk have changed over time (and are still evolving) and what this means in terms of effective learning for children. Alistair and Ellen encourage practitioners not to fear challenging what they might usually consider being seen as ātoo riskyā and instead focus on the learning opportunities those experiences provide in terms of teaching children to become more sel...
Feb 02, 2023ā¢19 minā¢Season 1Ep. 7
Throughout this episode, Ellen Sandseter, researcher and expert in Childrenās Risky Play, talks about the fundamental benefits of learning through risk in early childhood and why practitioners shouldnāt be afraid to implement an element of risk in their own practice too. Ellen breaks this down into two parts, looking at the subjective experiences and the developmental benefits. She explains that the emotions children experience while taking risks will help develop their motor skills and competen...
Jan 26, 2023ā¢17 minā¢Season 1Ep. 6
How much risk is too much risk? An Introduction to learning through risk with Ellen Sandseter. Throughout this episode, Ellen Sandseter, researcher and expert in Childrenās Risky Play, introduces the concept of learning through risk, also referred to as Risky Play, in early childhood. Alistair and Ellen delve into the benefits of creating open-ended outdoor spaces that allow and encourage children to explore the risks they feel most comfortable with. Ellen shares how children from a very young a...
Jan 19, 2023ā¢22 minā¢Season 1Ep. 5
In todayās episode, Alistair Bryce-Clegg, and International Educational Consultant Sue Asquith, talk about the value of using outdoor spaces in all areas of learning across the Early Years framework. Sue and Alistair share practical ways to incorporate all areas of learning into your outdoor spaces to support childrenās learning and development. From PSED, physical development to mathematics and language development, this episode uncovers why having a holistic approach to outdoor play is key. š...
Jan 12, 2023ā¢24 minā¢Season 1Ep. 4
In this episode, Alistair Bryce-Clegg, and International Educational Consultant Sue Asquith, explore continuous provision in the outdoors. Alistair asks Sue the million-dollar question; how do we define it, and what should practitioners consider? Sue explains the importance of open-ended learning opportunities. What resources are likely to inspire children in their early childhood? And what activities will spark curiosity without constant adult intervention? It is this that creates those magic l...
Jan 05, 2023ā¢22 minā¢Season 1Ep. 3
In our first ever TTS Talking Early Years podcast episode, Alistair Bryce-Clegg, and International Educational Consultant, Sue Asquith, discuss the importance of children having access to quality outdoor learning experiences all year round (no matter the weather!). Sue shares practical guidance on how practitioners can achieve consistency and accessibility in outdoor play throughout the seasons. š To shop for resources relevant to outdoor play in the Early Years, click here! šļø Listened and lo...
Dec 22, 2022ā¢18 minā¢Season 1Ep. 1
In this episode, Alistair Bryce-Clegg, and International Educational Consultant Sue Asquith, explore ways for practitioners to enable their outdoor areas to be spaces of continuous provision all year round. Have you ever heard of the game Wellies on, wellies off ? Listen to this podcast for lots of fun, play-based inspiration to enable you to create engaging and exciting outdoor learning opportunities. š To shop for resources relevant to outdoor play in the Early Years, click here! šļø Listened...
Dec 22, 2022ā¢21 minā¢Season 1Ep. 2
