Twinkl Talks: EYFS: Recent Episodes
Twinkl Early Years
Working in the early years is busy, funny, messy and exhausting. Join host Shána, some of the Twinkl EYFS team, special guest speakers and other early years practitioners as they talk honestly about their experiences. Whether you're listening for CPD, on your commute or to help you relax... Twinkl EYFS will share everything you need to know about all things early years!Want to get involved or share your thoughts? Get in touch on social media!
Facebook - Instagram - TikTok - YouTube - Twitter - LinkedIn - Pinterest
Join Shána, Julia and Lou as they dive into nutrition in the Early Years. They’ll be chatting through recent changes, what this means for your setting, and practical ways to support parents, carers and children with healthy choices.
Whether you’re looking for ideas to share with families or guidance on mealtimes in your provision, this episode is full of useful insights and tips.
In the last couple of weeks, Ofsted have released the newest inspection framework, early years toolkits and held online briefings to share more details. Changes are coming in November 2025 so join the Twinkl Private Early Years team as they discuss some of what’s coming:
- Changes to inspection day
- Prioritising inclusion
- Focussing on wellbeing
- Inspection timelines
Want to see more from the Twinkl Private Early Years team? You can find us on Facebook and Instagram. Don't forget to check out our lovely Twinkl EYFS Resources for your day nursery, preschool and all other EYFS settings too!
💬 How do we protect our wellbeing in the busy world of Early Years?
Shána and Becky explore strategies for setting boundaries, regaining balance and feeling more in control, both inside and outside the classroom.
✨ Alongside the episode, we’re sharing a Wellbeing Calendar for Practitioners plus a simple Things to Look Forward To jar craft, both designed to give you little boosts throughout the term.
Want to take the conversation further? Don’t miss our upcoming TeachMeet.
Twinkl Private Early Years answers your early years practitioners problems all around the new EYFS 2025 and safeguarding reforms! This episode covers:
- How long should outdoor play be?
- What are your opinions of completing paper in the work whilst the children are present?
- How useful do you find supply staff?
Want to see more from the Twinkl Private Early Years team? You can find us on Facebook and Instagram. Don't forget to check out our lovely Twinkl EYFS Resources for your day nursery, preschool and all other EYFS settings too!
In this episode, we’re joined by Twinkl’s National Education Lead, Michelle Windridge, to break down what’s changing in early years education from September 2025.
We explore the latest DfE guidance and what it means for Reception teachers, EYFS leaders, and early years settings—including updates to the Writing Framework, the Reception Baseline Assessment, EYFS safeguarding reforms, and the new “Best Start in Life” plan.
You’ll also hear practical insights on school readiness support, curriculum planning, and how to feel confident heading into the new academic year.
Perfect for early years professionals looking to stay ahead of upcoming changes.
Read her blog here.
Twinkl Private Early Years answers your early years practitioners problems all around the new EYFS 2025 and safeguarding reforms! This episode covers:
- What’s changed with the new EYFS?
- Where can you get the latest information?
- Can unqualified staff be included in early years ratios?
- Do all early years staff need paediatric first aid training?
Want to see more from the Twinkl Private Early Years team? You can find us on Facebook and Instagram. Don't forget to check out our lovely Twinkl EYFS Resources for your day nursery, preschool and all other EYFS settings too!
Join the Twinkl EY in Schools team as they dive into all things continuous provision, from what it really means, to exploring enhanced and integrated provision, plus top tips for making it work in your setting.
You’ll also find plenty of inspiration from real practitioners and examples of provision in action. Don't forget to check out our Continuous Provision Hub and latest blog posts for even more ideas and support!
🔗 https://www.twinkl.co.uk/early-years-continuous-provision-hub
Twinkl Private Early Years answers your early years practitioners problems! This episode covers:
- I’ve worked in childcare for a while and find it hard to come up with new ideas. Any suggestions to help me with this?
- Should early years staff be bag searched on arrival into setting?
- Do you allow children to bring in their own toys into setting?
Want to see more from the Twinkl Private Early Years team? You can find us on Facebook and Instagram. Don't forget to check out our lovely Twinkl EYFS Resources for your day nursery, preschool and all other EYFS settings too!
Join Shána, Julia and Liz as they explore what behaviour tells us in early years settings. From schemas to dysregulation, they share insights and strategies to better understand and support behaviour in schools and nurseries.
Twinkl Private Early Years answers your early years practitioners problems! This episode covers:
- Should unqualified staff have key children?
- What advice do we have for a new toddler room leader?
- Is 25 too old to start an apprenticeship?
Want to see more from the Twinkl Private Early Years team? You can find us on Facebook and Instagram. Don't forget to check out our lovely Twinkl EYFS Resources for your day nursery, preschool and all other EYFS settings too!
Join Shána, Emma, and Pete as they dive into the topic of Do Screens Ruin Reading?, exploring the impact of screen time on early literacy. They reflect on current research, share classroom experiences, and discuss how educators and families can strike a balance between digital tools and traditional reading approaches
Check out our website and Twinkl Originals App below 👇
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Twinkl Private Early Years answers your early years practitioners problems! This episode covers:
- How can you ensure you setting celebrates diversity?
- What do you need to do and know to be a successful manager in early years?
- What are your opinions on dummies in early years?
Want to see more from the Twinkl Private Early Years team? You can find us on Facebook and Instagram. Don't forget to check out our lovely Twinkl EYFS Resources for your day nursery, preschool and all other EYFS settings too!
Join Shána, Tracie, and Amie as they explore the EYFS Profile—what it is, why it matters, and how it supports children’s development. A quick, insightful chat for early years practitioners and anyone interested in early education.
Here’s a link to our dedicated hub for updates and resources, and don’t forget to sign up for moderation if you haven’t already. You can also check out the Early Learning Goals (ELG) document and the latest guidance on the gov.uk website for full details.
Twinkl Private Early Years answers your early years practitioners problems! This episode covers:
- What key information should be included in a school transition form?
- What should a policy around smart watches include?
- What’s the difference between a deputy and nursery manager?
Want to see more from the Twinkl Private Early Years team? You can find us on Facebook and Instagram. Don't forget to check out our lovely Twinkl EYFS Resources for your day nursery, preschool and all other EYFS settings too!
Join Shána, Lou and Julia as they discuss the many stages of the play cycle.
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Twinkl Private Early Years answers your early years practitioners problems! This episode covers:
- How can I further support staff morale in my room?
- How do you manage staff breaks and children lunches in early years?
- Which is better for children and outdoor play - free flow or set times?
Want to see more from the Twinkl Private Early Years team? You can find us on Facebook and Instagram. Don't forget to check out our lovely Twinkl EYFS Resources for your day nursery, preschool and all other EYFS settings too!
Join Shána as she speaks to Educational Content Leads Becki Porter and Emma Fitzgerald, about how phonics isn't the only tool for learning to read and write.
Upcoming TeachMeets
How to support all learners with reading
A whole school approach
Phonics isn't working
Home Pages
Twinkl Originals
Twinkl Phonics
Join Katie from Twinkl Private Early Years as she discusses early years apprentices with Sophie Hayter! Sophie is one of, if not THE, leading expert on early years qualifications and apprenticeships in England.
This episode covers:
- What is off-the-job training? How can we support it better in nurseries and preschools?
- How can early years apprentices be better supported in the workplace?
- How have apprentices changed?
Make sure to join Sophie’s group on Facebook - Early Years & Teaching Assistants Training & Qualifications (UK) to get the latest updates!
Want to see more from the Twinkl Private Early Years team? You can find us on Facebook and Instagram. Don't forget to check out our lovely Twinkl EYFS Resources for your day nursery, preschool and all other EYFS settings too!
Join Shána as she speaks with Jayde, an SEND EYFS educator and Makaton Tutor, about how we use communication to support social interactions.
Sign & Bloom Facebook Page
Sign & Bloom Website
Jayde Conway LinkedIn Profile
Twinkl Private Early Years answers your early years practitioners problems! This episode covers:
- How do I stand out in my CV when applying for jobs in private early years settings?
- Have tuff trays become more for show in the early years rather than about the children’s learning?
- Tips for helping reduce stress and preventing ‘burnout’ when working in the early years
- Should people in senior roles such as a room leader have key children or not?
Want to see more from the Twinkl Private Early Years team? You can find us on Facebook and Instagram. Don't forget to check out our lovely Twinkl EYFS Resources for your day nursery, preschool and all other EYFS settings too!
BONUS EPISODE!
To round off our mini series on communication and language development, Shána speaks with the Twinkl EAL and SEND managers about the barriers faced and support needed for children with additional learning needs.
SEND in the Experts Podcast
Talking Their Language Podcast
Twinkl SEND support
Twinkl EAL Support
Twinkl Symbols
The Twinkl Early Years in Schools, Private Early Years and Early Years CPD teams have come together to give you another Christmas Special! Complete with fun and games, we definitely recommend playing along with us!
In this third and final episode of our miniseries on communication development in the early years, Julia and Louise outline the development that happens for toddlers aged one year old and upwards.
Early Years C&L Resources
Developing C&L for Ages 1-3
Developing C&L for Ages 3-5
In this second episode of our three-part miniseries on communication development in the early years, Julia and Louise outline the development that happens for babies in the womb up until they are twelve months old.
Early Years C&L Resources
C&L Development for Babies PPT
C&L Milestones for Ages 0-12 Months
Julia and Louise are back in this mini series about Communication & Language in the Early Years. In this part 1, we discuss the importance of communication in all its forms, how it might look when there is a need for support and how our environments impact development.
Early Years C&L Resources
Twinkl Private Early Years answers your early years practitioners problems! This episode covers:
- What methods do you use to improve daily routines?
- What does reading look like for different ages
- What characteristics do you look for in a room leader?
- How do you cope with a room change in private nurseries?
Want to see more from the Twinkl Private Early Years team? You can find us on Facebook and Instagram. Don't forget to check out our lovely Twinkl EYFS Resources for your day nursery, preschool and all other EYFS settings too!
This week the Twinkl Early Years Schools and Private Early Years teams have joined to celebrate you! Listen as they share stories of the struggles, laughs and the importance of early years practitioners.
EY in Schools Giveaway Entry Page - Private EY Giveaway Entry Page
BONUS Entry Page - FREE EYP Day Staff Resource Pack
Join the Twinkl Private Early Years team as they discuss the experiences and reality of staff meetings in day nurseries and preschools. Is the experience of everyone sitting in a circle after a long day universal in early years?
Want to see more from the Twinkl Private Early Years team? You can find us on Facebook and Instagram. Don't forget to check out our lovely Twinkl EYFS Resources for your day nursery, preschool and all other EYFS settings too!
Join Shána as she speaks with Sophie Bradley to discuss board game benefits and how these games can support not just children's reading skills, but in every area of learning.
Follow Sophie here: Instagram - Facebook
Twinkl Private Early Years answers your practitioner problems! This episode covers:
- What is the difference between level 2 and level 3 practitioners in terms of job and pay?
- What time do you start and finish each day? Are you paid for your setting up time?
- What questions should you ask in interviews to detect red flags?
Want to see more from the Twinkl Private Early Years team? You can find us on Facebook and Instagram. Don't forget to check out our lovely Twinkl EYFS Resources for your day nursery, preschool and all other EYFS settings too!
Join Shána as she speaks with Stuart Cloke, a nursery manager, on how we can support our male early years practitioners in the workplace.
Follow Stuart here:
Instagram - Puff Amazon - LinkedIn - Claudio Siserio
Join the Twinkl Private Early Years team as they discuss some commonly asked questions from Ofsted and how to answer them. The questions answered include:
- How do you support children with SEND?
- How do you work with parents and caregivers?
- How do you feel that activity went?
- What informs your practice?
You can find more Ofsted questions and answers here to support early years practitioners and teachers in your settings!
SUBJECT LEADERSHIP MINI SERIES
Twinkl EY in schools and Twinkl Subject Leads are teaming up!
Shána & Katie end the mini series discussing how the P.E, Computing, Dance and DT subjects in the National Curriculum and Characteristics of Effective Learning (CoEL) in the Early Years curriculum are a particular challenge to align for subject leads, and what they need to know about their relationship with each curriculum.
What Are the Characteristics of Effective Learning?
What Computing Subject Leaders Need To Know About the EYFS
The EYFS Framework - What Subject Leaders Need To Know
What Subject Leaders Can Expect To Be Asked During An OFSTED Inspection
Subject Leads Homepage
SUBJECT LEADERSHIP MINI SERIES
Twinkl EY in schools and Twinkl Subject Leads are teaming up!
Shána & Katie continue the mini series discussing how Art & Design, Drama, Dance and DT subjects look in the Early Years curriculum and what leaders of these subjects can expect to see in the early years classroom. (Hint: it's NOTHING like other key stages!)
Subject Leaders Exploring EYFS: Art
The EYFS Framework - What Subject Leaders Need To Know
What Subject Leaders Can Expect To Be Asked During An OFSTED Inspection
Subject Leads Homepage
SUBJECT LEADERSHIP MINI SERIES
Twinkl EY in schools and Twinkl Subject Leads are teaming up!
Shána & Katie continue the mini series discussing how History, Geography, R.E., PSHE, Languages and Science subjects look in the Early Years curriculum and what leaders of these subjects can expect to see in the early years classroom. (Hint: it's NOTHING like other key stages!)
Subject Leaders Exploring EYFS: Science
Subject Leaders Exploring EYFS: Geography
The EYFS Framework - What Subject Leaders Need To Know
What Subject Leaders Can Expect To Be Asked During An OFSTED Inspection
Subject Leads Homepage
SUBJECT LEADERSHIP MINI SERIES
Twinkl EY in schools and Twinkl Subject Leads are teaming up!
Shána & Katie continue the mini series discussing how the English and Maths subjects look in the Early Years curriculum and what leaders of this subject can expect to see in the early years classroom..
Download this resource pack before 6th of June to be entered into a wellbeing prize draw! The pack is also free until 11th June! 👇
Intro to Subject Leadership and Early Years Resource Pack
SUBJECT LEADERSHIP MINI SERIES
Twinkl EY in schools and Twinkl Subject Leads are teaming up!
It is expected that subject leaders have an overview and understanding of their subject across the full phase within their setting - including early years. But how are national curriculum subjects interwoven throughout the early years framework?
Shána is joined by Subject Leads manager Katie and special guests Helen and Sandy to kick off the mini series discussing how subject leadership and early years work together.
The EYFS Framework - What Subject Leaders Need To Know
EYFS Overview At A Glance
What Subject Leaders Can Expect To Be Asked During An OFSTED Inspection
Follow our guest speakers on Instagram: Clarke Belshaw
Join the Twinkl Private Early Years team as they discuss the experiences and reality of how transitions go in early years. Katie, Charlotte, Fliss and Hannah discuss their experiences of transitioning rooms, to schools, teacher visits and new school visits. Find more support on transitioning in the early years here!
Want to see more from Twinkl Private Early Years? You can find us on Facebook and Instagram. Don't forget to check out our lovely Twinkl EYFS Resources for your day nursery, preschool and all other EYFS settings too!
Shána gets advise from Lucy Lewin about how to support children who were born during or after the first COVID lockdown in England, and delves deep into how the past 4 years is still impacting us now.
Follow Lucy:
Website: The Profitable Nursery Academy
Contact her directly
Twinkl Private Early Years answers your early years practitioners problems! This episode covers:
- Should we use sticker charts and time-outs in early years settings?
- Is it normal for early years practitioners to spend their own money on resources?
- Should early years settings ban pull-up nappies?
Want to see more from the Twinkl Private Early Years team? You can find us on Facebook and Instagram. Don't forget to check out our lovely Twinkl EYFS Resources for your day nursery, preschool and all other EYFS settings too!
In this second instalment of the fine motor skills series, Shána, Julia and Louise go into the details of the 7 types of fine motor skills that are developed in early stages of life and what we can do to support them.
They also play a fun set of movement challenges at the end, did you do better than them?
Join the Twinkl Private Early Years team as they discuss their top tips to organising a toddler room ahead of the increase of funded hours in April 2024. Join Katie, Charlotte, Fliss and Hannah as they chat about toileting, nappy training, nap times, organisation and activity ideas for the toddler room.
Toileting Blog
Toddler Activities
Want to see more from Twinkl Private Early Years? You can find us on Facebook and Instagram. Don't forget to check out our lovely Twinkl EYFS Resources for your day nursery, preschool and all other EYFS settings too!
The Twinkl Early Years CPD team begin this two-part series explaining what fine motor skills are and why they are vital skills across all areas of the early years curriculum.
Fine Motor Skills Hub
Social Media Challenge
Fine and Gross Motor Skills Handout
Fine Motor Skills PowerPoint
Join the Twinkl Private Early Years team as they answer your early years practitioners problems! In this episode, Katie, Charlotte, Fliss and Hannah answer:
- Should you do supply agency nursery work?
- How can you make early years inductions more interesting?
- How do you balance sleepers and non-sleepers in a toddler room?
Want to see more from Twinkl Private Early Years? You can find us on Facebook and Instagram. Don't forget to check out our lovely Twinkl EYFS Resources for your day nursery, preschool and all other EYFS settings too!
Shána speaks with author Johanne Lee about how important and simple it is to talk about sustainability with early years children.
Get her books on Amazon. Find her on: Instagram - Facebook - Email.
Check out our Sustainability Resources and CPD.
Greater Manchester Mayor's Charity - British Heart Foundation
Join the Twinkl Private Early Years team as they discuss the realities of early years outdoor play in winter. Join Katie, Charlotte, Fliss and Hannah as they chat about their experiences with outdoor uniform budgets, organising children to get outside and our favourite outdoor activities to keep warm!
Outdoor Learning CPD - Nature Buddies
Want to see more from Twinkl Private Early Years? You can find us on Facebook and Instagram. Don't forget to check out our lovely Twinkl EYFS Resources for your day nursery, preschool and all other EYFS settings too!
Join Shána, Julia and Louise as they explore executive function and its critical role in the development of children aged birth to five years old. As educators, parents, and caregivers, understanding and nurturing executive function skills can profoundly impact a child's lifelong learning journey.
Executive Function Handout
Executive Function Video
The Twinkl Early Years in Schools and Private Early Years teams have come together to give you another Christmas Special! Complete with fun and games, we definitely recommend playing along with us!
Christmas Song Clips by Love To Sing - find them on YouTube!
Christmas Jingle by Audio Coffee.
The Twinkl Private Early Years team are back to answer more of your early years practitioners problems! This episode covers:
- How often should early years settings do 1:1s for their early years practitioners?
- Which is better - paper or electronic learning journals?
- How often should you change rooms in early years settings?
Want to see more from the Twinkl Private Early Years team? You can find us on Facebook and Instagram. Don't forget to check out our lovely Twinkl EYFS Resources for your day nursery, preschool and all other EYFS settings too!
In this episode, we delve into the transformative and often underestimated realm of play. Join Shána, Julia & Louise as we explore how embracing playfulness can unlock creativity, foster innovation, and enhance overall well-being.
Useful Resources
Powerful Play in the Early Years PowerPoint Pack
Powerful Play in the Early Years Handout
Powerful Play in the Early Years Adult Information Leaflet
Play: What Is It? Poster
Play: Why is it Important? Poster
Jean Piaget: Types of Play Poster
Gov Child Development Training
Twinkl Private Early Years team TAKEOVER!
It’s commonplace in most private early years settings and some schools to have apprentices included as part of the team. Join Katie, Charlotte, Fliss and Hannah as they discuss their experiences of working with and supporting apprentices within early years settings.
Want to see more from the Twinkl Private Early Years team? You can find us on Facebook and Instagram. Don't forget to check out our lovely Twinkl EYFS Resources for your day nursery, preschool and all other EYFS settings too!
Feeling stressed, tired, run-down, or all of the above? We know that being an early years practitioner can be physically and mental demanding, so we asked Charlie Burley, The Teacher's Health Coach to talk about how we can beat burnout before it hits!
Find him on:
Instagram - Facebook - YouTube - Twitter - TikTok - LinkedIn
Listen to his podcast here.
Find TJ Powers on Instagram here.
Twinkl Private Early Years team TAKEOVER!
The Twinkl Private Early Years team answers your early years practitioner problems! This episode covers:
- Should early years settings have CCTV?
- Should early years settings hold parents evenings?
- How does pick-up and drop-off look in your early years setting?
Want to see more from the Twinkl Private Early Years team? You can find them on Facebook and Instagram. Don't forget to check out our lovely Twinkl EYFS Resources for your day nursery, preschool and all other EYFS settings too!
How many schemas are there? How can I tell what schema a child is working in? How can I support them? Julia & Louise answer these questions and more in our second of two episodes on schema play.
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New * CPD: Schema Play and Behaviour PP Pack
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New * CPD: Schema Play and Language Ideas (Poster)
CPD: Early Years Schemas (Handout)
Twinkl Private Early Years team TAKEOVER!
Twinkl Early Years staff are asked a lot... is it better working in a school-based or private early years setting? What are the differences? Join Katie, Charlotte, Fliss and Hannah from the Twinkl Private Early Years team as they discuss their experiences working in a variety of early years settings and which they preferred.
Want to see more from the Twinkl Private Early Years team? Find them on Facebook and Instagram. Don't forget to check out our lovely Twinkl EYFS Resources for your day nursery, preschool and all other EYFS settings too!
The 3 words every early years practitioner dreads... the attainment gap! Have no fear, Jordan from the charity Peeple is here to put your mind at rest and offer advise on how to support our most disadvantaged children and families.
Follow Peeple on: Facebook - Instagram - Twitter - Website
Do you know what a schema is? Did you know there are 9 of them? How do children use schemas and how can you tell? These are all questions Shána had for Julia and Louise from the Twinkl Early Years CPD team, and thankfully, they had all the answers!
Schema PowerPoint Pack
Schema Vocabulary Lanyard
Schema Reflection Handout
So, you're about to join the best community EVER, but don't have a clue what to expect? 🤯
Join us for an Instagram LIVE on Tuesday the 4th of July at 6pm where Shána and 3 guest early years practitioners share their experiences and answer your questions on what to expect in September. 🎥🎉
This is a great opportunity for all of us to come together and chat about our passion for working with young children. So make sure you tune in and join the conversation! 🤩
twinkleyfs #earlyyears #newstaff #instagramlive #cantwaittodiscuss #EYCommunity #EYTagteam
All the way from Copenhagen, Matt from Famly talks about why parent and family relationships are vital for not only the child, but the carers and educators involved too.
Follow them on: Twitter - Instagram - Facebook - TikTok - LinkedIn - Website
They say it takes a village to raise a child. That couldn't be more true in today's society! Shána speaks with Samantha Dholakia on who can be involved in a collective approach to supporting early years children and why it's so important for everyone.
Check out Sam on: Instagram - Facebook - Twitter - LinkedIn - Website
Julia and Lou are back to teach us how to promote and support risky play in our settings. We might also learn about what they find risky as adults!
Risk Benefit Assessment Form
Risky Play PowerPoint Pack
Supporting Parents and Carers
Risky Play Language Support
Shána speaks with Cathy from the Speech Den about Gestalt Language Processing and how we can support children in a school and home setting.
Follow Cathy's work on:
Twitter - Instagram - TikTok - Facebook - LinkedIn - Website
Get tickets to the Gestalt Language Processors Conference here!
Speech and Language advisor Sarah Billingham is back, this time to talk about alternative forms of communication such as using sign languages and systems to support children in the early years and why it works so well for everyone.
MINI SERIES
Ever wanted to teach Early Years abroad? Shána talks to Amy on TikTok Live about what it's like to be an EYFS Teacher in Northern Ireland!
MINI SERIES
Ever wanted to teach Early Years abroad? Shána talks to Fiona about what it's like to be an EYFS Teacher in Scotland!
Check out their: Instagram - Facebook - Twitter - TikTok - YouTube
MINI SERIES
Ever wanted to teach Early Years abroad? Shána talks to Delia on TikTok Live about what its like to be and EYFS Teacher in Mexico!
MINI SERIES
Ever wanted to teach Early Years abroad? Shána talks to Liesel about what its like to be and EYFS Teacher in South Africa!
MINI SERIES
Ever wanted to teach Early Years abroad? Shána talks to Sonia on TikTok Live about what its like to be and EYFS Teacher in Romania!
BONUS EPISODE!
Twinkl Talks: EYFS is now 1 year old, wow! Here is a special bonus episode with outtakes that never quite made it to air..
Shána also tells you the emoji you need to be a part of the 1st birthday giveaway, so make sure you listen 'til the end to find it!
MINI SERIES
Ever wanted to teach Early Years abroad? Shána talks to Stacey about what its like to be and EYFS Teacher in Australia!
Check out their: Instagram - Facebook - Facebook Group - TikTok - Twitter
Teaching in the Early Years is rewarding, but not without its challenges. One of them of course, is your wellbeing! Shána talks with Primary School teacher and Happy Teacher Coach Jessica Joan about how to look after our wellbeing and why it is so important.
Check out Jess' Instagram - Facebook Profile - Facebook Page - Facebook Group
Julia and Lou are back! This time they explore the theme of curiosity, why it is so important to nurture it in the EYFS and what happens when we lead with it in our practise.
Link to Twinkl Curiosity resource pacl here.
Shána talks with Nursery World 2022 Award Winning Author Dr. Helen J Williams about how to make maths learning fun and engaging inside and outside the classroom.
The Early Childhood Mathematics Group
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Shána kick-starts 2023 with a chat about the link between behaviour and communication, with Speech and Language advisor Sarah Billingham.
Shána gets the Twinkl EYFS team together with some new faces, Charlotte and Fliss from the Private Nurseries team, to talk all things Christmas!
Enter our giveaway by New Year's Eve to be in a chance to win a whole year of Twinkl Membership on us! Listen to find out what emoji to post!
Boogie Mites Creative Director Harriet Thomas joins Shána on this episode to talk about why music is so important to teach in Early Years.
Listen to this episode to get a 20% DISCOUNT on Boogie Mites programmes until the 1st of January!
Did you know there is a connection between a baby's feeding development and their speech and language skills? Me neither! But don't worry, Early Years Speech Therapist Angharad Welch is here to tell us all about it, as well as give top tips to support young children, particularly the most vulnerable.
Website
Facebook Page
Facebook Group
LinkTree
Twinkl Babies Newsletter
Diversity Award winning Joss Cambridge-Simmons, founder of Jossy Care, shares his journey in becoming an Early Years practitioner, the challenges he has faced because of his race and gender, and why representation of all varieties matters to not just our children, but all of us.
Jossy Care:
Facebook Page
TikTok
Website
Back by popular demand, Julia and Lou, aka Loulia (not my decision guys), talk about loose parts and the theory it evolved from. You might be surprised at what counts as a loose part, I know I was!
Loose Parts Powerpoint
Loose Parts in Practise
How Not To Cheat Children - Simon Nicholson Article
Shána speaks with another international guest, Jill Dianne Bittinger, about the core values behind the Montessori approach, what it looks like in the classroom and why taking into account the WHOLE child is crucial for their development.
The beginning of a new school year can be a real challenge for children with separation anxiety. Shána invites her colleagues and friends, Julia and Louise, to come and talk about the theories behind attachment, the different types to look out for and how we as parents and practitioners can support our children through settling in time.
Link to attachment theory presentation here
Talking about emotions can be a challenge for some children. Wendy has a wonderful resource she developed from her experience as a childminder to help us all articulate and demonstrate our feelings.
It's a term we are all familiar with, educators and parents alike. But what does it actually mean? Shána busts some myths about what it takes for children to REALLY be 'ready' to go to school.
Twinkl School Readiness Wiki Page
Being School Ready - PACEY
Are you an ECT starting in an Early Years class or setting? Perhaps you have worked in another Key Stage and have been told you are joining Nursery or Reception from September? Join Shána, Ashleigh from Twinkl ECTs and 2 guest practitioners who share their experience and know-how to help you feel prepared!
Forest school, Outdoor Learning, the Nature Based Approach. We have mostly all heard of these terms, but what do they actually mean? Shána is joined by leading Forest School Practitioner Marina Robb on the importance of nature based learning and its impact on our children's development.
Emotional literacy and regulation is a challenging and yet important skill for children to develop. How do we support our children in being aware of and communicating their emotions? How do we support ourselves to do the same? Shána speaks with Jenna Moniz from the HeartMath institute about, quite literally, the heart of the matter.
Shána talks with Lesley Berrington, published author of Hattie & Friends book series, about representation in children's books and why they are a must-have in any Early Years setting.
Website: https://hattieandfriends.com/
Twitter: @hattiesfriends
Instagram: @hattieandfriendsauthor
Facebook: @Hattieandfriendsauthor
LinkedIn: @lesley-berrington-0252b425
In the UK, only 3% of EYFS practitioners are male. Join Shána as she chats with Tom, Matt C, Mat S, Mat M & Matthew (Yes, that is a lot of Matthews..) as they open up about the challenges they have faced in the work place, just because of their gender. How can we make sure our EYFS settings are welcoming for all?
Tom Noakes - @mrnoakes_teachingjourney
Mathew Stevenson - @eyfs_with_mr_s
Matthew Chatburn - @mattchat004 and @MrChatburn_eyfs
Mathew Middleton - @TheMFASP
Matthew Crouch - @mr_c_classroom and @mrcclassroom
1 in 10 of us will have some form of Dyslexia. That includes Early Years educators. In this episode, Shána explores the challenges that practitioners face in the classroom while having a form of Dyslexia, shares research and links on how to support yourself or your colleagues and speaks to Kelly Harris, a Dyslexic teacher, about her experiences getting diagnosed, trained and supported through her career.
Supporting Dyslexic Trainee Teachers: University of Southampton
Blog: The Gift of Being A Dyslexic Teacher by Matthew Friday
Supporting Teachers with Dyslexia: Engage Education
Shána speaks with Early Childhood Consultant Sue Asquith about how to support children, families and teachers with transition from room to room, Nursery to Reception and EYFS to Key Stage 1. Sue shares her advice, experience and answers your questions on best practise.
Learn more about her work in the links below!
Sue's LinkedIn
Sue's Facebook Group
Sue's Website
Sam is an ex-headteacher turned Leadership Energy coach & trainer. She supports school leaders and practitioners in building resilience in such a fast-paced and challenging work environment. She shares her experience, expertise and top tips for building resilience as a practitioner in the EYFS.
Get to know her more here:
Instagram: @sunskycoaching
LinkedIn: @samantha-jayasuriya
Website: http://www.sunskycoaching.co.uk/
Email: sam@sunskycoaching.co.uk
Projects: https://sunskycoaching.co.uk/coaching/#evolution
Does this comment make your eye twitch? Perhaps you have said this to an EYFS teacher friend yourself? Join Shána as she explores what play actually means, how practitioners weave it into their timetable and why it is such an integral part of an EYFS setting. There's a lot more to it than you might think!
Link to Article
We can all agree that snack time is a very important part of the day in early years, but how do you go about doing it? Shána looks at group time snack as well as rolling snack and the benefits and set-backs of both. Which way works for your setting?
Join Shána as she explores a study about imaginary friends. She also shares experiences of you, wonderful listeners, who have written in and even interviews her colleague Alisha about her very own imaginary friends.. you will NEVER guess what they were!
Shána looks at different types of planning approaches: topic-led and child-led/spontaneous planning. She speaks to her colleagues and shares your experiences of using them, which do you prefer?
Link to OFSTED Report here.
Meet the voices behind the posts on Twinkl EYFS's social media! Your host Shána interviews her marketing colleagues Alisha, Claire, Katie & Lauren and gets some hilarious (and slightly worrying) responses to questions about themselves. You might find out more about us than you bargained for..
Meet Betsy, our honorary guest on each episode. Betsy is 3 and a half and provides her voice on behalf of all the children we teach in Early Years! Here is a sneak peek of what she brought to our first episode when she asked us to guess her favourite animal..