Little Minds, Big Ideas

In this episode of The Diary of an Early Years Educator, Emily takes over for Ben, who is unwell, to share some positivity in the early years education field. She addresses the negative atmosphere prevalent on social media and offers several uplifting viewpoints on the joy and fulfilment of working with young children. Emily emphasises the excitement of unpredictable daily routines, the comfort of being a supportive network for families, the magic of celebrations through children's eyes, and the joy of witnessing developmental milestones

In this episode of 'The Diary of an Early Years Educator,' Emily shares her recent experiences, including a Halloween event, battling tonsillitis, and updates on the EYFS changes effective from November 1st. She also delves into managing difficult conversations with parents, offering practical tips on maintaining honesty, privacy, and child-focused discussions. Emily concludes with personal book recommendations and a look at some upcoming content.

Join Ben and Emily for a special Halloween edition of the Little Minds, Big Ideas Podcast. While Emily battles tonsillitis, they discuss their experiences with Halloween, share opinions on the spookiest holiday traditions, and debate what should go into their Halloween Room 101. From trick-or-treating mishaps to the controversy of pumpkin patches, they cover it all in this fun-filled episode!Don't forget if you enjoyed this episode make sure to head over to The Early Years Network where you can find a world of early years training and development at your finger tips at a click of a button. All for just £4.99 a month.

Join hosts Ben and Emily in the latest episodes of the Little Minds, Big Ideas Podcast as they recount their hilarious adventures in Cornwall, address the drama and dynamics of Big Brother, and dive into the complexities of early childhood development. From sharing favourite spots and experiences in Cornwall to discussing the challenges faced by celebrities and the importance of balancing cognitive, physical, and emotional development in children, the hosts cover a wide range of engaging topics. They debunk common myths about child development, explore the impact of routines and behaviour management, and touch on the societal impact of negative news versus positive stories. With teasers of future episodes, including a big Halloween special, insightful debates, and hands-on advice for educators, this podcast offers an entertaining and educational experience for all listeners. Don't forget if you enjoyed this episode make sure to head over to The Early Years Network where you can find a world of early years training and development at your finger tips at a click of a button. All for just £4.99 a month.

In this episode of her diary, Emily shares insights from her staycation in Cornwall and delves into the crucial role of written assessments in early childhood education. She discusses the importance of documentation for tracking children's development and ensuring continuity of care, even when key educators are absent. Emily highlights the varied approaches to observations, the collaborative efforts among colleagues to support child development, and she reflects on her personal experiences, including recent book reads and the necessity of good sleep. Tune in to hear Emily's plans for future episodes and join the conversation on the importance of observations and assessments.Don't forget if you enjoyed this episode make sure to head over to The Early Years Network where you can find a world of early years training and development at your finger tips at a click of a button. All for just £4.99 a month.

In this episode of 'Diary of an Early Years Educator,' host Emily reflects on the joys of growing up as a fangirl and shares personal memories of attending concerts of favourite bands like McFly, Busted, and Olly Murs. Emily tells stories about bonding with her sister over music and cherishing those moments. She also emphasises the importance of pursuing activities that bring joy and maintaining good mental health. Amidst her excitement for McFly's 21st anniversary concert, Emily provides a weekly book recommendation, 'Seven and a Half Lessons About the Brain' by Lisa Feldman Barrett, praising its accessible take on neuroscience. Emily encourages listeners to prioritise what makes them happy, whether it's music, sports, or any personal passion.Don't forget if you enjoyed this episode make sure to head over to The Early Years Network where you can find a world of early years training and development at your finger tips at a click of a button. All for just £4.99 a month.

Join Ben and Emily in this episode of the Little Minds, Big Ideas podcast as they navigate the rainy day atmosphere to discuss Ofsted's latest report on early years education and the crucial role of the internet in early childhood and across modern society as a whole. They examine the advantages and pitfalls of the internet, its influence on globalisation, and the pressing issues surrounding children's screen time and social media exposure. The hosts also touch on their personal internet habits, the effects of technology on family dynamics, and potential future regulations.Listen in for a thoughtful conversation that delves into the transformative power of the internet and its implications for early education.Don't forget if you enjoyed this episode make sure to head over to The Early Years Network where you can find a world of early years training and development at your finger tips at a click of a button. All for just £4.99 a month.

In this week's entry of 'Diary of an Early Years Educator,' Emily reflects on the emotional challenges of working in early years settings. As she navigates her personal and professional life, Emily discusses the importance of understanding and managing emotions—both her own and those of children, colleagues, and parents. She emphasises the value of self-care and accountability while sharing tips and experiences that aid in coping with the emotional demands of the job. Emily invites listeners to share their self-care practices ahead of World Mental Health Day and highlights the supportive resources available at The Early Years Network.Don't forget if you enjoyed this episode make sure to head over to The Early Years Network where you can find a world of early years training and development at your finger tips at a click of a button. All for just £4.99 a month.

In this week’s episode, Emily takes a reflective turn as she discusses the overwhelming response to last Monday’s episode on how the education industry views early years professionals. She shares a positive message about self-compassion—reminding you that you can’t do it all and that’s okay! Emily also opens up about her recent thoughts on loneliness, especially in the context of the TV show My Mum, Your Dad, which she’s been binge-watching with Ben. Tune in as Emily talks about how the show resonated with her experiences growing up, reflecting on the importance of connection, both at work and in life. Plus, get her weekly book recommendation, Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris—a thrilling read to unwind with over the weekend. Whether you’re here for the emotional insights or the fun TV chat, this episode is a cozy, candid conversation to ease you into your weekend.Don't forget if you enjoyed this episode make sure to head over to The Early Years Network where you can find a world of early years training and development at your finger tips at a click of a button. All for just £4.99 a month.