Episodes
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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.
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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.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Episodes manquant?
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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.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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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.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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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.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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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.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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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.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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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.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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In this episode of the Little Minds Big Ideas podcast with the Early Years Network, hosts Emily and Ben discuss the differences between rural and urban upbringings. They explore various aspects such as education, community, healthcare, independence, and more, while sharing their personal experiences.
The episode also touches on recent government plans to expand nursery provisions and delves into ongoing social issues.
Join Emily and Ben as they navigate through these contrasting childhood environments and their implications for future generations.
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.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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In this episode of 'Diary of an Early Years Educator,' Emily reflects on her week and discusses an important issue prompted by a recent education conference she attended.
Emily shares her thoughts on professionalism in early years education, the importance of uniforms, and the unfortunate perception gap between early years educators and other education professionals. She emphasises the need for recognising early years education as a vital part of the educational system and invites listeners to reflect on their own work and wellbeing.
Join Emily in this insightful discussion and contribute your views on whether early years educators are truly seen as professionals.
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.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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This episode, Emily gets real about a topic we all struggle with – friendships at work! 💬
She’s sharing the highs and lows of navigating relationships with colleagues, and how to know if those friendships are for life or just for the workplace. From forming deep connections with co-workers to facing the heartbreak when they fizzle out, Emily opens up about her personal experiences and what it really means to balance work and friendships in the fast-paced world of early years education.
But that’s not all – she’s tackling the big question: Why is making friends as adults so tough? Whether you're juggling early years chaos or just looking to connect with people outside of work, this episode has got you covered with Emily’s refreshingly honest take on adult friendships.
Tune in for a heartfelt, relatable chat, and don’t forget to join the conversation on social media!
Is it harder for you to make friends as an adult?
Do work friendships last?
Emily wants to know your thoughts! 🌟
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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In this lively and candid episode of Little Minds, Big Ideas, Ben and Emily dive into the complexities of workplace culture.
After a bit of tech trouble (they weren’t recording the first time around!), they tackle everything from the importance of feeling respected at work to the perks that really matter – like, who’s responsible for the office milk?
Along the way, they discuss how company culture in early years settings is different, why leadership plays a key role, and how culture should evolve naturally rather than being forced. Plus, Emily teases her new podcast The Diary of an Early Years Educator, and the duo shares their thoughts on autonomy, communication, and what to look for in a healthy work environment.
Tune in for some laughs, honest insights, and a whole lot of relatable moments. New episodes every Wednesday at 6am on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon.
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.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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This week, Emily is back with a fresh perspective (after surviving a nasty bug!) and she's diving into one of the most chaotic yet rewarding parts of any early years setting – mealtimes!
From the panic of baby room spills to the stress of managing allergies, Emily gets real about why this part of the day is no walk in the park. But it’s not all stress – she’s also sharing tips on how to turn mealtimes into learning opportunities, boost independence, and bring a little more calm to the chaos!
Plus, Emily’s tackling some big questions: Why do we LOVE working in early years? And what’s your favourite part of continuous provision?
She’s got some brilliant listener feedback to share, and of course, a cheeky plug for The Early Years Network (because who doesn’t love expert resources at £4.99 a month?).
If you’ve ever felt the pressure of mealtimes or just want to hear some down-to-earth advice on early years life, this episode is a must-listen!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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In this week's episode of The Diary of an Early Years Educator, I’m diving into one of my favourite (and sometimes frustrating!) topics—organisation in an early years setting. From the must-do's to my personal pet peeves, I’m sharing practical tips that will make your day-to-day run smoother and help keep things in order.
Whether it's labelling nappies, organising pegs, or getting everyone on the same page, I've got some tried-and-true advice that might just make your life a little easier. Plus, as always, I’m kicking things off with my ‘what went well, what can I improve, and what has to go’ reflections from this week.
Grab a cuppa and let’s get organised!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Hey there, I’m Emily Macfarlane, and welcome to The Diary of an Early Years Educator!
This podcast is your go-to space for honest, down-to-earth conversations about the realities of working with young children. Every week, I’ll be sharing personal stories from my time in early years, along with practical tips, funny moments, and reflections on everything that comes with the job. From navigating tricky situations to celebrating the little wins, it's all about keeping it real and having a laugh along the way.
This isn’t your typical, formal podcast. Think of it more like catching up with a friend who gets the highs and lows of early years work, and isn't afraid to chat about both! Whether you’re already working with young children, just getting started, or simply curious about what goes on in this fantastic (and sometimes chaotic) industry, you’re in the right place.
So grab a cuppa, settle in, and join me for some fun, casual, and relatable chats about all things early years. I can't wait to share this journey with you!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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In this weeks episode of Little Minds, Big Ideas, Ben and Emily take a deep dive into the results of Ofsted's Big Listen consultation and the major reforms shaking up the inspection landscape. They explore the monumental shift from single-word judgments to more comprehensive report cards, aimed at providing a fuller picture of school performance while reducing the pressure on educators.
The conversation delves into how Ofsted is focusing on transparency, with reforms designed to create a more collaborative relationship between inspectors and schools. Ben and Emily also discuss the significant changes aimed at improving support for vulnerable learners, including students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), and how safeguarding practices are becoming a central priority.
This episode takes a look at the future of Ofsted, particularly the planned improvements in inspector training and contextual understanding, making inspections more relevant to the unique circumstances of each school. Ben and Emily also unpack how these reforms could positively impact staff well-being, addressing concerns raised in the consultation regarding the mental health toll of inspections.
Finally, the pair discusses how Ofsted plans to move forward with these changes, exploring what this means for the education system and what educators can expect from future inspections. Will these reforms really create a fairer, more supportive system, or will they fall short of the change schools and nursery settings are hoping for?
Tune in as Ben and Emily break down all the details and predict how Ofsted will evolve in the coming years. Don't miss this in-depth conversation on the future of education inspections, the reforms to rebuild trust, and how Ofsted aims to make a positive impact in schools across the UK.
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.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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This week on Little Minds, Big Ideas Ben & Emily explore the science behind how routines and habits shape early childhood development. Discover how these daily practices influence brain growth, learning, and emotional well-being, providing young minds with the structure and stability they need to thrive.
Join us as we delve into the critical role that habits play in building foundational skills, fostering independence in children and developing emotional regulation, setting the stage for lifelong success.
Don't forget if you enjoyed this podcast 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.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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In this week's exciting episode of Little Minds, Big Ideas, Ben and Emily dive into the essential qualities that define the 'perfect' early years educator. From the art of communication to the necessity of inner curiosity, they explore the diverse and crucial skills that make educators truly exceptional in the wonderful world of early childhood education.
What does it take to connect with young minds? How do organisation and creativity play a role in shaping a child's early experiences? Ben and Emily leave no stone unturned as they discuss the traits that contribute to creating a nurturing and stimulating learning environment.
Whether you're an educator, parent, or simply curious about the world of early years education, this podcast is a must-listen. Join us as we celebrate the passion, dedication, and skills that make early years educators so special. Don't miss out on this insightful conversation—tune in and discover what it takes to make a lasting impact on the next generation!
Wait!! 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.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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In this episode of *Little Minds, Big Ideas*, Ben and Emily from The Early Years Network dive into the essential topic of school readiness. They kick off by sharing exciting updates from their learning platform and discuss a new, innovative payment concept for parents emerging from Warwickshire.
The heart of the episode is all about understanding what it truly means to be 'school ready.' With insights drawn from your feedback on Instagram, Ben and Emily explore key ideas that define school readiness, while also debunking common myths surrounding child development and the primary curriculum. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or simply passionate about early childhood education, this episode offers a thoughtful and engaging discussion that will leave you with practical tips and a deeper understanding of how to best support the little minds in your life. Tune in for an episode full of valuable insights and a few surprises along the way!
Don't forget if you enjoyed this podcast 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.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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In this weeks episode of Little Minds, Big Ideas Ben takes a back seat as Emily is joined by the wonderful nursery manager Rachael!
This week the girls are discussing ways in which parents can provide their little one’s the very best start in nursery, or more specifically the do’s and don’ts when packing a nursery backpack.
So, join two best friends explore what really should be going into an early bag, and how you as parents, can very easily make the lives of all early years educators so much easier!
Don't forget if you enjoyed this podcast 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.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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