Articles
The Voice of Early Childhood publishes weekly articles on all things early childhood from a diverse range of voices.
Read and Reflect
Take a look at some of our latest thought provoking articles
Education consultant Joanne Lo explores how self-reflection and personal wellbeing are essential foundations for effective leadership in schools. Drawing on mindfulness and social-emotional learning, she shares practical strategies for fostering...
Childhood trauma, often referred to as ‘complex’ or ‘developmental’ trauma, is extremely common but is not often discussed in the context of our work as early childhood educators. And yet,...
When most people hear the term Pikler their thoughts go to the Pikler triangle, a piece of equipment designed for climbing. When used appropriately this opens up opportunities for the...
Do you want to know how to build a sustainable and successful early years brand to underpin your early years business? From sector insights to interesting case studies and practical...
Words hold a lot of power for children, they shape who they are and who they become. Yet 41% of children experience verbal abuse by adults, which can lead to...
We do not need a 'free from' diet when it comes to providing young children with emotional wellbeing and support. In the early years children need a safe space to...
Ryan Bradshaw emphasises the importance of fostering a sense of belonging in early childhood education. He shares his personal journey and experiences, highlighting the impact of belonging for both children...
Mandy Richardson, owner of Naturally Learning nurseries in Cornwall, talks to us about how she created the Cornish Curriculum with her team. Mandy shares with us the details of her...
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to revolutionise various sectors, including early childhood education. This article and podcast episode explore how AI can positively impact nurseries, schools and wider early...
Registered nutritionist Catherine Lippe and early years writer Charlotte Goddard look at what drives fussy eating, and give practical strategies on how to support children to try new foods without...
We explore the expansion of school-based nurseries, highlighting concerns around two-year-olds in schools, advocating for collaboration across early years settings, and emphasising the importance of knowledgeable educators in supporting two-year-olds’...
Would you rely on technology to help your baby sleep? This podcast episode and article explores Mimic Motion, an innovative baby rocker that simulates car travel to help babies sleep....
Reusing materials in early childhood education fosters creativity, problem-solving, and environmental awareness. This article and podcast episode explore the benefits of incorporating loose parts and open-ended materials into play, particularly...
This special episode addresses some deep topics, including the power of the decision maker, impartiality, belonging vs inclusion, the true opportunity for voice and representation, active participation and critical consumption...
You start as a talented practitioner; amazing with the children, knowledgeable and caring, and you build strong relationships with staff and families. Your potential does not go unnoticed and before...
What if children’s attention isn’t a skill to train, but a response to their environment, emotions and engagement? Dr Gemma Goldenberg and Professor Sam Wass encourage us to think about...
Exploring how physical development, physical activity, physical education, and physical literacy contribute to a child's holistic development. This article and podcast episode highlight the importance of creating engaging, inclusive environments,...
Neuroscience plays such a crucial role in understanding child development, principally in regard to brain growth, mental health, and emotional wellbeing. As children navigate their formative years, knowledge of brain...
There is no ‘bad’ behaviour. Behaviour is only useful or not useful…Setting children up for success starts with understanding behaviour as communication. A balanced, trauma-informed approach prioritises emotional literacy, connection,...
With rising costs impacting education settings, the Payback Scheme offers a practical solution to ease financial pressures. By negotiating competitive contracts for gas, electricity, and water, the Payback Scheme helps...
Incorporating STEAM into the provision of quality early childhood education is vitally important for today’s 21st century children. Many educators worry that they may not have the skills or resources...
Domestic abuse has devastating effects on children, often beginning before birth. This article and episode explore the hidden impact of domestic abuse on young lives, from pregnancy to early childhood,...
Rachael Webster problematises the English Government’s campaign for early childhood professionals, namely the advert: Do something big, work with small children…Rachael highlights the complexity, impact and importance of the early...
Let’s discuss the challenges around speech, language and communication, and how these can be overcome. Julie Kent and Dr Tanya Richardson discuss their professional and academic insights, including aspects explored...
Professor Alison Clark shares with us decades of important work and research that has resulted in the pioneering practice of slow pedagogy within early childhood. Throughout the episode we unpick...
In recent years, there has been a shift in how we approach children's emotional development, moving away from measures such as "time out" towards a more holistic, supportive approach that...
Working in early years is incredibly rewarding, but is it always viable? Jane Todd, an experienced early years business owner has had 5 early years related businesses; early years music...
A reflective piece on experiencing burnout as a Black nursery manager; recognising its signs, overcoming challenges, and fostering inclusivity and equity while prioritising mental health and sharing strategies for recovery,...
As more children need some form of augmentative and alternative communication, the use of Makaton is increasing. Rachel Makepeace, a Makaton tutor and Special Educational Needs (SEN) teacher, shares her...
In this episode and article, Olivia Corbin-Phillip encourages us to see all conversations as stories, as we are all storytellers…Olivia explains that giving children the gift of becoming storytellers is...
Mattie talks about transitioning from one career to another and the challenges of working in both a male dominated as well as a female dominated workplace. The ups and downs...
Yinka Ogunnusi encourages us to be critical educators and view our practice through an anti-racist lens. From code switching, tackling the feeling of guilt and the politics of early childhood,...
When creating their own curriculum Rosemary Lane Nursery School identified the need to highly focus on co- and self-regulation. As part of the Education Durham Early Years Curriculum Project, Headteacher...
In education, particularly in early years settings, male educators often face gender stereotypes that impact their professional and emotional wellbeing. These expectations not only shape how male teachers are perceived...
There are still too many uninspiring classrooms, staffrooms and learning spaces, with little thought around user experience. The Rocket Approach challenges this by seeking to truly redefine early years education...
Leanne Galloway gives us insight into working in international schools, including challenges and opportunities, accountability measures in Dubai, Bangkok and England and cultural impacts on pedagogy, as well as her...
This podcast episode and article take a critical look at independence in Montessori practice, discussing Montessori materials, the dichotomy between work and play, an asset-based approach, the role of the...
Knowing when to step back, good quality conversations, space for both talking and listening, interacting with the environment around you…Gillian Craig shares her expertise as a language teacher and consultant,...
Adopting an enquiry led approach to learning – this is something Stuart Cloke and his team are carrying out. Stuart shares with us his journey so far, discussing key points...
Dawn Jones’ and team’s research unexpectedly unveiled the use of scrapbooks as a new methodological approach to action research within practice as well as research studies. Dawn proposes that scrapbooks...
A need for a culture shift and systemic change within Ofsted – this is what setting owner Lucy Lewin is advocating for after her recent Ofsted inspection. Lucy believes that...
Being attuned to children’s needs, loco parentis, co-regulation and professional boundaries. These are just some of the things Tamsin Grimmer and Aaron Bradbury discuss on the topic of love and...
A focus on meaningful contexts, sequenced learning, school leadership involvement and provision for 2-year-olds. The progress from the Durham Early Yeats Curriculum Project is shared here by 2 early years...
Charlotte Norman, Early Years Leader from Seascape Primary, talks about how the Education Durham Early Years Curriculum Project is supporting her in developing an appropriate curriculum and meaningful contexts for...
Paige Hutchinson, Early Years Leader from Shotton Hall Primary, talks about her school focus on building sequences of learning and the positive involvement of senior and middle leaders as part...
Advocacy can involve lobbying government as well as less publicly exposed actions such as day to day choices in your classroom. Donna Mooney discusses how educators are generally not equipped...
Too often we have a reactive over a proactive approach to mental health, focusing on mental ill health rather than on thriving. Matt Bawler shares his work around this, including...
How does Montessori practice embed sustainability? Montessori Consultant Sarah Cummins explains that social development sits alongside academic learning, children are supported in building a sense of ownership of their community...
Reward charts, certificates and golden time – how do such behaviour management systems affect children’s self-perception and the perception of their peers? Dawn Jones discusses her research, opening up conversations...
Feeling helpless and lacking control in your own learning and wider life seems to be a common attribute being noticed in children and young people currently. It is important to...
What is the ‘right time’ to start encouraging reading? What if my child is not showing any interest at all? These are some of the questions addressed in the episode...
What is the difference between ‘caring for’ or ‘babysitting’ children to ‘teaching’? A question which is so deep and heavily steeped in wider systems and society. Carlie Powell and Jackie...
Dr Helen Lewis shares her work around animal assisted education, explaining the importance of moving towards the view of animals as members of the classroom, rather than simply using animals...
June O’Sullivan shares her work around supporting families experiencing imprisonment, and takes us through her and her team’s journey around a prison. June discusses what this journey is like from...
In this episode Lauren Middleton and Melissa Wilson from Hartley Brook Primary School, Astrea Academy Trust, talk about how their practice and understanding has changed since embarking on the Brain-SET...
Primary school teacher Stephanie Warrender explains that singing can play a vital role in children’s brain development. Stephanie shares with us her story of how she discovered Songdrawing and used...
Sarah Mason from The Hill Primary School, Astrea Academy Trust, shares with us the journey she and her team have been on in developing their learning environment in line with...
Dawn Jones shares findings on a project closely working with children in gaining their reflections on spaces and places within shared worlds. In this first episode and article in the...
With practical tips and examples, Lewis Fogarty explores how educators can overcome the barriers of fear and uncertainty, and harness the power of their voice to drive positive change in...
How can the classroom enable children to feel emotionally secure and ready for learning? Nicky Turner and Dr Sue Allingham share how educators at Astrea Academy Trust have been working...
Peer exclusion is a major concern for preschool children. Carmela discusses children’s natural, biological need for belonging and dependence on the adult, how resourceful children can be, children not merely...
We reflect on children's nuanced understanding of fairness, extending beyond material possessions and entering the complexities of equality vs equity. We discuss embedding sustainability within the curriculum, the production, consumption...
Professor Julie Fisher tells us all about her seminal text; Starting from the child? This episode marks an exciting time as Julie publishes the 5th edition of her book. Julie...
There are 3 main skills for social sustainability which Carmela Garcia Manas identified through her research. In the podcast episode we pose the reflective question of: Does your curriculum allow...
Researcher Carmela Garcia Manas explains that children are followers, enforcers and creators of social norms. Carmela talks about an important finding from her research of just how highly influenced children...
Children's understanding of power dynamics are explored through the concept of 'possession as a form of power', in the context of social sustainability. Researcher Carmela Garcia Manas shares her findings...
A window into findings on children’s perceptions of poverty and race. The podcast episode delves in deeper with case study scenarios from the research. This is part of a wider...
This is the first episode and article in a research series around education for social sustainability by Carmela Garcia Manas. Carmela introduces her PhD research here, and breaks down the...
An honest, reflective account of what it is like for a man to work in early years. Kevin Nelson shares his personal journey, including the honest truths in the podcast...
Do we focus too much on academic success over life skills? This is certainly the case in many prep schools. Zanna Clarke and Carmela Garcia from Miss Daisy’s Nursery Schools...
Anne Brass outlines a local authority early years project working with 26 schools focusing on strengthening purposeful curriculum design and implementation and empowering leaders and educators in creating meaningful contexts...
Dr Stella Louis provides an overview around the grounding elements of the Froebelian approach. This includes unity and connectedness, observations and the role of the adult. The key messages are:...
Would you like to share your voice with Ofsted? Your OWN priorities? Your views, experiences, thoughts? The Voice of Early Childhood wants to advocate for you....
As I have previously said publicly, I believe all sides must immediately move away from the toxic and divisive rhetoric and the cultivation of the us vs them culture surrounding...
It is high time the discussions surrounding the role Ofsted and the DfE plays within early childhood leads to serious and meaningful change, however ‘banning’ them from speaking at events...
Dr Kathryn Murray talks us through the Brain-SET Environments Formula, which is all about creating a calm learning environment. Dr Murray explains that it is much more than where you...
Prerna Richards, early childhood education consultant and parenting expert, helps educators and parents/carers understand children's challenging behaviour and support their development of new skills in order to change behaviour....
In this final part of the series on 'The science behind outdoor play', Gemma Goldenberg discusses whether children pay better attention and display more self regulated behaviour indoors or outside....
During a time where communication and language skills are ever more in focus throughout the early years sector, I have been working on bridging language barriers for EAL children through...
Dr Nathan Archer and Dr Jo Albin-Clark kicking off 2024 with a conversation around advocacy and activism to start making more ripples of change, particularly after all of the turmoil...
Learning environments can be over stimulating for some children, and excess noise may lead to dysregulation and emotional stress. Gemma Goldenberg discusses the first set of results from her research...
The idea of a curriculum in early years is still an uncomfortable one for many educators. In this podcast episode Jan Dubiel and Ruth Swailes share their views on what...
In this second part of the series, Gemma discusses how her research was conducted, how children and teachers reacted and some of the challenges the project faced....
We know that play is an effective way for children to learn and develop new skills, but why is play specifically good for our brains? What happens in the brain...
Gemma Goldenberg left her job as an Assistant Headteacher to conduct PhD research into the impact of being outdoors on children’s stress, attention and self-regulated behaviour, in the hope that...
Where is AI's place in early years? Joshua Barr discusses using AI for writing observations and supporting educators' knowledge, but ensuring AI is an aid and not a replacement of...
How effective is your early reading and phonics provision during child initiated play? Stephanie explores the recent changes that have taken place around early reading and phonics. She considers the...
Tuff trays have become large scale worksheets. They risk stifling children's creativity and encourage the unethical use of food in play. Shardi Vaziri critically discusses tuff trays specifically in relation...
A reflection on how quality observations reveal deep understanding of a child’s unique abilities, and how we can see observations from a new perspective....
In this article Sarah Thorpe explores how Maria Montessori’s theories can be used in today’s early childhood practice and how having a thorough understanding on how children learn is key...
Jenny Smillie emphasises the therapeutic benefits of nature for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Jenny points out that a lot of the time the children who will...
Unpicking issues around early writing; from core strength and containerisation to educator training and assessing children....
Josh Candy talks us through his role and why PE, or physical education, should be part of early years, and why it is not just the same as what we...
Tapping into how we can best understand and support the behaviour of children with a neurodivergent condition....
David Meechan unpicks the issues around the reception baseline assessment, sharing his research as well as personal experience as a parent....
Dr Helen Simmons explores the rise in structural attention on parenting that has developed in recent years, along with a focus on early intervention....
Matt Bawler, Teacher and Head of early years, shares with us his insight into the research, theory and neuroscience behind Carol Dweck's work on fixed mindset and growth mindset, and...
Maureen Hunt, Early Years Consultant, explores how educators can support children’s self-efficacy so that they see themselves as confident and capable learners. This sense of confidence is a key factor...
With new and refreshing ideas, practical tips, advice and tried and tested suggestions we can make sure transitions are well managed and positive for everyone....
Dr Lala Manners and Angelica Celinska discuss physical development in the English Early Years Foundation Stage Statutory Framework, specifically looking critically at the Early Learning Goals....
Tamsin Grimmer explores attunement and how, through tuning into children’s love languages, early childhood educators can demonstrate their love to the children in their care through loving pedagogy....
Jan Dubiel discusses the need to have a more measured conversation about data in early childhood education. He explores the challenges, controversies and importance of data....
David Wright, Early years Ambassador and Lifetime Achievement Winner, shares his international work in the early childhood sector during his podcast episode and article, which documents David’s famous speech first...
Dr Lala Manners and Angelica Celinska discuss physical development in the English Early Years Foundation Stage Statutory Framework, specifically looking critically at the Early Learning Goals....
Gabrielle Smith shares her insights from working with a variety of educators in many different settings. Gabrielle reflects on what the 1:1 role looks like in an early childhood setting,...
Tasha Bretten shares with us why music making activities can play an important role in building strong foundations for phonics. She gives us insight into which music activities are most...
Professional role titles play a part of our identity. In this article Emma Davis considers the multiple job titles in early childhood and how representative these are of the actual...
True partnership with parents, reframing the 'word gap' to 'word wealth', and what is meant by the terms ‘Brain Architects’ and ‘Conceptual Engineers’ to describe the role of educators and...
Dr Mine Conkbayir explains what self-regulation and co-regulation are, providing practical considerations and steps to take in supporting children to regulate their emotions, as well as for adults to navigate...
Dr Mona Sakr shares insight into ongoing research around baby room provision, aiming to bring together evidence on what quality provision looks like for 0-2-year-olds. The article introduces a small-scale...
An honest and raw reflection of the realistic struggles with wellbeing by practitioners, teachers and leaders prevalent across the teaching profession at the moment, humanising the statistics of the teaching...
What is the role of core and personal knowledge in early childhood education? And where do children’s fascinations and interests come into this? Jan Dubiel takes a critical look at...
Dr Sue Allingham reflects on the current regulatory circumstances in England, stating that ‘Until we have an inspectorate that really understands early Childhood education and care, then it is up...
The word secret is one you may commonly hear used by children or by adults when talking to children. However, during my reflection on the power which words hold, I...
Is teaching sustainable at the moment? This is a question many teachers ask themselves on a daily basis. In this article Eva Kyriacou Anastasi provides an honest and raw reflection...
An honest and raw reflection of the realistic struggles with wellbeing by practitioners, teachers and leaders prevalent across the teaching profession at the moment, humanising the statistics of the teaching crisis.