Maria Montessori (1870–1952) was an Italian physician and educator whose work transformed approaches to children’s learning and development. Drawing on her medical background, Montessori developed an educational philosophy centred on observation, independence, and respect for children as active participants in their own learning.
Professional curiosity is often spoken about in early childhood practice, yet its meaning can remain abstract until it is grounded in everyday interactions with children, families and colleagues. This article and podcast episode explore what professional curiosity looks like in practice, why it matters, and how it can be nurtured within early childhood communities.
Young children are already figuring out a whole world that’s brand new to them, and a move abroad can make this more challenging. Ensuring they have support in place every step of the way (and in all areas of life) is very important, as it can help them feel comfortable and confident in their new lives abroad. In this article, we look at some of the challenges commonly faced by expat children, with a particular focus on early school years.
Vivian Gussin Paley (1929-2019) was an American kindergarten teacher, writer, and advocate for the importance of play in young children’s lives. For almost forty years she taught in classrooms in New Orleans, New York, and then at the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools, where she spent the rest of her teaching career.
This article explores the TWiTCH (Talk with Tales for Children) programme, outlining its pedagogical foundations and structure, alongside findings from an independent pilot evaluation. It highlights how coach-led professional development and dialogic story practices can strengthen educators’ confidence and support children’s language, reasoning, and engagement during shared book reading.
Calling all leaders, managers, owners, educators, academics, students, parents…this event is for learning, networking, collaborating and extending your professional social circle. Come along to learn the latest research and best practice in early childhood, from leading your teams and managing a successful setting to child development insight and inspiring practice from other settings.
Despite having no connection, two men practicing at the same time, Carl and Fred Rogers, shared a last name and a value system. They made massive contributions to the practice of psychology, counselling, and early childhood education in America. David and Katie Thomas are a father/daughter duo spreading their messages and what we can still learn from them.
This article and podcast episode explore what it means for children to flourish in early years. They outline key characteristics of flourishing; positive relationships, emotional resilience, curiosity, and a sense of belonging, connecting these to effective early years teaching and learning. They provide practical strategies to embed flourishing, creating supportive environments, fostering emotional development and promoting strong partnerships with families.
In this podcast episode and article you will learn how our nervous system states shape the way we think, feel, and connect in everyday life. You are invited to notice your own states with curiosity and compassion, highlighting the profound impact this has on self-care, leadership, relationships, children and environments. This discussion reframes self-awareness as self-care in motion to support connection, co-regulation, and wellbeing for all.
The new government-backed Potty Training Guide moves away from the old ‘readiness’ model and promotes early, gradual learning and preparation from infancy. This article and podcast episode explore what the guidance means for families and settings, why coming out of nappies should be the final step in learning, and how practitioners and parents/carers can support confident, healthy toilet learning.
