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.
Oct 11, 2024
17 min
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.
Oct 9, 2024
53 min
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.
Oct 7, 2024
17 min
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.
Oct 4, 2024
18 min
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.
Oct 2, 2024
39 min
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.
Sep 30, 2024
19 min
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.
Sep 26, 2024
17 min
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.
Sep 25, 2024
39 min
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.
Sep 23, 2024
22 min
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.
Sep 18, 2024
18 min
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