The Early Years Staff Meeting
Sarah, Kealey and Steph
Have you ever sat through a staff meeting and thought, 'but how is this relevant to Early Years?' Do you want on-the-go CPD that supports you to develop your EYFS practice in a way that holds the best interests of the children at the heart? Would you like this delivered by passionate and experienced Early Years teachers who know the realities of working in a busy setting? Then come and join us at The Early Years Staff Meeting to explore the magic and mayhem of the EYFS. Grab a cuppa, rest those feet that you've been on all day and delve into all things Early Years with us. Learn, listen and laugh with The Early Years Staff Meeting.
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Top 10 The Early Years Staff Meeting Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best The Early Years Staff Meeting episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to The Early Years Staff Meeting for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite The Early Years Staff Meeting episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
Creating Writers Through Play and Purpose
The Early Years Staff Meeting
03/15/25 • 51 min
Writing development continues to be one of the most challenging areas for early years educators to address, particularly as we approach end-of-year assessments. The conflict between developmental readiness and curriculum expectations creates a tension that can be difficult to navigate. But what if the solution isn't more formal writing sessions, but rather creating more compelling reasons for children to write?
We dive deep into the realities of writing in reception classrooms, examining what the Early Learning Goals actually require and sharing exemplars that demonstrate the true expectations. Contrary to common misconceptions, the evidence suggests children need to be writing simple phrases that can be read by others, with most letters correctly formed – not producing complex sentences with perfect punctuation.
Our exploration of effective practice reveals that strategic provision makes all the difference. From "grab boxes" of mark-making tools positioned throughout the classroom to purposeful contexts like sign-up sheets and message centers, we unpack practical ways to embed writing opportunities that children genuinely want to engage with. These approaches honor children's play while simultaneously developing crucial skills.
Greg Bottrill's Drawing Club emerges as a particularly powerful methodology, offering a playful framework that incorporates rich vocabulary, mathematical concepts, and phonics learning through imaginative drawing and storytelling. Similarly, story scribing approaches validate children's language while modeling writing for authentic purposes. Both methodologies share a crucial element – they're fun, and children don't perceive them as "work."
Whether you're struggling with reluctant writers or simply looking to enhance your provision, this episode offers practical strategies that maintain a child-led approach while addressing curriculum requirements. By shifting our perspective from "teaching writing" to "creating writers," we can transform how children engage with mark-making and help them discover the joy and power of written communication.
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Transitions in Early Years: Navigating The Summer Term
The Early Years Staff Meeting
03/15/25 • 46 min
Summer term brings a unique whirlwind of activity for Early Years educators—a constant mental hum that simply doesn't stop. Between writing dozens of reports, finalising assessment data, creating balanced class lists, and managing transitions, it truly exemplifies what Sarah and Steph call "teacher tired."
This episode dives deep into the complex world of transitions in Early Years settings, exploring both the philosophical approaches and practical strategies that make this period successful for children. The hosts share their school's staggered start approach for incoming nursery and reception children, explaining how reducing numbers initially allows for deeper relationship-building with both children and parents. Though acknowledging this creates childcare challenges for working parents, they emphasise how this careful introduction benefits children's emotional wellbeing.
A powerful philosophy emerges throughout their discussion: rather than making children "school ready," schools should be "child ready." This perspective shift places responsibility on educational settings to adapt to children's developmental needs instead of forcing children to fit educational systems prematurely. The hosts share practical ways they implement this philosophy, including gradual introduction to Year 1 expectations, multiple classroom visits, and addressing specific anxiety triggers like unfamiliar bathrooms or hand dryers.
If you're navigating the chaos of summer term transitions, this episode offers both validation and practical guidance. From managing parent expectations around class placements to ensuring vital information travels with children to their next teacher, Sarah and Steph provide a roadmap for creating transitions that prioritise children's emotional wellbeing while meeting educational requirements. Their mindful moment reminds us that amid the overwhelming demands of this season, self-care through movement might be just what we need to maintain our mental health.
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Settling Children into Nursery and School.
The Early Years Staff Meeting
10/02/23 • 31 min
Are you ready for a fresh perspective on early years education? We guarantee that this eye-opening conversation with Sarah, Kealey and Steph filled with personal stories and insights, will change the way you view the significance of early childhood teaching. We kick things off by debunking common misconceptions about early years education and examining the unique challenges that come with settling young children into school.
Then, we delve into the psychology of attachment, revealing the secret to forging a secure bond between children and their caregivers. We share practical tips and resources, like the red books and the Invisible String book, by Patrice Karst, that can ease the transition into a different year group.
We conclude by expressing our enthusiasm for the upcoming school term, emphasizing the significance of routines and building relationships with children and families.
References
Book: The invisible string by Patrice Karst
App: Balance
We have not be paid or benefit in any way by promoting the book or app.
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https://linktr.ee/theearlyyearsstaffmeeting
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The Montessori Method:More Than Just Wooden Toys.
The Early Years Staff Meeting
03/13/24 • 49 min
Unlock the secrets of the Montessori method with our heartfelt exploration into the life and legacy of Maria Montessori. This episode promises a journey through her revolutionary approach to education, born from a blend of engineering, psychiatry, and keen observation. We delve into her story, the challenges she overcame, and how her vision continues to influence educators worldwide. Together, we'll uncover practical applications of the Montessori principles that can breathe new life into today’s classrooms.
Step into the serene world of Montessori learning environments and discover what makes them so unique. We compare and contrast these carefully crafted spaces with traditional educational models, discussing everything from child-sized furniture to the iconic Montessori materials like the pink tower and sandpaper letters. We'll share insights on the importance of hands-on learning, the incorporation of nature, and how Montessori's methods help shape young minds to better understand mathematical concepts and develop cultural awareness.
Finally, we tackle the big questions about integrating Montessori strategies into modern education. How can we maintain the integrity of Montessori’s vision while embracing technology and creativity? We explore strategies for adaptation, from personalized learning activities to conflict resolution corners, providing a fresh take on balancing tradition with contemporary educational needs. So, join us to see how Montessori's timeless practices can be tailored to benefit today's learners in diverse settings.
Sources
Sunshine Teacher Training on youtube Sources https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ktR43Z9UcU
The montessori Baby, Toddler and Child books by Simmone Davis and Junnifa Uzodike
American Montessori Society website https://amshq.org/
Happa family- youtube account https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDs6BiaaXKiPy28wNpyUpoQ
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Apologies, Home Visits and Staff Voice.
The Early Years Staff Meeting
07/20/23 • 35 min
Welcome to the Early Years Staff Meeting Podcast with Sarah, Kelly, and Steph! We're excited to be back after a little hiatus. In this episode, we're going to apologise for our absence and discuss our main agenda: home visits. Lately, we've been doing a lot of home visits, and we want to share our experiences with you.
Home visits are an invaluable way for us to connect with families and gain insights into the children's lives outside of school. It helps build trust and allows us to create a more personalised learning experience for each child. We discuss the logistics and challenges of organising home visits but agree that the benefits outweigh the difficulties.
We also share some humorous and heartwarming stories from our home visits. From mistaken identities, car park calamities to the chaotic encounters with pets, these anecdotes offer a glimpse into the ups and downs of visiting families' homes.
In our Zen mindful moment, we talk about the reality of feeling rage at times, especially during busy periods at school. We explore ways to release that energy in a safe and healthy manner, such as physical exercises and stress-relief techniques. Remember, it's okay to feel rage; it's how we handle it that matters.
Lastly, we share some exciting updates about our podcast. We've made changes to the format, adding more features to make it even more engaging for you. Plus, we're now on Instagram, where we'll be sharing helpful tips and insights regularly. Follow us there to stay connected.
Join us as we navigate the joys and challenges of working in early years education. Laugh, learn, and find inspiration in the Earlier Staff Meeting Podcast!
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https://linktr.ee/theearlyyearsstaffmeeting
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Unravelling the Art of Early Years Routines
The Early Years Staff Meeting
10/23/23 • 30 min
How do we ensure children in their early years thrive in a structured environment? Join Sarah and Steph as we navigate the importance of routines in early years settings. We'll reveal how these routines not only help children but also support adults. We dive into our personal anecdotes about how routines have been our saviour in tough situations like the end of the half term and school photos. There's a lot to consider when creating a routine, from the needs of the year group to staff collaboration - and we're here to help you figure it out!
We highlight the value of a soft start to the day, how to conduct skill-based sessions, and the art of managing transitions. We also emphasise the power of repetition and perseverance. But there's more! We'll discuss staff modelling, the use of sign language, and a friendly debate around snack time. Hear our insights on how snack time can be utilised as a tool for building maths skills, especially for children with SEN. We promise you, it's not just about the snacks! As we wrap up, you'll get a sneak peek into our next chapter focused on mindful moments. So, tune in and let's get routine-wise together.
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https://linktr.ee/theearlyyearsstaffmeeting
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Instagram perfection VS reality, continuous provision part 2 and 'good enough is perfect'.
The Early Years Staff Meeting
08/28/23 • 32 min
Frustrated with the pressure to create Pinterest-worthy learning environments on a shoestring budget? Overwhelmed by the onslaught of Insta-perfect classrooms that make your setting feel inadequate? Join us as we vent about the unrealistic standards set by social media, and how this constant comparison affects our work in the early learning profession. This episode is a judgment-free zone where we champion authenticity over aesthetics and share how you can make the most of what you've got, even if it's not picture perfect.
We delve into the practical side of things too, discussing how to maximize the use of classroom furniture for accessibility and functionality, and how you can find or repurpose inexpensive resources for engaging learning areas. Are you short on space? We've got solutions for that too, with tips on using wheels and pack and plays to navigate limited room. We also discuss the power of labelling and the innovative use of shadowing to help keep things tidy. Towards the end we share a mindful moment about the power of mantras. So take a deep breath, let go of the unrealistic expectations, and join us for a candid conversation about what truly matters in early learning.
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https://linktr.ee/theearlyyearsstaffmeeting
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Developing ethos in an Early Years setting
The Early Years Staff Meeting
04/17/23 • 50 min
Agenda: Ethos
In their first full length episode, Kealey, Sarah and Steph explore ethos and what it means to them. They delve into theories and approaches that have shaped their settings and offer step by step advice on how to develop the ethos in your setting.
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Planning Problems
The Early Years Staff Meeting
04/24/23 • 35 min
This week, the ladies of the Early Years Staff Meeting discuss planning. They talk about their experiences of some of the difficulties of planning in the Early Years and some of the ways they are overcoming these.
They also explore the purpose of planning and ways to keep workload to a minimum.
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A Very Merry Early Years Christmas
The Early Years Staff Meeting
11/29/23 • 30 min
Are you ready to ditch the Elf on the Shelf and shake up your in-class Christmas celebrations? In our latest episode, we share the ups and the downs of creating festive magic in schools. From nativity play mishaps to the pressures of crafting unforgettable memories for the kids, we've been there, done that, and we're sharing it all with you. As a cherry on top, we celebrate our recent download milestone and extend our gratitude to you, our esteemed listeners.
We are hanging up our elf hats this year and exploring a skills-based approach to Christmas. We'll reveal why we've decided to steer clear of using Santa and his elves to manage children's behavior and how we're focusing on fostering meaningful skill development during festive activities. We've also packed our electronic guide with alternative Christmas activities designed with skill-building in mind. And amidst all the festive cheer, we are mindful of varying celebrations and circumstances, offering ideas to bring joy into scenarios where children may not be eagerly anticipating the holiday season at home.
The holiday season can be a tough time for many, and we haven't shied away from this reality. We open up about our own pre-Christmas blues and share our tried and tested strategies to navigate this period. Whether it's utilising meditation apps or visualizing happier times, we hope our tips can offer some solace. As we look forward to 2024, we share our exciting plans including new guests, more content and expanded support for the early years industry. Through your feedback and continuous engagement, we aim to create a nurturing community that supports one another through the highs and lows of festive seasons. Here's to a happier, more nurturing Christmas and New Year!
Please check out our social media pages and website.
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https://linktr.ee/theearlyyearsstaffmeeting
Contact us, we would love to hear your stories, tips and hacks.
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FAQ
How many episodes does The Early Years Staff Meeting have?
The Early Years Staff Meeting currently has 18 episodes available.
What topics does The Early Years Staff Meeting cover?
The podcast is about How To, Podcasts, Self-Improvement, Education and Careers.
What is the most popular episode on The Early Years Staff Meeting?
The episode title 'The Montessori Method:More Than Just Wooden Toys.' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on The Early Years Staff Meeting?
The average episode length on The Early Years Staff Meeting is 32 minutes.
How often are episodes of The Early Years Staff Meeting released?
Episodes of The Early Years Staff Meeting are typically released every 17 days, 23 hours.
When was the first episode of The Early Years Staff Meeting?
The first episode of The Early Years Staff Meeting was released on Mar 16, 2023.
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