In this interview, we discuss the Cambridgeshire project, where children were taught gentle stroking touch techniques (and why the control group got accidentally taught as well!), how Jean uses a ‘rainbow of ribbons’ in her training to encourage tactile experiences and how that makes children feel inside.

Jean explains how these methods can be used as part of any anti-bullying strategies in schools and settings.

In this interview, CEO of the Kids Allowed group of nurseries, Jennie Johnson, explains her approach to identifying talent and developing her staff using an "Academy" model.

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In this interview, Jessica discusses her career and how this has impacted on her subsequent work as an Area director. We focus on how team culture can impact on staff motivation and happiness, as well as ways that managers can professionally challenge staff in the workplace.

In this interview Jessica discusses problems with staff recruitment, retention and finding good quality staff, explaining how Busy Bees has tackled this by cutting back on agency staff and recruiting teachers. She discusses the benefits of having teachers in a setting.

She also talks about the importance of leading with kindness, having high expectations, and being flexible with childcare. As she says: “We're in the 21st century, we've got to have 21st century leadership strategies”

In this interview, Jiji Talmas discusses her book "101 Reasons Why I Love My Job". She explains that the book was inspired by the pandemic and aims to reignite passion in early childhood educators. The book includes ideas and resources for educators to try in their settings, programs or childcare centres. Jiji also discusses the importance of professional learning and teamwork.

Jo Fitzgerald is an experienced teacher, mum, blogger, author, and parent advisor, with many articles published in the media. She has a strong focus on helping parents foster resilience skills and emotional wellbeing in their young children.

Joanne Frisby AKA Jungle Jo, who does live exotic animal birthday parties and educational displays for residential homes, people with disabilities, Scouts, brownies, Summer fetes, libraries, after school clubs.

Speech therapist Jo Jones and OT Vicky Robinson share practical strategies for inclusive classrooms that support communication through connection.

In this interview, Joanne and Vicky discuss the very positive Can-Do approach and the benefits of having a shared language with parents. This can help to break down barriers and create a strong community. They also discuss strategies for working collaboratively with parents, such as recognizing where the child is at, breaking down goals into small steps, and focusing on the positives. The importance of parent education and providing simple strategies for managing sensory needs is explained.

In this session we discuss Jo's new book, Bath Babies: Creating Beautiful Bonds in Water. Jo explains the importance of parents being in a calm and relaxed state in order to create a positive experience for the baby, and describes some different holds and techniques for bathing baby. We also discuss the benefits for everyone of being near water and some current research that supports this.

Jo Wilson is the founder of Aqua Sensory, who has created a unique program, which provides a rich mixture of sensory exploration and early developmental opportunities.

Joanne Jones explains why she prefers the term ‘late-talking’ to developmental delay and how she developed her unique ‘Can-Do’ Approach to speech therapy – right from the ethos and practical support she gives to parents and their children. She goes onto to detail the 5 Cs that she uses during the therapy process – Connection, Confidence, Consistent, Challenge and Consolidation.

Some helpful strategies that Jo discusses for practitioners and educators in settings, are moderating your language to meet the individual child where they are at; understanding their unique needs and how this may be displayed through behaviour.

We finish by discussing Jo’s 5 day challenges and her expansion of the Can-Do Approach around the world.

Joss Cambridge-Simmons gives top tips for taking children out and about in a big city, including the procedure needed when collecting children from a working canal boat! He also discusses some of the unique aspects of being a black male looking after a range of children when he is travelling around.

Julie Mountain reveals the professional design process for creating outdoor spaces that support children's development and reduce staff workload.

Julie Mountain is qualified in landscape design and has specialised in supporting schools and early years settings so that they can make the most of the potential of outdoors for learning and play.

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In this session, Julie discusses the six settings she visited, which have previously won Nursery World ‘Enabling Environments’ category. She discusses some of the common themes and some of the unique aspects of each setting.

Julie praises the relationships between adults and children in these settings, noting how this fosters trust and connection – and allows for risk-taking and joyful play.

In this interview, we discuss risk factors in children's lives; how this may affect children's behaviour; the neuroscience during the Early Years; resilience - what it is and how we can help build it in children; supporting families, especially during difficult times.

In this interview, we discuss the links between children’s mental health and well being. Julie explains the signs that may indicate the condition of children’s mental health. Mandy goes on to describe a range of activities and ideas for young children, including strategies for helping families.