In this special video, Louise Mercieca of the Health Kick, explains some of the global consequences of the pandemic lockdown and the impact on children's lives.

In this special video, Louise Mercieca - award-winning Nutritional Therapist and award-winning author from the Health Kick - explains the benefits of sleep and how different foods can help or hinder our sleep.

Louise Mercieca is the host of the brand new resource for practitioners, educators, parents and grandparents - Early Years TV Food Channel.

In this interview, we learn what the best preparation for a show-round is and how can we best showcase our pedagogy.

Lucy explains how much time should be on the physical show round and how much on the paperwork as well as what you SHOULDN'T say during a show round. She has some great ideas for how to follow up a show-round with parents, even if they don’t say yes straight-away. Lucy has also embraced virtual show-rounds and has sound advice on their benefits, even after lockdown is over.

Selective Mutism expert Lucy Nathanson provides essential insights and practical strategies for early years professionals. Learn how to create a pressure-free environment, understand the child's perspective, work closely with parents, and support smooth transitions for children with this anxiety-based condition.

In this interview, Lukas Ritson shares how to design nature play spaces that build empathy & sustainability. Understand child experiences in each community first. Use local native plants to spark curiosity. Include elements for courageous play across 6 categories to build resilience. Design clear play zones to support social interactions. After installing, talk with educators on using intentionally. Environments evolve, so observe children continuously.

Lynette Brock and Vicki Abrahart explain how SchemaPlay builds on children's interests to enable deep learning across curriculum areas. SchemaPlay training gave practitioners tools to value child-led play. Outcomes included children’s growth in skills, parents feeling empowered realising behaviours reflect learning schemes, and practitioners appreciating SchemaPlay enables personalised learning.

In this interview, Lynette Brock shows us a model she developed with John Siraj-Blatchford called the Zone of Proximal Development Flow which can be used to extend children's thinking processes and deep level learning.

Understanding boys' unique needs. Maggie Dent shares practical strategies for supporting boys' development, play and emotional wellbeing.

In this week’s interview, we discuss Maria’s bespoke research project at the Science Museum in London, in collaboration with UCL, its aims of the project and the research itself.

Maria explains how her evidence and results link play with learning and give some great strategies for adults – parents, teachers, educators – to use that deepen young children's engagement and learning with STEM museum objects.

Marie McKittrick is currently a trainer for the Early Years Hub.

Marina Robb reveals how nature-based learning can support early years development, offering practical strategies for connecting children with the outdoor world through curiosity and play.

In this interview we discuss Marina's new book The Essential Guide to Forest School and Nature Pedagogy with a focus on chapter 5 – How nature stimulates sensory development and integration.

We discuss how nature pedagogy can stimulate and support all of the senses.

Marina explains the benefits of Nature for sensory integration and mental health, as well as children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.

In this interview, Marina explains how she became 'The Outdoor Teacher' and her nature pedagogy. We go on to discuss the many health and educational benefits of being outdoors and the importance of the relationship with nature as a ‘third relationship’. Marina also has lots of great ideas to make the most of the outdoors, whether you are just discovering the benefits or if you're already experienced in making the most of the outdoors.

Mark Stewart shares invaluable insights on supporting left-handed children in early years settings. Learn practical strategies to create an inclusive environment and boost children's self-esteem and development.

Expert advice on supporting left-handed children in early years settings, from early identification to practical classroom strategies.

In this interview, we discuss the practicalities of storytelling, how to prepare a session, advice for making sure it's engaging and interesting and how to follow on with activities; props for storytelling; organise the staff team for a storytelling session; getting parents involved with storytelling.

In this interview, we discuss websites, Facebook and social media advertising; branding; testimonials; ensuring you have the correct data to make effective decisions about how to market your setting.

In this interview, we discuss how 'the story is told eye to eye, mind to mind, heart to heart' and how this storytelling ethos can be used to help support adults and children. Maureen goes on to explain how and why we should make our storytelling multisensory.

In this interview, we discuss 'Michael Rosen's Book of Play'; the different types of play; some ideas for wordplay and other activities to do with children; freedom for children to play; gender-neutral toys or games; the benefits for adults to become more playful learners.