In this special interview, we discuss the opportunities and benefits; the effects on families; concerns about 'falling behind' in academic work; teachers and the importance of maintaining relationships; the aims behind the Play First Summit that Sally Haughey and Teacher Tom are hosting on 20th to 24th July 2020

Thor Stibor runs a Timbernook in San Diego, California. A husband and father of one, Thor is an outdoors adventurist and long time educator in the fields of Adapted Physical Education and Health & Wellness.

Tina Stubbs is the creator of Life’s Little Bugs - a unique and fun award-winning series of books that will fast track your child to practice healthy habits without the tantrums and tears!

In this interview, we discuss what children's play is and what this means for children; challenge, risk and freedom in children's play environment; the role of the adult in children's play; having 'Sparkle Plus' to work well in childcare; the importance of good quality outdoor space; Play Iceland and the development of Fafunia; exploring what can be done together with children as the supportive adult.

Tracey Dunn shares essential guidance on the upcoming EYFS safer eating reforms, explaining the differences between allergies and intolerances while offering practical implementation advice for early years settings.

In this 3-part course Alistair Bryce-Clegg shares his experience of the many transition projects he has been involved in, what has worked, why it worked and the research that he used that supports a play-based approach to attainment in Key Stage One.

Transform your practice with expert trauma-responsive strategies for early years professionals. Learn to support children affected by ACEs through evidence-based approaches, build secure attachments, and create safe learning environments. 60-minute course with professional certification.

Ursula Krystek-Walton . Ursula has been in the Early Years industry for over 20 years. She is the Head of Early Years at Bertram nursery group where she's been for the last five years, she has a first class BA Honours in Childhood studies and is a neuroscience champion!

In this session, Vanessa Gilliam discusses how she started out in childcare and how she was adamant that children should have good quality outdoor experiences. She explains her philosophy behind this and how she built her centre from an old unit on a trading estate – proving that you can create great outdoor spaces for children with the right outlook and plenty of hard work!

She shares practical, tried and tested advice for early years educators who may want to do the same in their setting. We also discuss the importance of sharing this philosophy with families and the wider community.

In this interview, we discuss children’s understandings of gender, how these understandings may present themselves when children are unable to articulate them, and how practitioners can create environments and foster relationships that are sensitive and responsive.

Verity explains how the figures that show girls consistently outperforming boys in terms of Early Learning Goal achievement, the lack of reference to ‘gender’ within Development Matters, pedagogies and representation, and she shares tips and resources for Early Years practice.

In this interview we discuss how, even from the time of pregnancy, that there can be gender bias towards the baby. This can be from the toys we choose to the way we play with children, depending on their perceived gender. Virginia explains how it’s not just one thing that perpetuates the gender bias, but a combination of everything – from the media to books to TV shows.

In this episode, Wa’qaar explains how diversity is necessary for creativity, and how creativity will be essential for children in their adult lives, especially as the future holds so many unknowns.

He explains how we can use music, food and places of worship as ways of not just recognising, but celebrating diversity and different cultures.

Wendy is an Early Years consultant and trainer, who works with early years settings, pre-schools, playgroups, children centres and colleges.

Wendy Duncan and storytelling. Wendy was working as an English instructor on the beautiful island of Okinawa that Wendy first encountered Kamishibai. The literal translation is paper theatre.

Wendy Kettleborough shares how identifying patterns in children's play uncovers conceptual understanding that builds brain architecture. Support schematic play through observation and provision of enabling environments. Transform relationships by clarifying children's intentions to reduce frustrations. Wendy highlights her Knowledge to Nurture training blending schemas, neuroscience, and reflective practice.

This 60-minute course provides early years professionals with practical strategies for understanding and supporting two-year-olds.

Led by Norland College lecturer Tamsin Grimmer, it covers attachment theory, schematic play, positive behaviour support, and creating enabling environments through four focused modules.

Learn to interpret behaviours, support emotional development, and promote independence using evidence-based approaches that integrate seamlessly into your daily practice. Designed for both new and experienced practitioners, all strategies can be implemented immediately in your setting.

Essential strategies for supporting neurodivergent children through understanding neurotypes, sensory needs and inclusive environments.