Podcasts from the Foundation Stage Forum Limited

Ben and Jules chat with Manny Joss Cambridge-Simmons about the role of grandparents in the lives of children. They discuss the importance of intergenerational learning, how to navigate relationships and share knowledge, and the love and joy that can be present.

This week on the FSF Tapestry Podcast Jules chatted with producer Jen Redmond, trumpeter Sean Chandler, and BSL interpreter Lizzie Wharton, who have all been part of the CBeebies Musical Storyland series. They discussed the ideas behind the series and the teacher resources that accompany it. Sean shared his experiences as a DeaF musician, the importance of role models and representation, and working with Jen and Lizzie. You can find the video version of this podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=im-7-re7TCQ&ab_channel=TapestryOnlineLearningJournal To find the Musical Storyland films and resources you can go to the BBC Teach website: https://bbc.in/49VFloa

Jules and Anya talk to Lotte Skinner, chief operating officer of Corey’s Farm, a setting which offers animal assisted therapy to neurodivergent and disabled children. They discuss the incredible impact nature and animals (including Elliot the bearded dragon!) have on the children and families who attend Corey’s Farm. https://coreysfarm.org.uk/

Stephen and Jules chat with advisory teacher and anti-racism trainer Jaziea Farag, taking a deep dive into the words and phrases we use when we’re talking about building relationships with families – what do they really mean, and what do they look like in the day-to-day life of a setting.

Jules chats with primary school librarian Rumena Aktar about what libraries bring to children’s reading experiences, creating inclusive spaces so children have ownership over their reading, and Rumena shares advice for schools to improve or set up their libraries.

Ben and Jules chat with best-selling author and publisher Winsome Duncan about the work she does, including the Look Like Me Book Challenge enabling young Black authors to publish their writing. They discuss the writing and publication process, some of the challenges, and what needs to be done to change children’s literature to be more inclusive of Black and Brown characters. For children's storytelling workshops click here: www.looklikeme.co.uk

Ben and Jules chat with teacher and trainer Caprice Fox about talking with children about LGBTQIA+, the importance of belonging, and the language and resources to support you to create an inclusive learning community. Useful resources mentioned in this episode are linked below: https://www.popnolly.com/ https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/445987/my-magic-family-by-jeffs-lotte/9780241560518

Stephen chats with storyteller, author and playwright Richard O'Neill about his early memories of storytelling, growing up in a fully nomadic Romani Gypsy family, and why storytelling is such a powerful tool.

Helen and Anya talk to Ben Cooper, Research Manager at Fabian Society, about the current state of the early years sector and what needs to change to ensure all children access the very best early education and care.

Jules chats with teacher Varinder Kaur about the things children think about and the questions they ask; helping all children find their voice; and what educators need to be mindful of to make sure their classrooms are spaces where children know they will be listened to.

Ben and Jules chat with Sarah Sudea, founder of Finding the Flex, about flexischooling, what this can look like in a school, and what the benefits are for children, families and educators of learning in flexible ways. You can find Sarah's website below along with some useful links discussed in the podcast: https://eyfs.info/forums/topic/54807-podcast-episode-finding-flexibility-in-education-and-school-%E2%80%93-what-is-possible/

Ben and Jules are joined by Beatrice Merrick, Chief Executive of Early Education, in a conversation to recognise the centenary year of the organisation. They discuss child-centred pedagogy, practice and policy in the sector now and in the future.

Jules talks with consultant and author Orlene Badu about racial literacy, what schools and individual educators need to consider, and how to start to make change happen.

Ben and Jules chatted with Hannah Clifford, founder of Seren Kids, which provides children and adults with digital skills and e-safety knowledge. Hannah shares ideas about how to talk with children about e-safety, how to teach children to have a creative and healthy relationship with the digital world, and what families and educators can do to increase their own understanding. Hannah has kindly provided us with loads of links to information and resources, which you can find in our article below: https://eyfs.info/forums/topic/54764-podcast-episode-how-can-we-support-children-to-live-in-an-ever-changing-digital-world/

Warda Farah, Professor Eunice Lumsden and Kate Moxley joined Stephen and Jules for a special edition of the Tapestry and Foundation Stage Forum podcast for Early Years Wellbeing Week. Their discussion centred on an intersectional approach to cultivating wellbeing. https://www.blackhistorymonth.org.uk/article/section/bhm-intros/celebrating-our-sisters-saluting-our-sisters-matriarchs-of-movements-wematter/ https://www.tapestry.info/a-beginners-guide-to-intersectionality.html https://www.tapestry.info/the-mandela-model-workbook-2.html https://www.tapestry.info/a-beginners-guide-to-educator-wellbeing-2.html

Stephen chats with baby massage specialist and hypnobirthing instructor Josette Sticher about the many benefits associated with baby massage, and the importance of representation when it comes to massage for babies.

Ben and Jules chat with teacher and PE lead Omar Green about what to consider when developing your PE curriculum, building on the strengths of children and teachers, and getting children’s input.

Jules chats with Elly Roberts, Editor of Early Years Educator, about the importance of creating a community of practice, raising the status of the early years, and finding and telling the stories from the sector. (edited)

Stephen is joined by Jordan Tully who is the Head of Operations at Ashbourne Day Nurseries. They discuss current challenges facing the sector, as well as the influence of social media on educators. Jordan also explains how larger nursery chains can ensure high quality provision.

Stephen chats with Emma Pinnock and Marguerite Haye about a new resource that they have created which aims to promote a more diverse range of voices and improve representation in the SEND sector. You can find a link to the Black SEND index here: https://tapestry.info/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/05/The-Black-SEND-Index.pdf