RECAP The Podcast

🎙️ Early Years Education Explained: Why Play Matters More Than You ThinkEarly years is often seen as “just the start”…but what if it’s actually everything that follows?In this episode of RECAP The Podcast, I’m joined by Michelle Windridge, National Education Lead for school-based EYFS, to explore what’s really happening in early years education right now and why it matters more than ever.Together, we unpack the reality behind the headlines, including the pressures facing early years practitioners, the growing focus on outcomes, and the risk of losing what truly supports children’s development.💡 In this episode, we discuss:Why early years education is still misunderstood and undervaluedThe pressure of targets, school readiness, and accountabilityWhat high-quality early years provision actually looks like in practiceWhy play-based learning is essential (not optional)The gap between policy and real-life classroom experienceSupporting children with SEND in early years settingsBuilding strong relationships with families❤️ Why this mattersThe early years shape children’s confidence, curiosity, relationships, and lifelong learning.But behind the scenes, practitioners are navigating increasing pressure, limited resources, and a system that doesn’t always reflect the importance of their work.This conversation shines a light on the reality and reminds us why valuing early years truly matters.🎧 Listen now - Available on:SpotifyApple PodcastsAll major platforms inc YouTube!👉 Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode🔗 Connect & followFollow RECAP for evidence-informed, accessible content for families and professionals:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recap.ltd/Website: https://www.recapinfo.co.uk/Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/recapinfo/newsletter-landing-page?fbclid=IwY2xjawRLKjpleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFnVjc0UXhqZ3k3ZW93ZHFLc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHnySw4NxuZ6Zx557mjJ-crfiCKhoLmykbWyxcAlwJGGJnklGT2BA0yXpefWk_aem_NGv834rxesL31J-gzSY8XQ Follow Michelle:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrsprimary_eyfs/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/windridge/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mrsprimary_eyfs?lang=en-GB💬 Join the conversationWhat are your thoughts on early years education?👉 Do you feel it’s valued enough?👉 What has your experience been as a parent or practitioner?Share in the comments - we’d love to hear from you.🔍 Keywords:early years education, EYFS, play based learning, school readiness, child development, SEND, early years practitioners, parenting podcast UK, education podcast, early childhood education, inclusive education, teacher wellbeing🔖 Hashtags:#EarlyYears #EYFS #PlayBasedLearning #ChildDevelopment #EducationPodcast #SENDSupport #ParentingPodcast #TeacherWellbeing #EarlyYearsEducation #RECAPThePodcast

I’m thrilled to be joined by the team behind Nourishing Our Future - a pioneering research-to-impact food and nutrition initiative led by Anglia Ruskin University and commissioned by Essex County Council Public Health. Whether you’re working in early years, public health, family support, or simply care about children’s health equity, you’ll find inspiration, insight and action in this conversation.👇 Meet the team below.🍎 Susie Threadgold is Children’s Community Development Lead at Essex County Council. She holds a BA (Hons) in Early Years Education and a Master’s in Education with Early Childhood Studies. Involved in Nourishing Our Future from the outset, she has relished raising the profile of healthy eating and food education in supporting children’s development.🍊 Emily Fallon is a Public Health Manager at Essex County Council, overseeing Essex-wide, all-age work to prevent and treat obesity. A registered nutritionist (MSc), she brings experience across the NHS, elite sport, private sector, academia, and local, national and international government. Since July 2024, she has been NOF’s lead commissioner and ECC programme lead.🍓 Dr Kay Aaronricks is Head of the School of Education at Anglia Ruskin University and Lead Researcher of Nourishing Our Future. With a background in early years, teaching and leadership, her work connects early childhood education, food and social justice. She is committed to ensuring every child has access to positive food experiences and works closely with settings and partners to translate research into meaningful practice.🍇 Stacy Randall has over 30 years’ experience in Early Years Education, working with children and families aged 0–7. A Senior Lecturer at ARU and qualified Social Worker, her interests include leadership, safeguarding, professional development, and food and nutrition in the early years. She is Course Leader for the BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies at ARU.🍐 Dr Sanjoy Deb is a nutrition and exercise science researcher at Anglia Ruskin University. His work spans the lifespan, supporting healthier lives through practical, real-world research. Within NOF, he contributes to developing and sharing evidence-based approaches to improve nutrition in early years settings.🍍 Dr Michelle Hawkins is a Senior Lecturer in Public Health Nutrition and Director of Learning, Teaching and Assessment at faculty level. She is also a mother to a nearly nine-year-old child. Passionate about giving children the best possible start, she is committed to supporting educators and parents to create environments where children build healthy, lasting relationships with food.🍒 Mitzi Harris is a Research Assistant at Anglia Ruskin University working on the county-commissioned Nourishing Our Future project. Achieving a first-class degree in Early Childhood Studies and leading research within NOF has strengthened her commitment to improving practice across education. She is studying for an MA in Education with Leadership and Management at ARU and is also a freelance writer and published author of two children’s books, Cicerella and The Stripe Family.🥝 Dr Michelle Wisbey qualified as a Montessori teacher 29 years ago and is founder and director of four Montessori nurseries. Her work centres on creating high-quality early years environments rooted in authentic Montessori principles. She has a strong research interest in amplifying the child’s voice and designing environments that nurture independence, curiosity and holistic development.🔗Links:Website: www.nourishingourfuture.co.ukResearch Report: https://nourishingourfuture.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/digital-nof-conference-report-march202…Essex Early Years NOF Award: https://nourishingourfuture.co.uk/essex-early-years-nourishing-our-future-nof-award/NOF conference 2026: Nourishing Our Future Conference 2026 Tickets, Saturday, Mar 14 from 9 am to 4 pm | Eventbrite

👋Today we welcome the wonderful Hannah Hagon...Hannah Hagon is an educator, author, and founder of Unplugged Tots, a movement inspiring families and educators to rediscover the power of screen-free play and genuine human connection. Her work is at the intersection of early childhood education and computational thinking, blending academic insight with hands-on experience to show how unplugged learning nurtures creativity, curiosity, and critical thinking from the very start.Hannah has co-authored academic research on computational thinking and unplugged approaches, collaborating with leading educators to explore how low-tech, playful learning builds future-ready skills. She is also the author of "Unplugged Tots" published by Raspberry Pi Press. A book designed to help teach the core concepts behind coding to preschool-aged children (and have fun while doing it!). Just like learning an additional language, the process of learning digital skills has numerous benefits for children (as well as parents, teachers, and caregivers), including improved communication, greater confidence, and perhaps the most important skill of all: the ability to learn from failure. The mission of Unplugged Tots is heartfelt and one that invites parents and caregivers to slow down, reconnect, and rediscover the simple joy of play in a fast-paced, digital world.🔗Links:https://www.unpluggedtots.com/Unplugged Tots Book: https://www.unpluggedtots.com/unplugged-tots-bookSocials:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unpluggedtotsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/UnpluggedTotsLinked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unplugged-tots/Hannah's Academic research:An introduction to unplugged coding for preschool children: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/342014814_An_introduction_to_unplugged_coding_for_preschool_childrenEncouraging computational thinking skills in preschool children with unplugged play activities: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/360076579_Encouraging_computational_thinking_skills_in_preschool_children_with_unplugged_play_activitiesCan Pre-school Children Learn Programming and Coding Through Guided Play Activities? A Case Study in Computational Thinking: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/352963389_Can_Pre-school_Children_Learn_Programming_and_Coding_Through_Guided_Play_Activities_A_Case_Study_in_Computational_Thinking?_sg%5B0%5D=kDP9LOCFyui_4E_EWjI4xyhp4kSOSpoROOMvGvQQYzea6-m__0XXrZX9FRbWmzLKCPTXTX3Czg5aXTYLPCj4e3O_fBaQGP55V84xBwLD.fOXHWvQtCO0lo700NoQXE82w4ARpENA7E_7WHAOcduI0t4usQ9xiSVWym5KO_mfdv8KsE6leI4mvIpel1USs_g&_tp=eyJjb250ZXh0Ijp7ImZpcnN0UGFnZSI6InByb2ZpbGUiLCJwYWdlIjoicHJvZmlsZSIsInByZXZpb3VzUGFnZSI6InByb2ZpbGUiLCJwb3NpdGlvbiI6InBhZ2VDb250ZW50In19Computational thinking for preschoolers: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/367541422_Computational_thinking_for_preschoolers?_sg%5B0%5D=kDP9LOCFyui_4E_EWjI4xyhp4kSOSpoROOMvGvQQYzea6-m__0XXrZX9FRbWmzLKCPTXTX3Czg5aXTYLPCj4e3O_fBaQGP55V84xBwLD.fOXHWvQtCO0lo700NoQXE82w4ARpENA7E_7WHAOcduI0t4usQ9xiSVWym5KO_mfdv8KsE6leI4mvIpel1USs_g&_tp=eyJjb250ZXh0Ijp7ImZpcnN0UGFnZSI6InByb2ZpbGUiLCJwYWdlIjoicHJvZmlsZSIsInByZXZpb3VzUGFnZSI6InByb2ZpbGUiLCJwb3NpdGlvbiI6InBhZ2VDb250ZW50In19A Curriculum Framework and Assessment Approach for Computational Thinking in the Early Years: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/385884433_Curriculum_Framework_and_Assessment_Approach_for_Computational_Thinking_in_the_Early_Years?_sg%5B0%5D=kDP9LOCFyui_4E_EWjI4xyhp4kSOSpoROOMvGvQQYzea6-m__0XXrZX9FRbWmzLKCPTXTX3Czg5aXTYLPCj4e3O_fBaQGP55V84xBwLD.fOXHWvQtCO0lo700NoQXE82w4ARpENA7E_7WHAOcduI0t4usQ9xiSVWym5KO_mfdv8KsE6leI4mvIpel1USs_g&_tp=eyJjb250ZXh0Ijp7ImZpcnN0UGFnZSI6InByb2ZpbGUiLCJwYWdlIjoicHJvZmlsZSIsInByZXZpb3VzUGFnZSI6InByb2ZpbGUiLCJwb3NpdGlvbiI6InBhZ2VDb250ZW50In19

👋Today we welcome the wonderful Cheryl Warren...Cheryl is an award winning trainer and consultant working across the UK and is clear on her mission, to provide early years spaces that enable our neurodivergent children to thrive, not just survive. Cheryl’s passion and specialism for understanding and acceptance for neurodiversity within early years is impactful and comes from the heart, as a professional and also as parent of two neurodivergent children herself. She is an advocate for true neurodiversity affirming practice, enabling ALL children to be heard, to be given the tools and connections to thrive and to be celebrated and accepted for their uniqueness. Her work has now taken her international with speaking and training invitations across Europe and has just had her first book published on this important subject.🔗Links:Cheryl's book: https://www.routledge.com/Neurodiversity-in-the-Early-Years-Practical-and-Proven-Strategies-to-Enable-Neurodivergent-Children-to-Thrive/Warren/p/book/9781032637303Website: https://www.aperiontraining.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aperion_trainingFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/aperion_trainingLinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryl-bedding-11568b11bCourses: https://courses.aperiontraining.co.uk/Discount Code: SEND20

👋Today we welcome the wonderful Brad Wendes...Brad Wendes, is a creative professional with a career that’s taken him from setting Guinness World Records as a gymnast and performing on Britain’s Got Talent, to choreographing action sequences for international films and Olivier Award-winning theatre productions. He has been fortunate to work across theatre, film, and television, collaborating with some of the world’s most talented performers and creators.In his words, becoming a father shifted his focus and strengthened his passion for mentorship. As the founder of the Kinetix Academy, he now dedicates much of his time to working with young people, many from challenging backgrounds, helping them to build resilience, confidence, and employability through movement, creativity, and support. Brad is committed not only to guiding at-risk youth but also to changing the way employers view young people, encouraging them to see potential where others might not. His journey has been diverse, and he kindly shares it with others in the hope of inspiring growth, opportunity, and positive change in the next generation.🔗Links:https://teamkinetix.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/kinetixacademy/https://www.instagram.com/teamkinetix/https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@teamkinetixmedia⁩ 

👋Today we welcome the wonderful Kierran Pearce...Kierran Pearce is the lead for the Multi-Schools Council (MSC). He has 17 years’ experience of working within SEND education, teaching in two special needs schools, becoming a SEND governor at his former Secondary school and creating the MSC model which is now a full-time role funded by the local authority. Kierran’s passion for SEND education is driven by his work in special education andyoung people expressing their desire for better awareness within society. The MSC model now works with over 700 schools, has over 200 young ambassadors and regularly engages with young people.The MSC work led to a national award in 2024 from the NHS for its approach to co-production and Kierran has also now been commissioned to lead on a regional network named Voices Of The East (VOTE).In December of last year the work of the MSC was captured in a national case studypublished by ISOS as part of the ‘What works in SEND’ agenda and is forming part of a business case to roll this work out further.🔗Links:Home - Multi Schools Council

👋Today we welcome the wonderful Dr Veronica Roberts...Veronica is an Educational Psychologist and Parent Coach based in Frome, Somerset. Graduating as an EP from the Institute of Education in 2009, she worked for many years in Local Authorities , specialising in autism and mental health. After having her own son in 2015 and realising she wanted to work more closely with parents she shifted into independent practice, offering parent coaching alongside her educational psychology work. When Covid hit the world her family were on the cusp of moving to New Zealand but the borders closed 4 days before their flight and so they were left stranded in the UK without a home. This was Veronica's first experience of home education and after many failed attempts of trying to recreate a classroom she turned to 'gameschooling', something she describes as a total gamechanger in terms of supporting her son's enthusiasm and engagement with learning.She and her family finally emigrated to New Zealand in June 2021 where she worked with Te Kahu Toi - the Intensive Wraparound Service, a service set up to support the most vulnerable children in the country and their families. It was during this time that she began to appreciate the intersection of neurodiversity and educational trauma - both in her professional work, but also within her own family as her son's sensory needs meant his re-entry into school had led to a rapid decline in his behaviour and well-being, and ultimately sensory overload and burnout. Veronica has recently spoken in her local community about the journey she went on as a parent, re-entering home education as a 'last resort' and supporting her son back from burnout to well-being. She is keen to raise awareness and understanding on this issue within schools, as well as support parents in similar situations . She is particularly interested in the deschooling process for families where home education has felt like a forced choice or 'last resort' and is in the process of writing a book to support parents on this journey.

👋Today we welcome the wonderful Dr Kim Collett...Dr Kim Collett has a PhD in inclusive education and is an Associate Lecturer teaching on education, research, social work and social science degrees. Her research focuses on how we understand what inclusion is and how this is experienced by those in the classroom as well as how research can listen to the voices of those often silenced by research and society. Her passion for inclusive education comes from her own experiences of being a child with special educational needs and how she never felt included at school. This ignited a passion for inclusion as she doesn't want others to feel the way she did.🔗Links:website: https://drkimcollett.co.uk/Instagram:   / dr_kim_collett  YouTube:    / @drkimcollett   ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/...LinkedIn:   / dr-kim-collett-41637537b  

👋Today we welcome the wonderful Tracie Butterfill...As Twinkl's National Lead for private Early Years settings and Parents, Tracie has over 30 years' experience in early childhood education, with a passion for the wellbeing and development of babies and young children, especially during their first 1000 days. Her diverse career includes roles as a consultant, manager, university lecturer, school trustee, early years advisor, and roles in nurseries.As a mum of two, she knows all about the trials and triumphs of parenthood, which is why she’s passionate about supporting families and educators to give children the best start in life.🔗Links:https://www.twinkl.co.uk/

👋Today we welcome the wonderful Dr Gina Gomez De La Cuesta...Gina founded Bricks for Autism (now Play Included) in 2018, supported by the Cambridge Social Ventures incubator programme. Having studied LEGO based therapy for her PhD at Cambridge University Autism Research Centre, Gina is co-author of the LEGO based therapy manual. Gina completed her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the University of East Anglia and has done PGCE teacher training. Gina continues to be involved with academic research as well as clinical practice, specialising in autism and child and adolescent mental health. She has published several academic papers on LEGO based therapy, including for the I-SOCIALISE randomised control trial. She loves singing, cooking and travelling to Spain🔗Links:[email protected]  / playincluded     / @playincluded     / playincluded  

🎙️Welcome to the RECAP podcast! 👋Today we welcome the wonderful Suzy Stanton...Suzy is a copywriter and the creator and editor of We Made a Wish digital adoption and parenting magazine. She's a mum via adoption to two beautiful sisters, and the magazine is the resource she wished had been available when she started her adoption journey, as she struggled to find many blogs, articles or books written by adopters sharing their experience of the process. Suzy is based in the North East of England and lives with her husband and two daughters, who grew in her heart, not her belly. She’s a redhead, came 5th in the World in Sports Acrobatics a number of years ago and loves a cup of tea and a good book.Here she shares her adoption story...🔗Links:The link to the magazine is here: https://wemadeawish.co.uk/ Suzy's Instagram is :   / wemadeawishadoptionmagazine  Here's the links to books for friends and family: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Adoption-Fam...https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cousins-Adop...https://www.amazon.co.uk/Related-adop...https://www.tgjonesonline.co.uk/Produ...

🎙️Welcome to the RECAP podcast! 👋Today we welcome the wonderful Sue Atkins...Sue Atkins is an internationally recognised parenting expert, author, and broadcaster. She’s the author of Amazon bestsellers including Parenting Made Easy, host of the ‘Navigating the Digital Jungle’ podcast, global spokesperson for World Digital Detox Day, and a regular guest on ITV’s This Morning and BBC Radio. Sue works with families, schools, and leading brands and organisations as a global consultant, supporting confident, connected parenting in the digital age 💬It was so much fun talking to Sue, let us know in the comments what you thought!🔗Links:Sue’s Website: https://sueatkinsparentingcoach.comNavigating the Digital Jungle: https://navigatingthedigitaljungle.comSchool Readiness Toolkit: https://shop.navigatingthedigitaljungle.com/school_readiness_toolkitConnect with Sue:Twitter: @SueAtkinsInstagram: @sueatkinsparentingexpertFacebook: Sue Atkins The Parenting ExpertLinkedIn: Sue Atkins

🎙️Welcome to the RECAP podcast! 👋Today we welcome the wonderful Kate Larsson...After the birth of her daughter in 2015, Kate embarked on a deep and transformative journey into Montessori education. Driven by a passion for child-led learning, she pursued rigorous studies at both Diploma and undergraduate levels, and she is now preparing to begin her Master’s Degree.Her career has taken her from student teacher to Deputy Manager at a small Montessori nursery in London, before moving to the Essex countryside to take on the role of Manager at Westwood Montessori Nursery.Alongside her work in early childhood education, she has recently begun exploring adult education, Montessori training, and parenting classes—marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter in her journey.💬It was so much fun talking to Kate, let us know in the comments what you thought!🔗Links:Westwood Montessori Nursery: https://westwoodmontessori.co.uk/

🎙️Welcome to the RECAP podcast! 👋Today we welcome the wonderful Catherine Lippe...Catherine Lippe is a Registered Nutritionist specialising in early years nutrition. She has worked across both public and private sectors, championing better nutrition for young children through practice, policy, and advocacy. Catherine began her career in the NHS, working in infant and maternal nutrition as part of the Nutrition and Dietetics (dia-te-tics) team at Barts Health in Newham. As an Early Start Community Nutritionist, she led public health initiatives across East London, supporting families and early years settings. She later joined Public Health England, contributing to national policy as part of the Maternal and Child Nutrition Subgroup of SACN. Her work supported the Feeding in the First Year of Life report.Currently, Catherine is the Early Years Nutritionist for Nursery Kitchen, overseeing the nutritional quality of meals and helping nurseries implement whole-setting approaches to healthy eating. She is also a Trustee of the Caroline Walker Trust and a contributor to the Cross-Party Parliamentary Group for a Fit and Healthy Childhood.💬It was so much fun talking to Catherine, let us know in the comments what you thought!🔗Links:Catherine Lippe Nutrition | early years nutritionBritish Nutrition Foundation: https://www.nutrition.org.uk/5532 Guide: https://www.nutrition.org.uk/media/oufg1pbd/5532-booklet-sept21.pdfNHS: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-lippe-83495286/Nursery Kitchen: https://nurserykitchen.co.uk/

🎙️Welcome to the RECAP podcast! 👋Today we welcome the wonderful Morgan Fail...Morgan is the Learning Coordinator for History at the Great North Museum: Hancock, part of Newcastle University and North East Museums. Her role is to lead on the history programming for formal and informal learning through school facilitation and project delivery. As well as leading rep for GEM NE, Morgan is a previous chair for Hadrian’s Wall Learning and Engagement Forum, Sandford Award Assessor, a board member for GEM and runs a network for cultural engagers who work with Home Educated families in the region. Morgan has worked in the sector for 15 years working in education roles in various venues, facilitating science, arts, history and local history activity and is passionate about finding new ways to provide home educated families opportunities to engage with the sector.💬It was so much fun talking to Morgan, let us know in the comments what you thought!🔗Links:GEM: https://gem.org.uk/Home Education toolkit by Nicky McIntosh: https://gem.org.uk/resource/supporting-museums-to-engage-children-educated-outside-of-school/https://www.linkedin.com/in/morgan-fail-45401041/

🎙️Welcome to the RECAP podcast! 👋Today we welcome the wonderful Emily Elsworth...Emily is a late diagnosed autistic woman. Prior to her diagnosis, she had quite a varied career from working within museum education, training as primary school teacher and delivering peer support. She now works as an access consultant, supporting museums to make them more accessible spaces for neurodivergent people. Doing this means she can use her lived experience, both personally and professionally, in an area she is incredibly passionate about. 💬It was so much fun talking to Emily, let us know in the comments what you thought!🔗Links:http://www.emilyautism.co.uk/https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-elsworth-502a60212/

🎙️Welcome to the RECAP podcast! 👋Today we welcome the wonderful Hugh Viney from Minerva Virtual Academy.Over the last eleven years since founding Minerva Tutors, Hugh's leadership and dedication have enabled thousands of students, overlooked by the traditional system, to receive the education and qualifications they deserve. He founded Minerva Virtual Academy in 2021, a multi-award-winning online school for students aged 11-18 and the UK’s fastest-growing school, having grown to 1100 full-time students (and counting) in 4 years. It is also the largest online school of its kind to be accredited by the Department for Education. Today, he leads MVA’s mission to provide a flexible and supportive alternative to traditional school, giving more young people access to the British Curriculum in a way that works for them.💬It was so much fun talking to Hugh, let us know in the comments what you thought!🔗Links:MVA website: https://www.minervavirtual.com/MVA YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@minervavirtualacademy⁩MVA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/minerva_virtual/MVA TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hughvineyMVA OFSTED report: https://www.minervavirtual.com/ofsted-reportHugh Viney LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hugh-viney/

🎙️Welcome to the RECAP podcast! 👋Today we welcome the wonderful Sarah Guscott...Sarah is a dedicated educator, author, and occupational therapist with a background in both early years education and higher education. She holds two degrees one in Early Childhood Studies and the other in Occupational Therapy, as well as a Master’s in Education, and is a Fellow of Advance HE. Her career began in early years education, and after her youngest child started school, she retrained as an occupational therapist, combining her passion for learning with her personal experience as a mum and caregiver.Now working as a Higher Education Lecturer and Curriculum Leader, Sarah brings together academic knowledge, research informed practice and lived insight to champion inclusive, sensory-aware approaches for neurodivergent individuals. She is especially passionate about sensory processing and its power to make everyday life more manageable and meaningful for individuals and families alike.Sarah is the author of three books, including a children’s story that explores sensory experiences and has written several published articles on sensory wellbeing, emotional regulation, and inclusive practice. She regularly contributes to research, policy discussions and training.Outside of her professional role, Sarah enjoys volunteering in her community and through her faith, is always looking for ways to support others and help people wherever she can. 💬It was so much fun talking to Sarah, let us know in the comments what you thought!🔗Links:http://linkedin.com/in/sarah-guscott-5a82a2280Finding Balance: Sensory Overload, Anxiety, and Your Well-Being.https://amzn.eu/d/gq4DI5M SENSORY PROCESSING ESSENTIALS: NURTURING YOUNG MINDS AND BEHAVIOUR IN EARLY YEARS EDUCATION: Sensory processing made simplehttps://amzn.eu/d/5gA744bGeorge's Super Senseshttps://amzn.eu/d/6kNIS29

🎙️Welcome to the RECAP podcast! 👋Today we welcome the wonderful Samantha Dholakia...Samantha Dholakia is an international trainer and specialist in behaviour and emotional regulation, with nearly 20 years of experience in education and childcare. She works closely with teachers and parents, supporting positive behaviour management and emotional well-being in children. As the creator of The Behaviour Balance System™ and The Behaviour Bank™, Samantha has developed a holistic, inclusive, and research-backed approach that connects homes with educational and childcare settings.Founder of SPD Training and Consultancy (formerly SPD Tuition and Coaching Ltd), Samantha is committed to driving innovation in education. Her holistic support model bridges the gap between homes and learning environments, offering a unified and comprehensive approach to behaviour management. Through her science-led methodology and The Behaviour Bank™—something she believes is the only online portal of its kind—she provides holistic support to parents, educators, and practitioners, promoting inclusive, collaborative, and informed practices.SPD equips practitioners, carers, and families with the tools to foster positive behaviours and emotional well-being in children. Focused on transforming behaviour management, the organisation works to improve outcomes across all stages of development, beginning with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).💬It was so much fun talking to Sam, let us know in the comments what you thought!🔗Links:Website -spdtuitionandcoaching.co.uk https://spdtuitionandcoaching.co.uk/?v=7885444af42eInstagram - @spdtrainingandconsultancy Facebook - @spdtrainingandconsultancy Podcast - The Behaviour Pod https://open.spotify.com/show/3wh9EvvtqtdWkTfUfgLQnk?si=0904c45eb335438f&nd=1&dlsi=68a2219eb2a34833Youtube - @SPDTrainingandConsultancy3216The Behaviour Bank Link: https://spdtuitionandcoaching.co.uk/the-behaviour-bank/?v=7885444af42eParent info pack and link:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kuSEE5OzXu3wJjrh83zesTYVJN9juP4y/view?usp=sharing

🎙️Welcome to the RECAP podcast! 👋Today we welcome the wonderful Andrew Symeou, from Quizcards.Andrew is a dedicated and accomplished educator with a proven track record in teaching Physical Education and Science, complemented by leadership roles such as 'Head of House' and 'Advanced Lead Teacher'.Andrew is currently working for a well-known charity called Teach First, as a Development Lead and oversees the training and progress of trainee teachers on the Secondary course. At QuizCards, their goal is to reshape the educational landscape with cutting-edge voice technology. Their flagship product, the QuizCards app, not only offers effective learning methods like spaced repetition and customizable quizzes but also introduces voice-operated quizzes with a focus on speech and language, with the aim of making learning more accessible, engaging and effective. 💬It was so much fun talking to Andrew, let us know in the comments what you thought!🔗Links:https://quizcards.co.uk/logInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/quizcardsltd/https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-symeou-a864892ab/

🎙️Welcome to the RECAP podcast! 👋Today we welcome the wonderful Rachel Ballantyne...Rachel Ballantyne is an English teacher and 11+ and 13+ specialist tutor, with 12 years of teaching experience and 10 years in tutoring across all key stages. She holds an MA in Education, a PGCE in English and Qualified Teacher Status. She is currently working towards an Education Doctorate (2025), specialising in the experiences of women working in education after motherhood.Rachel has a deep passion for literacy, GCSE and A-Level English, and supporting children’s emotional development through storytelling. She has two boys: Eddy (4) and Ollie (2) and is a reluctant marathon runner and complete bookworm. 💬It was so much fun talking to Rachel, let us know in the comments what you thought!🔗Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-ballantyne/https://www.linkedin.com/in/laratuitionandconsultancy/https://www.linkedin.com/company/edify-empower-tutoring/

🎙️Welcome to the RECAP podcast! 👋Today we welcome the wonderful Samantha Bowen...Samantha  delivers training globally to the museum and cultural sector on all aspects ofwelcoming children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). She alsospeaks at conferences, writes articles and mentors museums on organisational changein Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI).Samantha has worked in the Museum sector for over 25 years during which time she has been a Curator, Education Manager and Museum Development Officer. She brings thisknowledge, combined with her lived experience as a SEND parent to herdisabled daughter Lucy, to support museums as a freelance consultant.But that is not all, Samantha is the founder of the SEND in Museums campaign, author of the Special Schools and Museums toolkit and creator of www.sendinmuseums.org, a sector advocacy and guidance resource.In 2021 She  was named the Radical Change Maker in the Museum Association’sMuseums Change Lives awards and in 2024 she won the Sector Impact award from theMuseums and Heritage Show. 💬It was so much fun talking to Sam, let us know in the comments what you thought!🔗Links:Sam's website is: www.sambowen.co.uk and the project website is: www.sendinmuseums.org Here is the 10 minute advocacy film Sam made:  https://youtu.be/-ACn41kUfWcLucy's clothing line with Born Anxious: https://bornanxious.co.uk/our-collaborations/lucy-smiles-collection/Elly Chapple TED talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/elly_chapple_diversity_is_the_key_to_our_survival_the_shoeness_of_a_shoe

Ben Davie is a mind and movement specialist. As someone who is passionate about health and wellbeing, Ben shares his expertise in a range of ways. With a background in working abroad as a sports coordinator, working as a fitness coach with The Body Coach Online Nutrition and head of HIIT and running at Digme fitness, Ben clearly has a passion for helping others achieve their goals.    In 2015, he started Ben Davie Fitness where he created Move With Ben. His goal was to  make fitness accessible for all and to reach out with easy to follow, useful content - through his social channels. He started with a YouTube channel with free home workouts, has worked with a number of Corporates delivering 8 week well rounded programs and has also delivered motivational talks on all things Fitness/Well-being. During lockdown, he felt an overwhelming purpose to work with Children and to do his bit to help support during an incredibly challenging time. So he started daily YouTube videos - including Energizing workouts, Yoga, Mindfulness and Sport Specific. He also utilised additional professionals for extra variety - including 'Sing and Sign' videos.Ben’s work now includes Schools Wellbeing where he provides children with tools for life, both Physically and mentally. Alongside all this he also has an online running program, is an instructor on the Deliciously Ella Feel Better app, is a wellbeing coach at Nuffield Health, First Team recovery coach at Dagenham and Redbridge football club and co-founder of Keep Your Cool. Oh, and hes a dad too!  How he finds the time to do all of these things, I don't know. But lets find out... Coach Ben Davie: Instagram Keep your cool wellbeing: Instagram

*Trigger warning* This episode contains explicit language and sensitive topics around abuse and knife crime. From gangs to youth mentor and tv personality... Groomed from the age of 9 and growing up through physical abuse, drug addiction, knife crime and many stints in prison, Carl Scott has turned his life around and is now a mentor and youth ambassador. As Program manager at Project Youth, he leads intervention projects focused on mentoring and conducting workshops for young people at risk of serious violence or facing challenges in their family, education, or community settings. Through all the work Carl does, he has become influential on social media and has appeared in many mainstream TV shows too.  Project youth youth project Project (Twos a duo) Youth | LinkedIn twosaduo (@twosaduoofficial) | TikTok Instagram

Amanda is a research psychologist, passionate about children’s play. She is the CEO of the research consultancy Fundamentally Children and Dr Gummer’s Good Play Guide - a consumer-facing review site for children’s toys, apps, learning and baby products. She is the independent chair of the Association of Play Industries, is an NED for  Families in Focus CIC, and is on the advisory board of a small number of mission-led startups. Amanda has a PhD in neuropsychology, the Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education and over 20 years experience working with children and families.  Widely considered as the UK’s go to expert on play, parenting and child development, her book ‘Play’ was published in May 2015. Amanda has an increasing international profile and was commissioned by the Toy Association to create the STEAM toy accreditation framework and is the UK Chapter chair for Women in Toys..  Amanda is regularly in the media and continues to take an active role in research, presenting papers at various international conferences. She is often involved in government policy around children’s issues, presenting her Balanced Play Model at the European Parliament in September 2019. FUNdamentally Children | Home - FUNdamentally Children Dr. Amanda Gummer | LinkedIn The Good Play Guide - Your one-stop for all things 'play'

Mark is proprietor of 'Left n Write'​ Ltd and has a left-handed son. Along with his wife, Heather, they opened “Anything Left-Handed” in 1994 and with Heather being an ex-Primary School teacher, they were immediately drawn to the educational side of being left-handed and found that there was minimal active help or training on how to help left-handed children within the UK Education System.   Since then, he has been campaigning with his local MPs, which included questions in the House of Commons and meetings with Ministers at the Department of Education, sadly without any changes happening.  He has co-written the 'Left Hand Writing Skills'​ set of 3 Handwriting practice books as well as the "So You Think They're Left-Handed?" book with his wife, and designed the 'Writewell' mat. In March 2021, he initiated the formation of LEFT-IN.org, a global interest group formed with the aim to improve the information and education available to the educators of left-handed children around the world. In July 2023, he launched a new interactive training video 'Left-Handed Children - A Guide for Teachers and Parents', now on sale via websites in the UK, Australia, Nigeria and the USA. He has given workshops to groups of Childminders, Early Years Practitioners, LEA training groups, Private and State schools over the past 28 years. Left 'n Write – Left Handed Shop

Melissa is a home educating parent to a teenager aged 14 and has been home educating for the past four years. She has worked in recruitment, communications and engagement, and learning and development working in both the public and private sector with a focus on youth employment and youth participation.Melissa has also successfully delivered work experience/work related learning programmes in upper schools, engaging with employers and further and higher education providers. More recently, Melissa has lead on a project with a local Careers Hub supporting young people not in school or who are are home educated, and their families, in accessing careers advice and information. Melissa is now working with home educating families to ensure their teenagers are fully informed on the support and employment and training opportunities available to them after home education, making the most of their skills and abilities. Join us today to hear about how Melissa finds home education, what we can do as parents to support career development and empowering our young people to work towards the jobs they dream of. MelissaScripted (@melissascripted) • Instagram photos and videos Education Otherwise - | Education is Compulsory - School is Optional Home Education UK - Free Skills and Careers Resources for Home Ed Students - Youth Employment UK Home - Home Education Futures The Careers Hub | SWLEP

Veena Virahsammy is a former award winning radio presenter and marketing consultant. She is a qualified clinical hypnotherapist and CEO of alternative provision Oxford Creators. Join us today as we delve into the depths of alternative provision and what it takes to set up your own when you feel like you have been let down by the system. You can contact Veena on her website: HOME (veenav.com) Veena | Alternative Education (@mumtomillionaire) | TikTok Veena | Alternative Education (@mumtomillionaire) • Instagram photos and videos

Emma and Emily are the dynamic duo behind The Autism Wellbeing Project - a non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting autistic adults in Halton and the surrounding areas. As a Community Interest Company (CIC), their primary goal is to provide comprehensive support services tailored to the unique needs of each individual. Find out more about the wonderful work they are doing in today's podcast episode. Connect with AWP: The Autism Wellbeing Project The Autism Wellbeing Project (@autismwellbeingproject) | TikTok Facebook The Autism Wellbeing Project CIC: Overview | LinkedIn

TRIGGER WARNING: this episode contains some discussions around losing a child & grief As a dedicated and experienced neurodivergent educational leader, Simon is deeply committed to neurodiversity inclusion and enhancing the educational experiences of all students and educators.  With over two decades of experience in teaching, educational leadership, and management, Simon has honed his skills and knowledge in this field by graduating with distinction with an MBA in Educational Leadership & Management and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education. Simon’s research explores how educational leadership, management, and administration impact neurodivergent teachers compared to their neurotypical peers. So shedding light on this topic, as well as founding Neurodiversity in Education CIC, Simon aims to drive positive change in educational settings and advocate for the needs of all neurodivergent individuals. On today's episode Simon shares his research alongside opening up about the loss of his daughter and his own Autism diagnosis. Hope House Children's Hospices Healing Through Grief: Find Strength and Resilience (aftereverleigh.com) Bethany-Shannon Memorial Ice Hockey Festival (bethanyslegacy.org) Neurodiversity in Education CIC Embrace Neurodiversity Ltd

Melanie is a parent of two neurodivergent teens, a Montessori practitioner and Higher Level Teaching Assistant and specialist support practitioner for children with additional needs. She has worked in classrooms since 2011; starting with Montessori kindergarten in Austria, then at a Montessori school primarily with children aged 3 -9 in Australia before moving to England where she worked in mainstream primary and lower secondary. Her undergraduate degree is in psychology, and she recently completed a Masters degree in Education with Montessori. Melanie is also a home ed Mum since September 2020, supporting her children through GCSEs and now A Levels. She has a strong interest in learning environments that align with developmental needs and more particularly for neurodivergent children and young people. Define Fine FB group: Define Fine:Parent Peer Support for School Attendance Difficulties | FacebookAssociation Montessori Internationale | (montessori-ami.org) Montessori: The Science Behind the Genius eBook : Lillard, Angeline Stoll: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store Maria Montessori | Montessori Education National Autistic Society (autism.org.uk) Autism Education Trust

Dr Jo Bowser-Angermann is an Associate Professor of Applied Teaching and Learning and is currently Director of Learning, Teaching and Assessment within the Faculty of Arts, Humanities, Education and Social Sciences at Anglia Ruskin University. Jo has had experience of teaching all age ranges, from key stage 1 through to Further Education and now Higher Education which has given her an excellent understanding of children’s complete educational journey. She is passionate about social justice in education and lifelong learning. Jo is currently researching the effects of educational policy on teaching and learning in the FE sector and exploring student and teacher, engagement, and motivation. Other research interests include how animal companions improve motivation, engagement, and well-being. Jo has also written her first children's book, Whimsy & Mimsy, which you can purchase here: Whimsy and Mimsy: Amazon.co.uk: Bowser-Angermann, Dr Jo: 9781838757458: Books You can contact Jo on her work email: [email protected] or on X at @DrJoBowserAnger

Shingi is a PhD student conducting research on embedding outdoor learning in special schools for pupils with complex, severe, profound multiple learning disabilities - often abbrieviated to  (CSPMLD) and his research is focused  in England. He is knowledgeable through lived experience and studies in areas of safety and inclusion for those with disabilities, Black and minority ethnic (global majority) and young people. Prior to his current PhD position, Shingi worked as a full-time teacher in prison education for the HMP Prison Service. In addition to this, he has worked as a residential support worker to children with disabilities, receiving an award for showing outstanding commitment to providing the best care to young people. Shingi completed an MSc dissertation based on support for ethnic minority entrepreneurs, and received a Reverend Jesse Jackson Award for promoting integration on campus, at De Montfort University in Leicester.

Dr Kay Aaronricks is a mum of two and the Head of the School of Education at Anglia Ruskin University. She is passionate about childminding and all things Early Years. Kay joins us today to talk about the wonderful work she is doing for Childminders and tells us of the fantastic things happening for the community. With information on CPD and The Childminder Cafe, this really isn't an episode to miss! Essex Childminder Cafe | Facebook Dr Kay Aaronricks | LinkedIn

Lewis openly shares that his passion in life is twofold: to help people reach their potential and to raise the status of the Early Years sector. He does this through being a dad to two young boys and owning the group of nurseries they go to. Lewis is also the vice-chair of TacTyc - a charity that is committed to today’s young children.  Alongside this Lewis lectures at Brunel University in Leadership and Management in Education, and is the Director of Teaching and Learning for the Department for Education.  Lewis’ research activity compliments his day-to-day work as a leader and he has packaged his experiences in an accessible format to help others through Edventurous Leadership, which we will hear more about later.  And finally, Lewis also founded the charity ConnectEd International which aims to connect with local community groups to support the great work they are doing in rural Uganda. LinkedIn: Lewis Fogarty | LinkedIn Edventurous Leadership - Start your educational adventure towards leadership excellence Home | Connected Intl

Rob has a background in teaching after gaining an initial degree in music and completing his teacher training. He taught Essential skills in colleges in Wales and England where he worked with a variety of learners. He also gained some experience teaching in prisons for 3 years. After this he moved on to teaching and supporting secondary age learners with Behavioural, Emotional and Social difficulties who were at risk of being removed from school. This was the role that piqued his interest in supporting learners with these challenges.  In 2021 after completing his MSc in Psychology,  Rob set up DASH, a company with an aim to support learners with difficulties. He began providing psychoeducation to Looked After children, focusing on educating them on the brain, emotions and behaviours. Because of its success, he was able to leave teaching in 2022 to continue to build on the support that DASH was providing..  In Sept 2022, Rob was asked by a school to support learners who were struggling to attend due to their wellbeing and has since developed a support program, assessments and webinars around the topic, alongside supporting a variety of settings, groups and companies across south Wales and England. Home_ - DASH Mental Health, Wellbeing & Behaviour (dashmhwb.co.uk) Facebook: Facebook Twitter: DASH Mental Health, Wellbeing & Behaviour CIC (@Dash_MHWB) / X Instagram: DASH Mental Health, Wellbeing & Behaviour CIC (@dash_mhwb) • Instagram photos and videos

Parenting a child who has allergies can be incredibly scary. Today we have Tara with us talking about her experience. Tara works as a freelance social media and business development manager. Working with B2B and B2B companies helping them to win new business and enhance their online presence. Tara has 14 years experience in marketing and has been freelance for the last 6 years.  She is also a mum to two children, ages 6 and 4 and when she isn’t working in marketing, Tara runs a performing Arts school called Ta’Lia school of performing arts alongside her sister. She also teaches private singing lessons and with a passion for crafting, she has also recently started doing children’s craft workshops during the holidays Follow Tara on instagram at @travelling_withallergies

With a passion for Disney and musical theatre, Ellie left her hometown of Weymouth in 2018, to study Writing for Broadcasting, Media and Performance. Despite her university years being interrupted by the pandemic, she gained a 2:1 which is incredible. She has worked a variety of jobs, including working as an assistant gymnastics coach and an NCS assistant leader. She is looking to build her online social media business, but she spends her downtime enjoying creative arts, gaming online with friends, reading, and attending musical theatre. And also with us today, her mum Laura.. Laura is married with two adult children and lives in the inspirational county of Dorset. A writer with disabilities and chronic health conditions, Laura has three novels published, and spent five years as the Romantic Novelists Association's Industry Awards Organiser. Diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in her late teens, Laura focuses on what she can rather than what she cannot do which is an amazing mindset to have,  and she doesn’t mind one bit that ironing is one of the tasks she cannot do. And in her own words, other than Arthritis, colitis, fibromyalgia and osteoporosis, Laura is a beacon of health … Join us today as we speak about day to day life and what it has been like navigating a late Autism diagnosis.

Dr Sarah Wall is a Senior Lecturer at Anglia Ruskin University with over thirty years experience working in a variety of educational settings, including mainstream and special provision, from nursery to post-16. She has had roles such as SENCo, Senior Teacher and Specialist Teacher and developed a keen interest in children and young people with social, emotional and mental health needs. Sarah has lectured at the University of Northampton and the University of Birmingham mostly in Special Educational Needs, Autism and social, emotional and behavioural needs and she has worked with professionals from a variety of settings including: mainstream schools; special schools; pupil referral units; secure units; alternative provision and residential schools both here in the UK and Worldwide. In 2017, Sarah completed her doctorate with her thesis entitled:‘The Attuned School’: the effects, and effectiveness, of developing relationships between pupils with attachment difficulties and significant adults.  And ontop of all this Sarah is also a mum of one, a wife and a friend to many. Join us today to chat about attachment theory and what it has been like parenting with a Cancer diagnosis.

Rachel Dove is a qualified Post 16 teacher with an MA in Creative Writing. She lives in the North of England (Yorkshire) with her husband and two teenage sons. She currently works part time as a support worker for a charity working with disabled children and their families, writes fiction for various publishers, and is the chair of her local library group which runs various events and projects such as the Bottomboat Little Library and a scheme she set up in the pandemic, The Stanley Santa Scheme which provides a free wrapped children's books for the children and families in her community currently struggling due to the cost of living crisis. In her spare time, she loves to read, crochet, sew and binge watch TV series.  Fun fact: She wants to eventually write a screenplay and see it on the screen Join us on the podcast today where Rachel tells us all about her writing journey and life battling the SEN system. And see if you can hear our special guest too, who was snuggled on Rachel's lap! You can find Rachel online: @writerdove.

Sarah Sudea is the founder of Finding The Flex,which is an organisation dedicated to working with Local authorities and schools to enable children to access flexible educational solutions when in their best interests.  She is an advocate for finding ways to enable all children to access education in ways that will allow them to thrive and works with families, schools and the local authorities. As an Education Wellbeing Coach, she also supports families to unpick what is going wrong when a child is unhappy at school or struggling to attend,explore their educational options and make a plan to improve things. Previously working as a teacher in secondary schools, Sarah has first hand experience observing some of the struggles children have in schools, and with an MA in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution, Sarah is well equipped to support others to find solutions.  Alongside all this wonderful work, Sarah is also a mum of three children. Join us today to chat all things flexischooling and family coaching. To know more about Sarah and the work shes does, pop over to her website(s): Parent Coaching | Sarah Sudea Family Coaching Home (findingtheflex.com) Flexischooling Families UK | Facebook

Carly Navin is a mum of one. She is a yoga, spin and fitness instructor alongside her role as a flight attendant and co-owner of Keep Your Cool: Keep Your Cool | Ice Bath Wellness Events UK. Carly has a strong focus on her social media of mental health, as well as physical health, and since becoming a mum her fitness and health content has broadened to include children too. You can find Carly on social media as @lilfitmiss.

Dr Poppy Gibson is a Senior Lecturer and Course Lead in Primary Education, at Anglia Ruskin University. Her key interests involve children’s psychological development, mental health and wellbeing. Poppy has worked in the education sector at a wide range of schools throughout London and has worked as a class teacher within both Key Stages, with various coordinator and management roles. She has experience working as an Inside-Out Prison Exchange Practitioner and obtained her doctorate in Education in 2019, exploring young girls' experiences of using social media, online interaction, and communication with others online in a 'third space', and how these interactions build up a social reality and impact upon identity formation. But that’s not all.  Poppy is also the Health and Wellbeing Ambassador for OxtonLadies FC, Lifestyle editor at Fusion magazine, an accredited life coach and she runs her own Education focused blog alongside hosting her own podcast slot with Teachers Talk Radio. . Oh and I should mention that she does all of this alongside being a mum of 3.

Ashley is a home educating mum who follows a self directed way of learning with her children. She embraces the conscious parenting ethos and enjoys being outside in and around nature. She is here today to chat to us about Home Education and what she terms, the 5 C's of Home Education... Ashley joins us from Canada and actually has her own podcast called ‘The Virtual Kitchen Table’ where she often has guests join her and her co hosts to talk about all things from unschooling, to digital technology, socialisation within homeschooling communities and much much more. So I urge you to check out her podcast when you can: https://open.spotify.com/show/68VFDg5AZhJCY70VrF7Rt7?si=683f3354f12e444e

Emma Tanfield is a mum of two beautiful daughters and a wife to husband Tom. Having worked previously in childcare and completing her degree in Early Childhood Professional Studies - which is actually where we first met - Emma now balances her time with her daughters with raising awareness for parents experiencing life with children with additional needs. As a busy mum of two and with a daughter with CHARGE syndrome, she still manages to find time to raise money for charity with her events. An emotional, heartfelt and inspiring story… definitely not one to miss!! To find out more about CHARGE syndrome please visit www.chargesyndrome.org.