The Starcatchers Podcast

In the first episode of the 5th Season of the Starcatchers' podcast, we're joined by musician Lucy Drever, who shares simple, accessible ways to explore music and sound with young children. Drawing on her experience of leading inclusive community projects, she offers practical ideas on how to adapt to the children and the environment you work in.She also dives into the importance of tackling adult fears around music and exploring how musical experiences can support connection, communication and support children with additional support needs.

In the third episode of the latest series of Starcatchers' Creative Skills podcast, Early Years Development Manager, Amy Hall-Gibson, spoke to Visual Artist, Pearl Kinnear, about the importance of creative flow and being in the moment for young children.Discover the resources and accompanying videos for this podcast at To be the first to know when a new episode is live, subscribe to the Starcatchers Creative Skills podcast now on Amazon Music, Spotify, Apple Podcasts or Deezer. Or, listen to all episodes now, here on the Starcatchers website. 

In part 2 of this episode of the Starcatchers’ Creative Skills podcast we spoke to Early Years Practitioners at Scots Corner Early Learning Centre, Carol Ann Low and Linette Stevenson, about big movement play, the legacy and the creative empowerment staff felt through participating in the Wee People Big Feelings project, an artist residency exploring how big movement play and being creative in general, can support wee ones, understand and express their feelings.To be the first to know when a new episode is live, subscribe to the Starcatchers Creative Skills podcast now on Amazon Music, Spotify, Apple Podcasts or Deezer. Or, listen to all episodes now, here on the Starcatchers website. 

In part one of this episode of Starcatchers’ Creative Skills podcast, we spoke to dance artist, Skye Reynolds, about her artist residency with programme called Wee People Big Feelings, exploring the relationship between creativity and emotional literacy in very young children.Wee People, Big Feelings was a collaboration between Starcatchers and Scots Corner Early Learning and Childcare Centre, a Midlothian setting that was opened in partnership with the Ministry of Defence to provide early learning and childcare for both military families and the wider community.To be the first to know when a new episode is live, subscribe to the Starcatchers Creative Skills podcast now on Amazon Music, Spotify, Apple Podcasts or Deezer. Or, listen to all episodes now, here on the Starcatchers website. 

In the first episode of the latest series of Starcatchers' Creative Skills podcast, Head of Early Years Development, Heather Armstrong, spoke to Community Engagement Artist and performer, Kerry Cleland, about how she puts the voice of the wee ones she works with at the heart of her practice. This episode explores the voice of the baby in relation to creative arts experiences for very young pre and non-verbal children.The Voice of the Baby is based on research undertaken by Dr Rachel Drury from the Royal Conservatorie of Scotland and Dr Cara Blaisdell from Queen Margaret University the research explores current and emerging rights-based approaches in the arts for children from birth to 3 years in Scotland.To be the first to know when a new episode is live, subscribe to the Starcatchers Creative Skills podcast now on Amazon Music, Spotify, Apple Podcasts or Deezer. Or, listen to all episodes now, here on the Starcatchers website. 

In the fifth episode of the third series of Starcatchers’ Creative Skills podcast Head of Early Years Development, Heather Armstong, spoke to Storyteller, Andy Cannon, about the importance of Storytelling with Early Years children. Listen to his top tips on bringing simple, everyday stories to life.To be the first to know when a new episode is live, subscribe to the Starcatchers Creative Skills podcast now on Amazon Music, Spotify, Apple Podcasts or Deezer. Or, listen to all episodes now, here on the Starcatchers website. 

Tackle those January Blues by listening to the latest Creative Skills bonus mini episode providing practical approaches to emotional literacy and self care. To be the first to know when a new episode is live, subscribe to the Starcatchers Creative Skills podcast now on Amazon Music, Spotify, Apple Podcasts or Deezer. Or, listen to all episodes now, here on the Starcatchers website.

In the fourth episode of the third series of Starcatchers’ Creative Skills podcast we spoke to Early Years Practitioners at Scots Corner Early Learning Centre, Carol Ann Low and Linette Stevenson, about big movement play, the legacy and the creative empowerment staff felt through participating in the Wee People Big Feelings project, an artist residency project exploring how big movement play and being creative in general, can support wee ones, understand and express their feelings. To be the first to know when a new episode is live, subscribe to the Starcatchers Creative Skills podcast now on Amazon Music, Spotify, Apple Podcasts or Deezer. Or, listen to all episodes now, here on the Starcatchers website. 

In this episode, we spoke to artists Sam Jameson, a performer working in theatre for early years audiences and families. Since lockdown, Samuel has also been working in a nursery as an early years assistant. In this episode, Samuel shares his positive experience of role-playing alongside learners and creating characters out of child-led play, and how to use characters as creative provocations to spark new creative learning opportunities. To find resources that tie into this episode, go to the webpage.Music used in this episode comes from Starcatchers' production Hup, composed by Abigail Sinar and performed by the RSNO.The Creative Skills Podcast is part of Starcatchers' Creative Skills Online: online resources for the ELC workforce in Scotland. Find out more at www.starcatchers.org.uk 

Welcome to Starcatchers’ podcast series Let’s Talk About…In this episode, Starcatchers Chief Executive, Rhona Matheson is joined by Children and Young People's Commissioner for Scotland, Bruce Adamson, and talks about a range of topics including what's been achieved in terms of children's rights over the last six years, about babies' rights and about the importance of arts and culture for children.  Download the transcript for this episode at starcatchers.org.uk/

In this episode, we spoke to artists Kirsty Pennycook, Kirstin Abraham and Skye Reynolds, exploring their experiences of working creatively with birth to three year-olds. Full of practical approaches, hints and tips for creating memorable creative experiences for our youngest children. To find resources that tie into this episode, go to the webpage.Music used in this episode comes from Starcatchers' production Hup, composed by Abigail Sinar and performed by the RSNO. The Creative Skills Podcast is part of Starcatchers' Creative Skills Online: online resources for the ELC workforce in Scotland. Find out more at www.starcatchers.org.uk 

Welcome to Starcatchers’ podcast series Let’s Talk About…In this episode, Starcatchers Chief Executive, Rhona Matheson is joined by Dr. Rachel Drury from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, a music psychologist, researcher and practicing musician and artist. They talk about why babies’ voices matter and explore a research project looking at the development of an arts-based methodology for participation with pre- and non-verbal children.  Download the transcript for this episode at starcatchers.org.uk/

This podcast focuses on a Starcatchers' programme called Wee People Big Feelings, exploring the relationship between creativity and emotional literacy in very young children.  To find resources that tie into this episode, head to the webpage. This podcast features Early Years Development Manager, Amy Hall-Gibson and Movement and dance artist, Skye Reynolds. Music used in this episode comes from Starcatchers' production Hup, composed by Abigail Sinar and performed by the RSNO The Creative Skills Podcast is part of Starcatchers' Creative Skills Online: online resources for the ELC workforce in Scotland. Find out more at www.starcatchers.org.uk 

The fifth episode of Let’s Talk About..., features Katy Wilson, Matt Addicott, Heather Fulton and Hazel Darwin-Clements, artists who have worked with Starcatchers in a variety of projects over the last 15 years, talking about artists in residence in early years settings.Let’s Talk About… is a podcast series celebrating Starcatchers’ 15th birthday in 2021. Rhona Matheson, Starcatchers’ Chief Executive, is joined by friends and colleagues from across the arts, education and third sectors in Scotland talking about a range of topics from baby theatre and children’s rights, to being an advocate and why the arts...

Our fourth episode in the Let’s Talk About series, featuring developmental psychologist and research scientist, Suzanne Zeedyk talks how the arts can encourage connection in babies.Let’s Talk About…is Starcatchers’ brand-new podcast celebrating Starcatchers’ 15th birthday in 2021. Rhona Matheson, Starcatchers’ Chief Executive, will be joined by friends and colleagues from across the arts, education and third sectors in Scotland talking about a range of topics from baby theatre and children’s rights to being an advocate and why the arts..

This month, to help you celebrate Children’s Mental Health Week, we’ll be talking about creative ideas that support wee one’s emotional literacy and wellbeing. To find resources that tie into this episode, head to: www.starcatchers.org.uk/episode-wellbeing  Artists and guests:Amy Hall-GibsonCharlotte AllanWee People Big Feelings Webpage: https://starcatchers.org.uk/work/wee-people-big-feelingsThe Story of You Wee Inspiration:  https://starcatchers.org.uk/work/wee-inspirations/the-story-of-you Music used in this episode comes from Starcatchers productions:“Hup”, composed by Abigail Sinar and performed by the RSNO “Little Light”, composed by Stephen Deazley“Baby Chill”, composed by Sacha Kyleas well as “Cooper Ave” by The Westerlies and “Pont de Abril” by Steve Adams from YouTube Audio Library: https://studio.youtube.com 

Our third episode in the Let’s Talk About series, featuring Chief Executive of Children 1st, Mary Glasgow talks about the importance of the arts. Let’s Talk About…is Starcatchers’ brand-new podcast celebrating Starcatchers’ 15th birthday in 2021. Rhona Matheson, Starcatchers’ Chief Executive, will be joined by friends and colleagues from across the arts, education and third sectors in Scotland talking about a range of topics from baby theatre and children’s rights to being an advocate and why the arts..

Our second episode in the Let’s Talk About series, featuring Festival Director of Imaginate, Noel Jordan and Executive Director of Catherine Wheels Theatre Company, Tony Reekie will talk about the importance of baby theatre.Let’s Talk About…is Starcatchers’ brand-new podcast celebrating Starcatchers’ 15th birthday in 2021. Rhona Matheson, Starcatchers’ Chief Executive, will be joined by friends and colleagues from across the arts, education and third sectors in Scotland talking about a range of topics from baby theatre and children’s rights to being an advocate and why the arts.

This month, we’re talking about how to deliver creative ideas even when you don’t have a lot of space! To find resources that tie into this episode, head to: www.starcatchers.org.uk/episode-space Artists and guests:Charlotte Allan, Theatre-maker, Artistic Director of Ipdip Theatre and researcherSkye Reynolds, Movement and dance artistHazel Darwin-Clements, Theatre-maker and drama artistRebecca Fraser, Parkhead Artist in Residence Music used in this episode comes from Starcatchers productions:“Hup”, composed by Abigail Sinar and performed by the RSNO“Little Light”, composed by Stephen Deazley“Baby Chill”, composed by Sacha Kyle The Creative Skills Podcast is part of Creative Skills Online, online resources for the ELC workforce in Scotland. Find out more at: www.starcatchers.org.uk 

Welcome to Starcatchers’ brand-new podcast series Let’s Talk About… a podcast celebrating Starcatchers’ 15th birthday in 2021. Rhona Matheson, Starcatchers’ Chief Executive, will be joined by friends and colleagues from across the arts, education and third sectors in Scotland talking about a range of topics from baby theatre and children’s rights to being an advocate and why the arts.Our first episode in the Let’s Talk About series, featuring artists Rebecca Fraser and Matt Addicott will talk about artistic practice and what our youngest children tell us through their play.

This month, we’re talking about how to measure impact and the voice of the children you work with. To find resources that tie into this episode, head to: www.starcatchers.org.uk/episode-impact   Artists and guests:Rhona Matheson, Chief Executive at StarcatchersPearl Kinnear, Visual ArtistAmy Hall-Gibson, Drama Artist and Development Officer of Creativity at Education ScotlandCharlotte Allan, Theatre-maker, Artistic Director of Ipdip Theatre and researcherSkye Reynolds, Movement and dance artistDr. Rachel Drury, Musician, lecturer and Music Specialist at Rachel House CHASDonna Nicol, Activities Coordinator at Rachel House CHAS Music used in this episode comes from Starcatchers productions:“Hup”, composed by Abigail Sinar and performed by the RSNO“Little Light”, composed by Stephen Deazley“Baby Chill”, composed by Sacha Kyle“Mixed Up”, composed by Marcus Britton, Matt Elliott, Nik Paget Tomlinson and Barney Strachan The Creative Skills Podcast is part of Creative Skills Online, online resources for the ELC workforce in Scotland. Find out more at: www.starcatchers.org.uk 

Schemas are patterns of repeated behaviours which children engage in. In this episode, we talk about different schematic patterns, and how to support them through expressive arts delivery!Find more schema resources here: https://starcatchers.org.uk/work/creative-skills-online-podcast/schema-resources/The Creative Skills Podcast is part of Creative Skills Online, online resources for the ELC workforce in Scotland.

We have a special bonus episode about exploring Starcatchers' production "Mixed Up" at home! Find out more here: https://starcatchers.org.uk/work/mixed-up/

On this episode we sat down with Fraser Stone, musician and educator. We spoke about rhythm, self-expression, and how music is everywhere!The Creative Skills Podcast is part of Creative Skills Online, online resources for the ELC workforce in Scotland. To access this episode’s Reflective Practice worksheet, videos and sign up for Fraser's Creative Chat visit: https://www.starcatchers.org.uk/episode9

On this episode we were delighted to host Dr. Rachel Drury, a a researcher and creative artist who works in the fields of psychology and education. We spoke about communication, language development, agency and empathy. Plus some ideas to take music outdoors!The Creative Skills Podcast is part of Creative Skills Online, online resources for the ELC workforce in Scotland. To access this episode’s Reflective Practice worksheet, videos and sign up for Rachel's Creative Chat visit: https://www.starcatchers.org.uk/episode8

We're back with Skye Reynolds! In part 2 of our conversation we focus on putting developmental movement patterns into practice, and fun movement ideas you can use in your setting with the children you work with. The Creative Skills Podcast is part of Creative Skills Online, online resources for the ELC workforce in Scotland. To access this episode’s Reflective Practice worksheet, videos and sign up for Skye's Creative Chat visit: https://www.starcatchers.org.uk/episode7

For the seventh episode of our podcast, we were joined by Skye Reynolds: dance artist and movement practitioner! In part 1 of this conversation we spoke about developmental movement patterns, and how children learn through movement and touch.The Creative Skills Podcast is part of Creative Skills Online, online resources for the ELC workforce in Scotland. To access this episode’s Reflective Practice worksheet, videos and sign up for Skye's Creative Chat visit: https://www.starcatchers.org.uk/episode7

For the sixth episode of our podcast, we were joined by Charlotte Allan: theatre-maker, puppeteer and researcher! Everything is better with puppets, so Charlotte teaches us her top tips for making your own, as well as how to make your own wow sensory moment!The Creative Skills Podcast is part of Creative Skills Online, online resources for the ELC workforce in Scotland. To access this episode’s Reflective Practice worksheet, videos and sign up for Charlotte's Creative Chat visit: https://www.starcatchers.org.uk/episode6

It's Children's Mental Health Week and the theme is Express Yourself - so we couldn't help but release a bonus mini episode. Heather Armstrong looks at ideas that have come up in Creative Skills training sessions: self-expression and creative flow.Find out more at: www.starcatchers.org.uk/bonusepisode1

For the fifth episode of our podcast, we were joined by Brian Hartley: multi-disciplinary visual and movement artist! Brian shares insight into his background as a photographer and visual artist working directly with Stirling early years setting, and we speak about how you can use the expressive arts together and across the curriculum! The Creative Skills Podcast is part of Creative Skills Online, online resources for the ELC workforce in Scotland. To access this episode’s Reflective Practice worksheet, videos and sign up for Brian’s Creative Chat visit: https://www.starcatchers.org.uk/episode5

For the fourth episode of our podcast, we were joined by Amy Hall-Gibson: freelance creativity and drama facilitator extraordinaire! We spoke about how to use storytelling with wee ones including children who don't like changing books, as well as how to create voices that make storytime that bit more engaging.The Creative Skills Podcast is part of Creative Skills Online, online resources for the ELC workforce in Scotland. To access this episode’s Reflective Practice worksheet, videos and sign up for Amy’s Creative Chat visit: https://www.starcatchers.org.uk/episode4

For the third episode of our podcast, we were joined by Hazel Darwin-Clements, Edinburgh-based theatre-maker and puppeteer. Hazel shared some ideas for taking drama and imaginative play out into the outdoors including finding your own miniature worlds, creating stories together and playing with dramatic tension!The Creative Skills Podcast is part of Creative Skills Online, online resources for the ELC workforce in Scotland. To access this episode’s Reflective Practice worksheet, videos and sign up for Hazel’s Creative Chat visit: https://www.starcatchers.org.uk/episode3

Welcome to the Creative Skills podcast where we chat to early years artists about their practice, some fun expressive arts ideas and how to continue creative delivery in early years settings. For the first episode of the Creative Skills Podcast, Creative Skills Manager Heather Armstrong spoke with Bex Carter, Quality Improvement Education Officer at the City of Edinburgh Council and host of the Edinburgh Early Years Podcast. They discuss the importance of delivering creative expressive arts experiences with early years.The Creative Skills Podcast is part of Creative Skills Online, online resources for the ELC workforce in Scotland. To access this episode’s Reflective Practice worksheet, videos and sign up for Pearl’s Creative Chat visit: https://www.starcatchers.org.uk/episode1/Edinburgh Early Years Podcast: https://soundcloud.com/user-227479287-28906765/early-years-podcast-november

For the second episode of our podcast, we were joined by Pearl Kinnear, Glasgow-based visual artist. We talk about taking visual arts outdoors, including breadcrumb trails, action painting and a very unique gingerbread man. The Creative Skills Podcast is part of Creative Skills Online, online resources for the ELC workforce in Scotland. To access this episode’s Reflective Practice worksheet, videos and sign up for Pearl’s Creative Chat visit: https://www.starcatchers.org.uk/episode2/