The Tapestry Podcast

Technology in Early Years education, digital literacy, and online safety - what do educators need to know now? On this month's Tapestry Talks, Ben and Kat sit down with Princess Souassou Tsiagbe for a practical conversation on using technology to enhance learning in the early years. This episode explores technology in early childhood education, building digital skills safely, and how educators can introduce technology in ways that support creativity, communication, and development. From safeguarding and screen balance to meaningful EdTech use, their discussion focuses on real-world strategies for classrooms and early learning environments.

For Tapestry's 200th podcast, directors Helen and Steve sat down to highlight a few of their favourite previous episodes and reflect on where they see the podcast going over the next year, as well as some big moments that happened for Tapestry over the last year! Episodes mentioned in this podcast are linked below: Neil Leitch on Childcare Deserts, School Based Nurseries and Workforce Sustainability: https://fsf-podcasts.simplecast.com/episodes/neil-leitch-on-childcare-deserts-school-based-nurseries-and-workforce-sustainabilityeya-ceo-neil-leitch-discusses-current-issues-and-challenges-confronting-the-sector Sonia Mainstone-Cotton - Extending our use of creativity to focus on children's well-being: https://fsf-podcasts.simplecast.com/episodes/extending-our-use-of-creativity-to-focus-on-childrens-well-being Warda Farah, Professor Eunice Lumsden and Kate Moxley - An Intersectional approach to cultivating wellbeing https://fsf-podcasts.simplecast.com/episodes/an-intersectional-approach-to-cultivating-wellbeing

What to consider to ensure child-centred transition from Reception to Year 1, with Michelle Windridge, National Education Lead for School-based EYFS at Twinkl.

Becca and Stephen are joined by Dr Ben Levy who is and Educational Psychologist and magician who has developed a framework to enhance pupil engagement and performance. They discuss the 5 aspects of the framework and how it can be applied in early years environments.

Neurodiversity affirming practice for autistic girls and a glimpse into the ethos behind Ashley’s House – a new centre where a life-skills programme is central to the curriculum. With Dipaley Patel, Speech and Language Associate Practitioner and mother to Ashley.

Stephen chats with Simon Airey, who is a neurodivergent teacher and advocate for Inclusion. They discuss what inclusion means to Simon, his top tips for inclusive learning spaces and the importance of 'connection over correction'.

EYA CEO Neil Leitch discusses current issues and challenges confronting the sector.

Join us for a memorable conversation with trumpeter and teacher Sean Chandler, and BSL interpreter Lizzie Wharton. Sean explains the words and terms about deafness and shares his own experiences of his deaf identity. He tells us about BSL and Lizzie tells us about being a BSL interpreter. You can find the video version of this podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5iFUdxEMmg

Stephen chats with educator, author and neurodiversity champion Frances Akinde about her book 'Be an Ally not a Bystander'. They discuss the benefits of teaching young children about allyship, how bias can show up in educators and how we can turn allyship into a practical part of whole school life.

Support and advice for parents with an autistic child, learning about children through observation, connection and communication, and what to consider if you are an educator working with autistic children. With Zynab Al Bahrani, mum to two autistic sons, Autism Consultant, and speech and language practitioner.

Supporting the early years workforce – what staff and leaders struggle with, what they might need, and how Twinkl’s experienced educators can help. With Tracie Butterfill, National Education Lead EYFS for Twinkl Educational Publishing.

Jules chats with education consultant in nurturing teachers and children, Joanne Lo. They discuss how to develop mindfulness in a learning community, and techniques that educators can start using right now in the day to day of their classrooms.

Jules chats with Glenda Tinney and Natalie MacDonald, both academics in Childhood Youth and Education at University of Wales Trinity St David. They discuss the qualities and knowledge that are embedded in being an early years professional, how to raise the status of the sector, and how they prepare students for the important work they do with children and families.

Stephen chats with Andrew Cartwright and Ben Carr who are the Co-Directors of the North East Coaching Company. They discuss the importance of children being engaged and enjoying physical activity as well as why teaching PE in primary schools can cause anxiety.

Ben and Jules chat with Curtly Ania, nursery owner and mentor for others who are on the journey to opening their own early years setting. Curtly shares practical advice and inspiration, including some of the key things to consider if you are thinking about running a nursery.

Feeling a bit lost with the current Ofsted consultation (deadline April 28th)? Listen in for a friendly chat with Wendy Ratcliff and Caroline Hearn from Ofsted, where we break down the main points to help you feel clearer and ready to share your views. You can give your feedback on the consultation here: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/ofsted2025/

Stephen and Jules chat with Adam Marycz, about his own changing roles and about the changes in the sector, and how we can get back to what we are all striving for – positive outcomes for children, families, and the educators who work with them.

Stephen and Jules chat with Julie Robinson and Charlotte Thornton from Mini Minds Matter. They discuss what mindfulness looks like for very young children, how this supports emotional regulation and resilience, and they share some ideas you can implement in your settings today. https://mini-minds-matter.mykajabi.com/

Jules and Ben chat with Dr Leanne Jaye about fundamental motor skills – what they are, the role educators play in developing them, and how to support families in realistic ways to encourage movement with their children.

Ben and Jules chat with Laura Henry-Allain MBE about her latest children’s book Maya and Marley and the Great Big Tidy Up. They discuss the important themes in the book, how the story can be used in settings, and Laura shares where she finds inspiration for her stories.

Peter Moss is Emeritus Professor of Early Childhood Provision at the Thomas Coram Research Unit, UCL Institute of Education. Professor Moss discusses the failings of the current early years education system and how a radical transformation is required. His recent book is available free to download here: https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10191508/

Jules chats with Naomi Wilkinson and Nigel Clarke, familiar faces and voices from CBBC. They talk about their BBC Teach series Let’s Move with Naomi and Nigel and share ways to help teachers and children to feel confident about dance. https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/school-radio/articles/zhtkxg8

Jules chats with Tapestry SEND Advisor Stephen Kilgour, and Doncaster Early Years Inclusion Officer Ann Lowe, about some of the key themes in their book The Inclusive Early Years Educator.

Stephen chats with Claudio Sisera - Head of Diversity and Inclusion at Male Childcare and Teaching Jobs. They discuss Claudio's route into the Early Years, barriers he has faced as a man in the sector, and how his organisation is making a difference. https://uk.linkedin.com/in/claudio-sisera

Ben and Stephen chat with Rob Fox about his journey to becoming a nursery owner, and the challenges faced in encouraging and retaining males in the early years workforce.

Stephen chats with Richard Waite about his long and varied career in the Early Years. They discuss barriers men might face in entering early education, why working in the Early Years can be a great career choice and how Richard's love of technology has impacted his roles.

Ben and Jamel talk about the publishing Jamel's book Olu's Teacher, which takes you through the journey of starting nursery and the importance of representation. You can order Jamel's book via the link below: https://booklink.walker.co.uk/olus-teacher/

Helen and Stephen are joined by Tina Maltman, Executive Director of Childminding UK. They talk about childminding as a career option and the state of the profession in 2024, as well as how Childminding UK supports childminders nationwide.

Jules chats with Early Years and Literacy Consultant Olivia Corbin-Phillip about storytelling with young children, how to begin, how to adapt story telling for different developmental stages, and how to create some magic.

Jules and Stephen chat with Dr Yinka Olusoga about children’s digital literacies, how children’s play is evolving, and how we can shift our mindset to recognise and participate in their digital and post-digital play.

Ben and Jules chat with Rob Fox who is a nursery manager and owner. They discuss how to share a vision with your team and families, embodying practice and pedagogy, and the challenges of being an ‘edu-carer' working with children while also running a business.

Jules chats with Farzana Chowdhury, headteacher of Wentworth Nursery School and Children’s Centre. They take a deep dive into how one nursery school approaches planning, teaching and learning, the importance of tuning into the child and how planning together supports the team.

Jules and Ben chat with motivational speaker and life coach Jackson Ogunyemi – Action Jackson! – about how to surf the wave of negativity. Jackson shares strategies to help educators to support themselves and the children they work with to find gratitude and happiness.

Ben and Jules chat with teacher, podcast host and bestselling author Lee Parkinson about how teachers can use AI to support them and their children, what are the benefits, what to look out for, and why we need to work with and model the use of this changing technology with children.

Jules and Anya chat with Sonia Mainstone-Cotton about how we can extend our concepts of creativity to focus on children's well-being and understanding of themselves. They discuss how the language we use and the environments we develop in these creative spaces can support well-being, regulation and psychoeducation.

Jack and Jules chat with Hannah Dolan, food development specialist, about the importance of early years nutrition, the role early years settings play, the many challenges for families, and tips to support parents and carers to encourage children to learn healthy eating habits.

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/