Early Years Insights | Podcast on RSS.com

Early Years Insights

Early Years Insights

by Kathy Leatherbarrow

Education Kids & Family

Season 3

The Campaign for Gigi & Building A Culture of Safety - Early Years Insights

Watch the video version on YouTube! . https://youtu.be/Sr6PpWLEBHc . The Campaign for Gigi & A Culture of Safety Welcome back to a brand-new season of Early Years Insights. To launch this next chapter, we begin by hosting an incredibly important and deeply meaningful conversation about Gigi's Campaign. https://campaignforgigi.com Kathy Leatherbarrow sits down with Katie Meehan, the mother behind The Campaign for Gigi. Following the tragic, preventable loss of her daughter Genevieve, Katie has turned immense grief into a powerful movement for national legislative reform. This episode honours Gigi's memory and outlines the non-negotiable steps needed to build a true culture of safety across the UK early years sector. Key Discussion Points: Remembering Genevieve: Katie shares fond memories of Gigi's bright personality, her raucous laugh, and her deep bond with her older sister. Statutory Requirements vs. Guidance: Why converting safe sleep guidelines into strict statutory law ensures mandatory compliance for infants under one. Reforming Inspections: A professional look at lowering the four-to-six-year Ofsted cycle and rolling out 3,000 unannounced safeguarding visits. The Power of CCTV: Why granting inspectors routine access to nursery footage serves as an unfiltered, vital asset to protect children and staff. Standardised Training: Why settings cannot rely on whistleblowing alone, and how national training removes ambiguity in safe sleep practices. Guest: Katie Meehan – Founder of The Campaign for Gigi. Host: Kathy Leatherbarrow – Early Years Consultant at Eden Training Solutions. Connect With Us: Protecting our most vulnerable children is our highest priority. Share your feedback on our season premiere at www.eden-ts.com. #EarlyYearsInsights #GigisCampaign #ChildSafety #OfstedInspections #SaferSleep #EYFSWelfare #EdenTrainingSolutions

Season 2

Future-Proofing The Nursery: Season 2 Grand Finale

Watch the video version on YouTube! . https://youtu.be/2eBgv4MXfjA . 🌟 Future-Proofing the Nursery: Season 2 Grand Finale 🌟 Welcome to the grand finale of Season Two! In this special episode, we bring together the absolute "best bits" of the season. We focus on long-term operational excellence, leadership mindset, and quality practice. If any of these clips spark your interest, dive right back into our full archive to listen to the complete guest episodes! Key Discussion Points: The Resilient Mindset: Lucy Lewin explains why profit is not a profanity when used to build a secure business foundation and an embedded "North Star" vision. People Power & Diversity: Forward-thinking recruitment and retention strategies, focusing on growing apprentice talent, encouraging male role models, and utilizing staff mentors. The Culture of Safety: A critical discussion on uncompromising safety standards, proactive updates to EYFS choking guidance, and life-saving equipment. Guests: Lucy Lewin, Natalie Healey & Laura Salmon (Banana Moon), Sarah Baker & Beth Mincher (Eden Training Solutions), Louise Scott, James Tunnell, and Lewis Steeper. Host: Kathy Leatherbarrow – Early Years Consultant at Eden Training Solutions. Connect With Us: Thank you for an incredible season! Share your favourite moments from the season with us at www.eden-ts.com Stay tuned for Season 3 next month! #EarlyYearsInsights #NurseryLeadership #EYFS #EarlyYearsApprenticeships #ContinuousProvision #NurseryManagement #ChildcareSafety #EdenTrainingSolutions

How to Make Government Funding Profitable - Early Years Insights

Watch the video version on YouTube! . https://youtu.be/l5QDRYqrNMs . 🌟 How to Make Government Funding Profitable - Early Years Insights 🌟 Join Kathy Leatherbarrow and Lucy Lewin, CEO of The Profitable Nursery Academy, for a masterclass in nursery economics. Lucy tackles the sector's biggest "taboo" - making government-funded hours actually pay. Lucy shares her strategy for navigating the entitlement expansion, moving away from emotional decision-making and towards a data-driven "Portfolio Economics" model that has led her to her highest revenue months on record. Key Discussion Points: Portfolio Economics: Stop isolating age groups. Review ratios across your entire setting to unlock true economies of scale. The Cost Per Hour Challenge: Get honest about your data. Divide bank debits by hours sold to find your real operational costs. The 55% Staffing Rule: Protect your profit margins. Ensure staffing costs never exceed 55% of turnover to fix inefficient rotas. Guest: Lucy Lewin – CEO of The Profitable Nursery Academy. Find Lucy on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucy-lewin-75217461/ Host: Kathy Leatherbarrow – Early Years Consultant at Eden Training Solutions. Connect With Us: Learn more at www.eden-ts.com #EarlyYearsInsights #NurseryFinance #LucyLewin #ChildcareFunding #EarlyYearsLeadership #GenZWorkforce #EYFS #NurseryManagement #EdenTrainingSolutions

Creating Sustainable Early Years Businesses with The Profitable Nursery Academy - Early Years Insights

Watch the video version on YouTube! . https://youtu.be/ik2N3ZlAxzM . Creating Sustainable Early Years Businesses with The Profitable Nursery Academy - Early Years Insights Join Kathy Leatherbarrow and Lucy Lewin, CEO of The Profitable Nursery Academy, for a raw and insightful discussion on the business of early years. Lucy shares her lived experience of moving from the brink of bankruptcy to building a thriving, sustainable nursery by shifting from a "heart-led" to a "data-driven" mindset. Key Discussion Points: Profit is Not a Profanity: Breaking the misconception that high-quality pedagogy and a healthy bank account are mutually exclusive. Selling Hours, Not Care: A "blinding flash of the obvious"—realising that the actual sellable commodity in a nursery is time, not "care". Head Over Heart: Why leaders must step out of their hearts and into their heads to build solid foundations that allow teams and children to thrive. The 55% Revenue Rule: Implementing a game-changing metric where staffing costs should ideally represent 50% to 55% of turnover. Guest: Lucy Lewin - The Profitable Nursery Academy CEO. Host: Kathy Leatherbarrow – Early Years Consultant at Eden Training Solutions. Connect With Us: Share your experiences with us at www.eden-ts.com #EarlyYearsInsights #ProfitableNurseryAcademy #NurseryBusiness #EarlyYearsLeadership #SustainableChildcare #EYFS #NurseryManagement #EdenTrainingSolutions

Continuous and Enhanced Provision with Nursery Nook - Early Years Insights

Watch the video version on YouTube! . https://youtu.be/PDLShRgDHNg . Continuous and Enhanced Provision with Nursery Nook - Early Years Insights Join Kathy Leatherbarrow and James Tunnell (Nursery Nook) as they continue to discuss the technical bridge between continuous and enhanced provision. James shares how to move learning forward by building on the familiar and understanding schematic play. Key Discussion Points: Familiarity First: Why resources must mirror home tools to help children transfer skills. The Topic Trap: Why rigid themes (like the "superhero box") can limit engagement and lead to wasted time. The 5-Question Framework: How to enhance play by changing just one variable: Why, What, Doing, Where, or Who. Decoding Schemes: Identifying natural behaviours like "dabbing" or throwing as essential learning patterns. Narrating Play: Replacing constant questioning with "narrating the ether" to build vocabulary in context. Guest: James Tunnell – Director at Nursery Nook. Instagram: @nurserynook Host: Kathy Leatherbarrow – Early Years Consultant at Eden Training Solutions. Connect With Us: Share your experiences with us at www.eden-ts.com #EarlyYearsInsights #NurseryNook #ContinuousProvision #SchematicPlay #EYFS #PlayBasedLearning #EarlyYearsInsights #EdenTrainingSolutions

Connection Beyond the Curriculum - Early Years Insights

Watch the video version on YouTube! . https://youtu.be/GdlT5utmj_M . Connection Beyond the Curriculum - Early Years Insights In this episode, join host Kathy Leatherbarrow for a deeply practical and inspiring conversation with James Tunnell, Director of Nursery Nook. The discussion centres on the idea that connection is the foundation of all learning; if we don’t have a relationship with a child, we cannot effectively teach them. James shares his insights on shifting from "activity-led" planning to following the natural rhythms of play. Key Discussion Points: Connection Over Curriculum: A deep dive into why relationships must come first. If children don't want to be with you, the impact of your curriculum will be limited. The COVID Generation: Discussing the "misshaped foundation blocks" of children who missed out on early social interactions and how settings must work to fill these social gaps. Valuing Uninterrupted Play: Why children need at least 30 minutes to reach a state of "flow" and why adults should act as "satellites"—helpful and nearby, but not interrupting the work of the child. Guest James Tunnell – Director at Nursery Nook. Follow James on Instagram @nurserynook for daily practical strategies and "bite-sized" CPD. Host Kathy Leatherbarrow – Early Years Consultant at Eden Training Solutions. How to Connect We'd love to hear your thoughts on what 'Connection Beyond the Curriculum' looks like in your setting. Connect with us on social media or visit our website to share your experiences: www.eden-ts.com #EarlyYearsInsights #EdenTrainingSolutions #NurseryNook #ConnectionBeforeCurriculum #ChildLedLearning #EarlyYearsCPD #ContinuousProvision #PlayBasedLearning #ChildhoodDevelopment #EYFS

Developing 'Key Adults' within Your Staff Team - Early Years Insights

Watch the video version on YouTube! . https://youtu.be/DLUfz56rSzI . Developing 'Key Adults' within Your Staff Team - Early Years Insights In this insightful episode, join your host Kathy Leatherbarrow as she continues the conversation with Laura Salmon (Head of Early Years at Banana Moon Franchise) and Natalie Healy (Head of Operations at Banana Moon Franchise Support Office) to explore the evolution of leadership and staff development within the Early Years sector. This discussion moves beyond traditional management models to focus on empowering practitioners, creating a nurturing internal environment, and managing the complexities of running a successful childcare business. Key Discussion Points: Evolving Leadership: Moving from a "dictatorial" style to a modern, nurturing approach focused on guiding staff potential. The 'Key Adults' Model: Treating staff as "key adults" whose careers and next steps must be nurtured individually, mirroring child support. Individualised Management: Managers must constantly check-in and adapt their style to manage staff the way they prefer, not the way the manager prefers. Fairness and Flexibility: Navigating the complex balance of offering flexible arrangements to individuals while maintaining equality and avoiding internal workplace issues. Empowering Managers: Launching a Training Academy provides CPD and confidence for often younger managers to deliver training and develop their leadership skills. Guests: Natalie Healey - Head of Operations at Banana Moon Franchise Support Office Laura Salmon - Head of Early Years at Banana Moon Franchise Support Office Host: Kathy Leatherbarrow - Early Years Consultant at Eden Training Solutions Connect with us on social media or send us an email to share your experiences and insights: www.eden-ts.com #EarlyYearsInsights #EdenTrainingSolutions #EarlyYearsLeadership #KeyAdults #StaffDevelopment #NurseryManagement #ChildcareBusiness #FranchiseSupport #TeamNurturing #CPDforManagers #WorkplaceFlexibility #EarlyYearsCommunity Thank you for listening to "Early Years Insights." Stay tuned for more essential discussions in early childhood development.

Oliver's Legacy, Part 2: Closing the EYFS Loopholes - Early Years Insights

Watch the video version on YouTube! . https://youtu.be/Fww0_Xg7lQw . Oliver's Legacy, Part 2: Closing the EYFS Loopholes - Early Years Insights Join Kathy Leatherbarrow for the continuation of a vital story with Lewis Steeper (The Oliver Steeper Foundation) and Laura Salmon (Banana Moon Franchise). Lewis shares the successful legislative changes driven by the Foundation, focusing on mandatory pediatric first aid and improved food safety within the EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage). Laura discusses how Banana Moon implements these safety measures and their partnership in distributing LifeVac devices. Lewis also reveals the profound personal experience of using a LifeVac to save his youngest son, Jake. Key Discussion Points: EYFS Reform Victory: The achievement of forcing the hand of the DfE to close safety loopholes in the EYFS. Mandatory First Aid: The campaign to ensure all relevant staff hold up-to-date paediatric first aid certificates. Safer Eating Campaign: The shift to focusing on "Stage, not Age" for weaning, introducing essential weaning checklists. LifeVac Distribution: Banana Moon's "Big Moments, Bright Futures" campaign to supply all settings with LifeVac and portable travel kits . Personal Use: Lewis's powerful story of using a LifeVac on his son, Jake, highlighting the device's real-world necessity. Organ Donation: Lewis receives an update on Oliver's organ donation, finding peace in his legacy of saving lives. Guests: Lewis Steeper – Founder of The Oliver Steeper Foundation Laura Salmon – Head of Early Years at Banana Moon Franchise Support Office Host: Kathy Leatherbarrow – Early Years Consultant at Eden Training Solutions How to Connect: Find out more about the Foundation's mission and how to apply for a LifeVac: www.tosf.org.uk Connect with us on social media or send us an email: www.eden-ts.com enquiries@eden-ts.com #EarlyYearsInsights #OliverSteeperFoundation #EYFSSafety #LifeVac #ChildcareReform #PaediatricFirstAid #BananaMoon

A Legacy of Safety: The Oliver Steeper Foundation - Early Years Insights

Watch the video version on YouTube! . https://youtu.be/h5FzZWbv6kA . A Legacy of Safety: The Oliver Steeper Foundation - Early Years Insights Join Kathy Leatherbarrow as she speaks with Lewis Steeper, founder of The Oliver Steeper Foundation, and Laura Salmon, Head of Early Years at Banana Moon Franchise, to share a deeply personal story of resilience, and how one family turned tragedy into a national safety mission. Lewis recounts the heartbreaking story of losing his son, Oliver, due to a choking incident at nine months old, and the subsequent founding of the Foundation. This episode highlights their incredible mission to provide life-saving anti-choking devices (LifeVac) to nurseries and the wider community, ensuring Oliver's legacy is one that saves children's lives. Key Discussion Points: Oliver's Story: The devastating personal account of the choking incident and the difficult, complex journey that followed. A Safety Mission: The Foundation's formation and its goal of placing life-saving equipment in every UK nursery. The LifeVac Device: Understanding the anti-choking device as a crucial last resort when standard first aid has failed. Sector Collaboration: Highlighting the importance of partnerships, such as with Banana Moon and Eden, to boost child safety awareness. Grief to Action: The emotional challenge of converting personal tragedy into a focused public safety mission. Parental Support: Discussing the lack of formal support for self-employed parents and the need for better systems after child loss. Guests Lewis Steeper – Founder of The Oliver Steeper Foundation Laura Salmon – Head of Early Years at Banana Moon Franchise Support Office Host Kathy Leatherbarrow – Early Years Consultant at Eden Training Solutions How to Connect: To learn more about the Foundation or how your setting can receive a LifeVac device, please visit the Oliver Steeper Foundation website. Connect with us on social media or send us an email: www.eden-ts.com enquiries@eden-ts.com #EarlyYearsInsights #EdenTrainingSolutions #OliverSteeperFoundation #ChildSafety #LifeVac #ChokingPrevention #NurserySafety #ParentalAdvocacy #EarlyYearsWellbeing

Apprenticeship to Manager: Building Early Years Leaders - Early Years Insights

Watch the video version on YouTube! . https://youtu.be/NuSmiHX27eU . Apprenticeship to Manager: Building Early Years Leaders . Join Kathy Leatherbarrow as she continues her discussion with Natalie Healey, Head of Operations, and Laura Salmon, Head of Early Years, from Banana Moon Franchise Support Office. This episode dives into the crucial role of early years apprenticeships in addressing the sector's recruitment crisis and building a clear, supportive career path from apprentice to nursery manager and beyond. Key Discussion Points: The increasing importance of quality Early Years apprenticeships. The philosophy of 'grow your own talent' in solving the sector's recruitment crisis. Building a clear career pathway from apprentice to future leader and manager. Developing structured induction programmes that align curriculum and course content. The value of support networks, such as mentor groups and peer-to-peer sharing. Demonstrating the role is a fulfilling career path with potential for progression to business ownership. The essential link between Continuous Professional Development (CPD) and effective leadership. Guests: Natalie Healey - Head of Operations at Banana Moon Franchise Support Office Laura Salmon - Head of Early Years at Banana Moon Franchise Support Office Host: Kathy Leatherbarrow - Early Years Consultant at Eden Training Solutions How to Connect: We'd love to hear your experiences and insights on building career pathways in Early Years. Connect with us on social media or send us an email to share your thoughts and join the conversation: www.eden-ts.com #EarlyYearsInsights #EdenTrainingSolutions #Apprenticeships #EarlyYearsCareers #GrowYourOwnTalent #CPD #EarlyYearsLeaders #RecruitmentCrisis #WorkforceDevelopment Thank you for listening to "Early Years Insights." Stay tuned for more essential discussions in early childhood development.

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