Welcome to Little Minds, Big Ideas – the podcast where early years education meets inspiration, creativity, and a whole lot of fun! Hosted by passionate educators Emily Macfarlane and Ben Jones, this podcast is perfect for anyone invested in the world of early childhood, whether you're a teacher, parent, or just someone who believes in the power of young minds.
Every Monday, Emily and Ben bring you the latest updates and must-know news from the world of early years education, keeping you ahead of the curve on the trends, challenges, and innovations shaping the future of learning for little ones. But it doesn’t stop there! Expect lively debates and thoughtful discussions on the biggest issues in early childhood education today. Emily and Ben dive deep into the topics that matter, from learning through play to the importance of outdoor exploration, always balancing expert insights with practical takeaways.
Of course, no episode would be complete without a healthy dose of fun! Each week, you’ll find the show packed with games and lighthearted moments to keep things entertaining, making sure you end each episode with a smile. And when it’s time to get serious, Emily and Ben know how to tackle those tougher subjects too, offering real, relatable advice for navigating the ups and downs of working with young children.
As part of the Early Years Network family, Little Minds, Big Ideas is also your go-to spot for staying up-to-date with what’s new on the platform, giving you the inside scoop on exciting content, upcoming events, and valuable resources to help you be the best educator or caregiver you can be.
So, whether you’re tuning in during your morning commute, while setting up the classroom, or after a long day with your feet up, Little Minds, Big Ideas promises to deliver inspiration, information, and a bit of fun to fuel your passion for working with young children.
No interviews, no fluff—just two passionate hosts sharing big ideas for the little minds that shape our future.
Join us today over at www.theearlyyearsnetwork.co.uk and unlock a world of early years learning.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Welcome to Little Minds, Big Ideas – the podcast where early years education meets inspiration, creativity, and a whole lot of fun! Hosted by passionate educators Emily Macfarlane and Ben Jones, this podcast is perfect for anyone invested in the world of early childhood, whether you're a teacher, parent, or just someone who believes in the power of young minds.
Every Monday, Emily and Ben bring you the latest updates and must-know news from the world of early years education, keeping you ahead of the curve on the trends, challenges, and innovations shaping the future of learning for little ones. But it doesn’t stop there! Expect lively debates and thoughtful discussions on the biggest issues in early childhood education today. Emily and Ben dive deep into the topics that matter, from learning through play to the importance of outdoor exploration, always balancing expert insights with practical takeaways.
Of course, no episode would be complete without a healthy dose of fun! Each week, you’ll find the show packed with games and lighthearted moments to keep things entertaining, making sure you end each episode with a smile. And when it’s time to get serious, Emily and Ben know how to tackle those tougher subjects too, offering real, relatable advice for navigating the ups and downs of working with young children.
As part of the Early Years Network family, Little Minds, Big Ideas is also your go-to spot for staying up-to-date with what’s new on the platform, giving you the inside scoop on exciting content, upcoming events, and valuable resources to help you be the best educator or caregiver you can be.
So, whether you’re tuning in during your morning commute, while setting up the classroom, or after a long day with your feet up, Little Minds, Big Ideas promises to deliver inspiration, information, and a bit of fun to fuel your passion for working with young children.
No interviews, no fluff—just two passionate hosts sharing big ideas for the little minds that shape our future.
Join us today over at www.theearlyyearsnetwork.co.uk and unlock a world of early years learning.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Join Ben and Emily for a special Halloween edition of the Little Minds, Big Ideas Podcast. While Emily battles tonsillitis, they discuss their experiences with Halloween, share opinions on the spookiest holiday traditions, and debate what should go into their Halloween Room 101. From trick-or-treating mishaps to the controversy of pumpkin patches, they cover it all in this fun-filled episode!
Don't forget if you enjoyed this episode make sure to head over to The Early Years Network where you can find a world of early years training and development at your finger tips at a click of a button. All for just £4.99 a month.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Join hosts Ben and Emily in the latest episodes of the Little Minds, Big Ideas Podcast as they recount their hilarious adventures in Cornwall, address the drama and dynamics of Big Brother, and dive into the complexities of early childhood development.
From sharing favourite spots and experiences in Cornwall to discussing the challenges faced by celebrities and the importance of balancing cognitive, physical, and emotional development in children, the hosts cover a wide range of engaging topics. They debunk common myths about child development, explore the impact of routines and behaviour management, and touch on the societal impact of negative news versus positive stories.
With teasers of future episodes, including a big Halloween special, insightful debates, and hands-on advice for educators, this podcast offers an entertaining and educational experience for all listeners. Don't forget if you enjoyed this episode make sure to head over to The Early Years Network where you can find a world of early years training and development at your finger tips at a click of a button. All for just £4.99 a month.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of her diary, Emily shares insights from her staycation in Cornwall and delves into the crucial role of written assessments in early childhood education.
She discusses the importance of documentation for tracking children's development and ensuring continuity of care, even when key educators are absent. Emily highlights the varied approaches to observations, the collaborative efforts among colleagues to support child development, and she reflects on her personal experiences, including recent book reads and the necessity of good sleep.
Tune in to hear Emily's plans for future episodes and join the conversation on the importance of observations and assessments.
Don't forget if you enjoyed this episode make sure to head over to The Early Years Network where you can find a world of early years training and development at your finger tips at a click of a button. All for just £4.99 a month.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of 'Diary of an Early Years Educator,' host Emily reflects on the joys of growing up as a fangirl and shares personal memories of attending concerts of favourite bands like McFly, Busted, and Olly Murs. Emily tells stories about bonding with her sister over music and cherishing those moments. She also emphasises the importance of pursuing activities that bring joy and maintaining good mental health.
Amidst her excitement for McFly's 21st anniversary concert, Emily provides a weekly book recommendation, 'Seven and a Half Lessons About the Brain' by Lisa Feldman Barrett, praising its accessible take on neuroscience.
Emily encourages listeners to prioritise what makes them happy, whether it's music, sports, or any personal passion.
Don't forget if you enjoyed this episode make sure to head over to The Early Years Network where you can find a world of early years training and development at your finger tips at a click of a button. All for just £4.99 a month.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Join Ben and Emily in this episode of the Little Minds, Big Ideas podcast as they navigate the rainy day atmosphere to discuss Ofsted's latest report on early years education and the crucial role of the internet in early childhood and across modern society as a whole.
They examine the advantages and pitfalls of the internet, its influence on globalisation, and the pressing issues surrounding children's screen time and social media exposure. The hosts also touch on their personal internet habits, the effects of technology on family dynamics, and potential future regulations.
Listen in for a thoughtful conversation that delves into the transformative power of the internet and its implications for early education.
Don't forget if you enjoyed this episode make sure to head over to The Early Years Network where you can find a world of early years training and development at your finger tips at a click of a button. All for just £4.99 a month.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this week's entry of 'Diary of an Early Years Educator,' Emily reflects on the emotional challenges of working in early years settings.
As she navigates her personal and professional life, Emily discusses the importance of understanding and managing emotions—both her own and those of children, colleagues, and parents. She emphasises the value of self-care and accountability while sharing tips and experiences that aid in coping with the emotional demands of the job.
Emily invites listeners to share their self-care practices ahead of World Mental Health Day and highlights the supportive resources available at The Early Years Network.
Don't forget if you enjoyed this episode make sure to head over to The Early Years Network where you can find a world of early years training and development at your finger tips at a click of a button. All for just £4.99 a month.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this week’s episode, Emily takes a reflective turn as she discusses the overwhelming response to last Monday’s episode on how the education industry views early years professionals.
She shares a positive message about self-compassion—reminding you that you can’t do it all and that’s okay! Emily also opens up about her recent thoughts on loneliness, especially in the context of the TV show My Mum, Your Dad, which she’s been binge-watching with Ben.
Tune in as Emily talks about how the show resonated with her experiences growing up, reflecting on the importance of connection, both at work and in life. Plus, get her weekly book recommendation, Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris—a thrilling read to unwind with over the weekend.
Whether you’re here for the emotional insights or the fun TV chat, this episode is a cozy, candid conversation to ease you into your weekend.
Don't forget if you enjoyed this episode make sure to head over to The Early Years Network where you can find a world of early years training and development at your finger tips at a click of a button. All for just £4.99 a month.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of the Little Minds Big Ideas podcast with the Early Years Network, hosts Emily and Ben discuss the differences between rural and urban upbringings. They explore various aspects such as education, community, healthcare, independence, and more, while sharing their personal experiences.
The episode also touches on recent government plans to expand nursery provisions and delves into ongoing social issues.
Join Emily and Ben as they navigate through these contrasting childhood environments and their implications for future generations.
Don't forget if you enjoyed this episode make sure to head over to The Early Years Network where you can find a world of early years training and development at your finger tips at a click of a button. All for just £4.99 a month.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of 'Diary of an Early Years Educator,' Emily reflects on her week and discusses an important issue prompted by a recent education conference she attended.
Emily shares her thoughts on professionalism in early years education, the importance of uniforms, and the unfortunate perception gap between early years educators and other education professionals. She emphasises the need for recognising early years education as a vital part of the educational system and invites listeners to reflect on their own work and wellbeing.
Join Emily in this insightful discussion and contribute your views on whether early years educators are truly seen as professionals.
Don't forget if you enjoyed this episode make sure to head over to The Early Years Network where you can find a world of early years training and development at your finger tips at a click of a button. All for just £4.99 a month.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This episode, Emily gets real about a topic we all struggle with – friendships at work! 💬
She’s sharing the highs and lows of navigating relationships with colleagues, and how to know if those friendships are for life or just for the workplace. From forming deep connections with co-workers to facing the heartbreak when they fizzle out, Emily opens up about her personal experiences and what it really means to balance work and friendships in the fast-paced world of early years education.
But that’s not all – she’s tackling the big question: Why is making friends as adults so tough? Whether you're juggling early years chaos or just looking to connect with people outside of work, this episode has got you covered with Emily’s refreshingly honest take on adult friendships.
Tune in for a heartfelt, relatable chat, and don’t forget to join the conversation on social media!
Is it harder for you to make friends as an adult?
Do work friendships last?
Emily wants to know your thoughts! 🌟
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this lively and candid episode of Little Minds, Big Ideas, Ben and Emily dive into the complexities of workplace culture.
After a bit of tech trouble (they weren’t recording the first time around!), they tackle everything from the importance of feeling respected at work to the perks that really matter – like, who’s responsible for the office milk?
Along the way, they discuss how company culture in early years settings is different, why leadership plays a key role, and how culture should evolve naturally rather than being forced. Plus, Emily teases her new podcast The Diary of an Early Years Educator, and the duo shares their thoughts on autonomy, communication, and what to look for in a healthy work environment.
Tune in for some laughs, honest insights, and a whole lot of relatable moments. New episodes every Wednesday at 6am on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon.
Don't forget if you enjoyed this episode make sure to head over to The Early Years Network where you can find a world of early years training and development at your finger tips at a click of a button. All for just £4.99 a month.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.