Early Excellence Podcast

Mixed-age classes can work brilliantly — but what happens when change is driven by necessity rather than vision?
Re-release: Originally aired on 13 Feb 2026
Anne Brass and Kate Gingles join us to discuss the complexities schools face with mixed-age classes, from establishing a clear guiding purpose to navigating structural change with limited guidance available.
Episode Links
Order our New Guide to Mixed-Age Classes
Discover more from Education Durham
Download the Free School Leader Reflection Tool on Mixed-Age Classes
Find out more about the Education Durham Mixed Phase Magic guidance books

What can visual art experiences really unlock for young children — and how do you make the most of them in practice?
Re-release: Originally aired on 27 Mar 2026
Dr Gai Lindsay joins us to explore the rich learning opportunities that visual art experiences offer young children, with practical guidance for teachers and practitioners on bringing creativity to life in their settings.
Episode Links
Explore Dr Gai Lindsay's website
Order a copy of her book on Amazon
Discover Early Excellence resources to facilitate creativity

Lucy Fox from Stoke Primary School in Coventry joins us for this week’s episode, as we explore the impact of screen-free practice in the EYFS.

Episode Links
Read the Blog: Block Play Alongside Small World Resources
Read the Blog: Navigating the Sea of Talk - why language-rich environments go beyond labels and key words
Explore language-rich environment resources on the Inspiration Hub App

What does it look like when a whole city gets behind children's communication and language?
Re-release: Originally aired on 17 Apr 2026
Rachel Shearer and Martin Cumming join us to explore Early Talk for York — a citywide initiative aimed at closing the communication and language gap in young children, and what it takes to make that kind of joined-up approach work.
Episode Links
Explore the Early Talk for York Initiative
Read about Developing Language in the Early Years
Discover our Communication and Language CPD

Role play is our focus this week as we welcome Becky Hoare to the podcast. Becky is a Primary Teacher and the Founder of Pop Up Play Village Ltd. We discuss children’s natural desire to role play what they see in the world around them. There is lots of key advice here too for developing effective and inspiring domestic role play in your setting.

Episode Links
Read the Blog "Exploring Powerful Learning Through Home Corner Role Play"
Explore Complete Home Corner Role Play Area Resources
Find out more about Pop Up Play Village Ltd