Early Years Impact

• Limitless Loose Parts: Joy, Marvel and Adventure!

  The power of loose parts comes alive in this episode! In this energising episode, Greg Bottrill and I journey deep into the playful world of loose parts play, but with a twist! We explore how re-branding, jackets of joy and football socks can transform learning - turning a "carpet area" into a Carpet Kingdom and the ordinary water tray into a land of possibilities with underwater unicorns! With inspiration from Simon Nicholson’s Loose Parts Theory, we unpack how everyday objects can build more than just imagination - they build open-ended, limitless creativity, emotional connection, and joyful learning. As for the role of the adult…step inside this episode and see where it takes you! From bags of joy to sand-filled socks and storytelling spaces, this episode will leave you smiling, inspired, and ready to rebrand your entire learning environment into a world of wonder.In This Episode, You’ll Discover:Why the adult’s inner child is the true guide to magical playHow to transform environments with imagination and languageThe power of rebranding: from “carpet space” to Carpet KingdomHow loose parts spark creativity, storytelling, physical development and more!Why sand-filled socks can support upper body strength in young childrenHow to use the metaphorical “bag of joy” to enrich your settingPlus unlock a deeper understanding of Simon Nicholson’s Loose Parts TheoryWhether you're a parent curious about how to embrace loose parts, or a professional wanting to unleash the joy of play in your classroom, this episode offers grounded insights you will want to know about and act upon.I'm Michelle Hague, founder of HEYD and the Early Years Impact podcast. You can contact me directly: [email protected], or visit heyd.co.uk where you will find more details about our coaching offer plus our sponsors KCS.co.uk. My guest today, Greg is the author of the bestselling ’Can I Go And Play Now?’, ‘School of the Magic of Children’ and ‘Love Letters To Play’. A passionate advocate of childhood and education done with children not to them, he is also the creator of Drawing Club, The Message Centre, Play Projects and Adventure Island. His work and thinking is deeply embedded in joy, adventure, marvel and play, four things that he believes are equally as important for adults. I know you will want to connect with Greg after this episode as he is inspirational!Website: www.canigoandplaynow.comInstagram: canigoandplaynowFacebook: Can I Go And Play Now

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• Metacognition Magnified: Messy Before Perfect

  What is metacognition? And what does metacognition look like in Early Years?. Why does it matter more than we realise? And how can YOU help metacognitive thinking as a parent or professional?In this episode, we explore the powerful, often invisible force that shapes how children learn, solve problems and build a sense of self: metacognition.We dive into:• Unlocking Metacognition – What it really is and how we can build a shared understanding for parents and professionals• Flip the Script! – Discover what happens when we invite feedback from the children themselves. Top tips included!• Modelling magnified – Fuel metacognitive growth through everyday modelling, storytelling and playful curiosity• Ask Smarter Questions – Going beyond “why” with powerful, evaluative prompts that deepen thinking• Tiny Thinkers, Big Strategies – Be fascinated by how even the youngest children plan, reflect and problem-solve, long before they can explain it• Make It Stick – Easy, practical ways to nurture metacognitive skills at home and in the classroom, starting today!Whether you're a parent, teacher, or professional supporting young children, this episode will give you a fresh lens on what’s happening under the surface and practical ideas to help children grow into reflective, empowered thinkers.I’m Michelle Hague, Founder of HEYD and the Early Years Impact podcast. You can contact me directly or visit heyd.co.uk where you will find more details of our coaching offer and our sponsor kcs.co.uk As Early Years School Specialists we offer a diverse range of face-to-face and online opportunities, unleashing the power of your early years – together. If you have found Nathan Burns fascinating, simply search Mr Metacognition and you’ll see his range of books, metacognition training and more on his fabulous website: mrmetacognition.com Thank you for listening. Please do remember to follow, subscribe and connect with me, Michelle Hague, on Linkedin or HEYD.co.uk

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• Brains, Bodies and Barefooted Brilliance - Charlotte Davies

  Why is crunching an apple, processing sound, nose breathing and being barefoot so important? Is it true that sitting upright helps your ears to drain better? By slowing down are we really speeding up? And why does motor-sensory integration really matter?In this episode, we dive into the often overlooked foundations of human development – from slurred speech and sound therapy through to primitive reflexes and holding a sharp visual focus.Join us for a lively, insightful conversation where we explore:The central role of sound processing (yes – it’s different to hearing!)How motor skills aren’t just physical milestones: they shape learning and emotional regulationThe link between visual processing and cognitive functionHow do our eyes and ears calibrate to our brains: brain and body working togetherWhy nose breathing is critical and what to do if you’re a mouth-breatherPattern and concepts in context: flexible higher level thinking.Practical strategies for parents, educators and professionals to identify and address developmental gaps - and support whole-child growthWhether you're a parent curious about what’s going on under the surface or a professional supporting children’s learning and well-being, this episode offers grounded insights you will want to know about and act upon.I'm Michelle Hague, founder of HEYD and the Early Years Impact podcast. You can contact me directly: [email protected], or visit heyd.co.uk where you will find more details about our coaching offer plus our sponsors KCS.co.uk. If you have found Charlotte fascinating, please do connect further: www.fit-2-learn.com email: [email protected] or view Charlotte's many YouTube Videos.

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• Early Years Impact Trailer for Parents and Professionals

  Early Years Impact embraces innovation, insight and impact in early childhood education: whether you’re an educator, parent, policymaker, or just curious about how those early days shape who we become, this is for you. Michelle brings you the latest research, expert insights and real-life experiences to help you understand how little tweaks to everyday life can have a big impact on children’s earliest years. I began HEYD with one mission: to help schools build the best possible early years settings, creating and sustaining cultures where flourishing is the norm. Our testimonials show that’s exactly what we do!How? And why HEYD? They are always great questions. As HEYD’s Founder, I work part-time as a school leader – I see education right now, I feel it, I live it – this makes a huge difference as I connect deeply with early years staff whilst having a strategic whole school leadership perspective.You can have your cake and eat it with HEYD! You get the practical solutions plus the evidence-informed, strategic thinking – hence why schools rave about us!Michelle knows that as a Headteacher or CEO, your time is stretched and deep expertise in early years isn’t always at your fingertips. That’s where she comes in. She takes the latest research, innovation, and evidence and turns them into practical, impactful solutions – so your early years setting radiates quality, your staff have a continuous spring in their step and all without adding to your workload.Find out more about HEYD at heyd.co.uk and follow Early Years Impact! You can find Michelle on LinkedIn or by emailing [email protected]

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