In this episode we’re joined by Sophie Allen, an early years educator and consultant specialising in the Montessori approach. Sophie has over 9 years of experience in the sector, from working in Montessori schools to being the Montessori lead at an EdTech company.

During our conversation we cover:

- The difference between pedagogy and curriculumin early years

- How to choose a pedagogical approach that alignswith your setting

- The Montessori principles and what makes asetting a Montessori nursery

- The benefits of the Montessori approach

- Parents’ perceptions of Montessori

Enjoy!

Sophie’s Links:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophierztallen/

Research: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/03004279.2024.2303234

More Information on Montessori and Accreditation:

https://www.flipsnack.com/56957B77C6F/

https://montessori-globaleducation.org/

https://montessori-ami.org/

Find Blossom:

Website: https://blossomeducational.com/

On social media by searching @blossomeducational

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to follow andsubscribe so you don’t miss our upcoming conversations!

In this episode we’re joined by Katie Taylor, an EYFS teacher and consultant, forest school leader, and founder of Early Years Outdoor. Katie is also the author of ‘The Nature Adventure Book’ and a passionate advocate for outdoor learning in the early years.

During our conversation we cover:

- Barriers educators face when it comes to outdoorplay, and how to overcome them

- How to make the most out of your outdoor space,even when budget is tight

- Forest school principles and how to become aforest school leader

- Balancing screen time with outdoor play forhealthy development

Enjoy!

Katie’s Links:

Website: https://www.earlyyearsoutdoor.co.uk/

Book: https://www.earlyyearsoutdoor.co.uk/product/the-nature-adventure-book-by-katie-taylor/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/earlyyearsoutdoor/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@earlyyearsoutdoor

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/earlyyearsoutdoor/

Find Blossom:

Website: https://blossomeducational.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blossomeducational/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blossomedtech/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@blossomeducational

In this episode, we’re welcoming Cheryl Warren, an award-winning early years trainer and consultant, specialising in neurodiversity. Cheryl is the founder of Aperion Training and author of ‘Neurodiversity in the Early Years’. She works with nurseries and schools across the country providing SEND support and creating spaces where children thrive.

During our conversation we cover:

- What inclusive practice is and what this looks like in settings

- Being a neuro-affirming educator

- Ofsted’s focus on inclusion and being confident in your conversations with inspectors

- Strategies for reflecting on your current practice

Enjoy!

Cheryl’s Links:

Website: https://www.aperiontraining.co.uk/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryl-warren-aperion-training-11568b11b/

Find Blossom:

Website: https://blossomeducational.com/

On social media by searching @blossomeducational

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to follow andsubscribe so you don’t miss our upcoming conversations!

In this episode, we’re joined by Alex Dave, a safeguarding education officer at LGfL. Alex has a degree in early childhood and over 15 years of experience in the education and safeguarding sector.

During our conversation we cover:

- Eye-opening statistics around 3-5 year old’sdigital media use

- How digital media can support learning anddevelopment

- Creating a whole-setting approach to digitalmedia use

- The importance of online safeguarding

- Ways early years settings can work with parentson screen time and digital media use at home

Enjoy!

Alex’s Links:

LGfL Online Safety in Early Years Resources: https://eysafe.lgfl.net/

LGfL Parent Safe: https://parentsafe.lgfl.net/

LGfL website full of support for professionals to use tohelp engage with parents’ online safety: https://parentonlinesafety.lgfl.net/

Find Blossom:

Website: https://blossomeducational.com/

On social media by searching @blossomeducational

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to follow andsubscribe so you don’t miss our upcoming conversations!

In this episode, we’re welcoming back to the podcast a guest from Season 1, Lucy Lewin. Lucy is the owner of Little Angels Uppingham Nursery, the founder of the Profitable Nursery Academy, a business coach and a passionate voice in the industry.

During our conversation we cover:

- How Lucy dealt with the emotions of an inadequate Ofsted judgement

- The difference between a leader and manager

- Whistleblowing in the early years and having professional courage

- The Gen Z educator

Enjoy!

Lucy’s Links:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucy-lewin-75217461/

The Academy: https://theprofitablenurseryacademy.com/

Find Blossom:

Website: https://blossomeducational.com/On social media by searching @blossomeducational

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to follow so you don’t miss our upcoming conversations!