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Cheryl Plant — Helping Young People See What’s Possible

In this episode of the Muddy Puddle Teacher® Podcast, Sarah is joined by Cheryl Plant, Pathways & Progressions Manager within Sheffield City Council’s Lifelong Learning and Skills Service and lead for the See It Be It team.

Cheryl’s work focuses on helping young people make successful transitions from education into employment, working with schools, employers, parents, carers and partners across Sheffield. Her background also includes designing programmes for vulnerable young people, giving her a strong perspective on inclusion, aspiration, social mobility and the importance of giving young people meaningful experiences beyond the classroom.

In this conversation, we explore how schools can help children and young people develop confidence, discover opportunities, connect learning to the wider world and begin to imagine futures they may not yet have considered.

We also talk about Cheryl’s own learning journey and why practical, applied learning has played such an important role in her development.

Find Cheryl and her work:
Cheryl Plant on LinkedIn
See It Be It Sheffield

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In this episode of the Muddy Puddle Teacher® Podcast, Sarah is joined by Caroline Eaton and Leslie Patterson, authors of Learning on Your Doorstep: Low-cost and no-cost ideas for Early Years adventures.

Their book is a practical guide for Early Years practitioners who want to make greater use of the learning opportunities already sitting just outside their setting. From parks and local streets to buses and laundrettes, Caroline and Leslie show how everyday places can support language development, confidence, cultural capital, physical development and curriculum learning without requiring expensive trips or elaborate planning.

In this episode, we talk about why ordinary places can offer extraordinary learning, how adults can slow down and notice what children notice, and whether we have sometimes made outdoor experiences more complicated than they need to be.

It is a conversation about curiosity, local communities, affordable experiences and recognising that some of the richest learning opportunities may already be right on our doorstep.

Find their book and work:
Learning on Your Doorstep — Bloomsbury Education
Read Caroline and Leslie’s Bloomsbury article

And just to correct my earlier wording: it is Caroline Eaton, not Carol Eaton, and the book title is Learning on Your Doorstep.

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Sarah Emerson has worked in early years education since her early twenties and focuses particularly on children experiencing big feelings and behaviours.

Through Childhood Understood, Sarah works with parents, schools and local authorities to help adults understand why children behave in particular ways.

Her work emphasises emotional safety, regulation, compassion and understanding the root causes of behaviour.

Sarah is also the author of Childhood Understood: Keys to Behaviour and Big Feelings in the Early Years, which provides strategies for parents and professionals supporting children with complex emotions and behaviour.

Learn more : Childhood Understood

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Find the full blog at: https://themuddypuddleteacher.co.uk/teacher-podcast-science-outdoors/

https://www.saipathmanathan.com/scienceoutdoors

https://www.saipathmanathan.com/thelittlegrowersclub

https://www.saipathmanathan.com/

https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/creative-approach-to-teaching-science-outdoors-9781801994835/

My Instagram is @Pennyplop7

And Sai’s is @sai_path

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Sandra Beale | LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandra-beale-540359278/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/toddlerandearlyyearsstem/

Toddler and Early Years STEM - YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@SandraBealeToddlerSTEM

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🎙️ S2 E8: Supporting Every Learner with Lorraine Petersen

In this thoughtful and empowering episode, we’re joined by SEND specialist and inclusion advocate Lorraine Petersen to talk about what truly inclusive education looks like in today’s schools. With decades of experience supporting children, families, and educators, Lorraine shares practical insights, compassionate advice, and a clear vision for how we can better meet the needs of learners with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.

We explore the realities teachers face, the importance of strong school–family partnerships, and how small changes in practice can make a big difference to a child’s confidence, independence, and success. This episode is full of reassurance, expertise, and actionable ideas for anyone working to create classrooms where every child feels seen, supported, and valued.

✨ In this episode, we explore:

• What meaningful inclusion looks like in everyday classroom practice
• Supporting children with SEND without overwhelm
• Working positively with parents and carers
• Building confidence and independence in learners with additional needs
• Bridging the gap between policy and real classroom life

A must-listen for educators, school leaders, and anyone passionate about making education more inclusive, compassionate, and effective for all children.

Remember to explore all of the Muddy Puddle Teacher Resources, including SEND packs.

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🎙️ S2 E7: Growing Greener Schools with Edd Moore

In this inspiring episode, we’re joined by environmental educator, author, and primary teacher Edd Moore, founder of EcoEd. Edd has worked with schools across the UK and beyond to turn environmental concern into meaningful action, helping children see that their voices — and their everyday choices — really do matter.

We talk about practical ways to bring sustainability into the classroom without overwhelm, how to nurture young changemakers, and why eco-education isn’t an “extra” but an essential part of preparing children for the future. Expect realistic ideas, honest reflections from school life, and plenty of encouragement for teachers who want to make a difference but don’t know where to start.

✨ In this episode, we explore:

• Simple ways to embed sustainability into everyday lessons
• How schools can move from eco-awareness to eco-action
• Empowering children to lead environmental change
• Avoiding teacher burnout while still making an impact
• Building a whole-school culture of care for the planet

Find Edd’s work:
🌱 Website & resources: https://www.ecoedd.com/

📘 Book: 100 Ideas for Primary Teachers: Greener School — packed with practical, classroom-ready ideas for weaving sustainability into school life

Perfect for educators who want to raise environmentally aware children while keeping learning hopeful, practical, and empowering.

Gain more Eco ideas from The Muddy Puddle Teacher.

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S2 E6: Come and Write Children’s Stories with Caryl Hart

Join us for a creative and joyful episode with bestselling children’s author Caryl Hart — the imaginative force behind over 80 picture books and inspiring stories for young readers. Caryl shares her personal writing journey, practical tips for sparking ideas, and how to help children (and adults!) feel excited and confident about writing stories. Whether you’re a teacher, parent, or aspiring writer, this conversation is packed with fun, insight, and encouragement.

✨ In this episode, we explore:

• Where story ideas really come from
• How to build characters that stick
• Making writing feel playful, not pressured
• Classroom activities you can use right away
• Encouraging reluctant writers to find their voice

Follow Caryl & explore her work:
🔗 Website: https://carylhart.com/
— find her books, workshops, activities and author insights
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carylhart/
— creative inspiration and updates
👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarylHartAuthor/
— news and community posts

Perfect for anyone who wants to make writing more engaging, creative, and fun — for kids and for themselves!

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