This article and podcast episode with Dr Dan Wuori, author of The Daycare Myth, challenge outdated perceptions of early childhood education, highlighting the need for policy reform, professional respect, and fair pay. Drawing on decades of experience, Dr Wuori calls for a reimagining of early learning as essential, complex, and deserving of greater societal value.

Read the article here:

https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/the-daycare-myth-shifting-the-narrative-on-early-childhood-education/

This episode is in partnership with Male Childcare and Teaching Jobs.

Male Childcare and Teaching Jobs advocate for greater male participation in education and caregiving roles, offering support and guidance to enhance gender inclusion in nurseries and schools.

To find out more visit: https://malechildcareandteachingjobs.co.uk/

Listen to more:

If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like to hear more at https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/articles/men-in-early-childhood/

Our 2026 conference info & tickets:

https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2026/

Get in touch and share your voice:

Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/

Episode break down:

00:00 – Welcome!
02:00 – The Daycare Myth
07:00 – How the profession is viewed
14:00 – A journey into the profession
21:45 – Encouraging more men into the profession
26:00 – Inconsistency for young children
29:00 – A stagnant level of men in early childhood
31:00 – The joy of working in early childhood
33:00 – We need to do a better job working with policy makers
35:00 – Further information

For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

The UK Government's Best Start in Life strategy, released in July 2025, sets out a cross-departmental vision to improve services for children and families in England. While it acknowledges the importance of early childhood, this article and podcast episode explores the significant gaps in funding, workforce support, and inclusion—raising critical questions about its implementation and long-term impact.

Read the article here:

https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/the-best-start-in-life-strategy-and-what-it-means-for-the-sector/

This episode is in partnership with Nursery Management Show:

Nursery Management Show is the largest show dedicated to nursery management and leadership. Join us on the 28th November 2025 for one day of insightful content, discussion and networking for the early years sector, plus access to industry leaders, suppliers and providers.

To find out more visit: https://nurserymanagementshow.co.uk/

Our 2026 conference info & tickets:

https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2026/

Listen to more:

If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like:

· Should 4-year-olds really be expected to sit still? With Poppy LeMar - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/should-4-year-olds-really-be-expected-to-sit-still/

· Elevating children's thinking: Conceptual understanding through inquiry and play with Sue Tee - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/elevating-childrens-thinking-conceptual-understanding-through-inquiry-and-play/

Get in touch and share your voice:

Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/

Episode break down:

00:00 – Welcome!
02:00 – What is the Best Start in Life strategy?
04:15 – A critical eye on the strategy
06:00 – Funding and optional extras
08:00 – Funding in economically deprived areas
10:00 – Qualifications & a graduate workforce
15:00 – The experience based route to being qualified
16:00 – Family Hubs and community
18:30 – Support for children with SEND
20:00 – Ofsted inspections & inclusion
22:00 – Social enterprises & non for profit
27:00 – Government Policy at the Nursery Management Show
29:30 – School readiness within the strategy
34:00 – Further reading & information

For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

This article and podcast episode take a close look at some of the key questions around nutrition for under 5's; from what "free sugars" really are and why young children don't need much sugar, to how we can approach weaning confidently, prepare finger foods safely, and understand portion sizes in the early years.

Read the article here:

https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/nutritious-mealtimes-for-under-5s/

This episode is sponsored by Nursery Kitchen:

Nursery Kitchen's Food Innovation Team creates exciting, nutritionally balanced meals using the best and freshest ingredients. With wholesome nursery menus filled with variety and global flavours, children are encouraged to be more adventurous with food. This approach supports the development of a varied palate and a lasting appreciation for healthy eating.

Nursery Kitchen recognises that food education is just as important as the food itself. The team is committed to inspiring children to enjoy nutritious meals and to understand where their food comes from.

To find out more visit: https://nurserykitchen.co.uk/

Early Years Foundation Stage Nutrition Guidance:

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6839b752210698b3364e86fc/Early_years_foundation_stage_nutrition_guidance.pdf

Our 2026 conference info & tickets:

https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2026/

Listen to more:

If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like:

· From picky eating to positive mealtimes: Supporting varied eating habits – with Charlotte Goddard and Catherine Lippe: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/from-picky-eating-to-positive-mealtimes-supporting-varied-eating-habits/

Get in touch and share your voice:

Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/

Episode break down:

00:00 – Introduction to Catherine and Nursery Kitchen
05:20 – How much sugar should under 5's be consuming?
13:00 – The weaning stage: Purees and blending foods
17:00 – Choking hazards and guidelines on this
22:00 – Portion sizes and food groups
29:00 – Lunchboxes and allergies
39:00 – Small pieces of foods
42:00 – Where to find out more

For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

New research reveals the profound impact of play on family bonding, language development, and emotional connection

Kinder and the University of East London's Institute for the Science of Early Years released preliminary research exploring how play ignites language skills, builds emotional connection, and bridges family disconnect. Using wearable technology monitoring real-time responses during home play sessions, the study demonstrates that simple play moments spark joy, encourage language development, reduce stress, and nurture emotional wellbeing.

Read the article here:

https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/the-science-of-play-how-shared-activities-transform-family-dynamics/

This episode is sponsored by Kinder:

To find out more visit: https://www.kinder.com/

The Kinder® brand was founded in 1968 and is inspired by bringing small but special moments to everyday life. Kinder creates innovative products made for sharing, family and togetherness across all ages. Kinder products include Kinder Surprise, Kinder Chocolate and Kinder Bueno. 

Our 2026 conference info & tickets:

https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2026/

Listen to more:

If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like:

· It's time to rethink attention, by Professor Sam Wass and Dr Gemma Goldenberg: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/its-time-to-rethink-attention/

Get in touch and share your voice:

Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/

Episode break down:

00:00 – Welcome & introduction
02:45 – Research on play in the home vs the lab
05:25 – Shared & non-functional play
09:30 – Synchrony & connectedness during play
15:00 – Shared rhythm & parent-child relationships
16:30 – Semantic interrelatedness
20:00 – Child initiated vs adult initiated play
23:30 – Does technology reduce shared play?
29:00 – The need for predictability & repetitive behaviours for babies
36:30 – Future research at Kinder
39:30 – Key takeaways

For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

Indoor air quality (IAQ) directly impacts child and staff health in early years settings and schools. This article and podcast episode explores why clean air matters, what we've learned from COVID-19, and three essential actions to reduce airborne disease transmission: monitor, filter, and ventilate.

Read Anne Marie McConway's article here:

https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/a-breath-of-fresh-air/

This episode is sponsored by Long Covid Kids Charity

Long Covid Kids is a UK charity which represents and supports families, children, and young people living with Long Covid and related post-viral illnesses. Through awareness campaigns, research advocacy, and expert-by-experience guidance, the charity works to increase understanding, aid early diagnosis, and improve intervention responses. The volunteer team provides support, guidance, and signposting for affected families navigating the many challenges of paediatric Long Covid.

To find out more visit: https://www.longcovidkids.org/

Download the free Clean Air Guide here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/a-breath-of-fresh-air/

Listen to more:

If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like:

• Advocating for two-year-olds by Cassie Holland - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/advocating-for-two-year-olds/
• Advocacy, agency and rights in early childhood by Dr Jo Albin-Clark & Dr Nathan Archer

Get in touch and share your voice:

Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/

Our 2026 conference info & tickets:

https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2026/

Episode break down:

00:00 – Welcome & introductions
04:00 – Why does indoor air quality matter?
06:00 – Which diseases are airborne?
08:45 – Government guidelines
10:00 – Carbon dioxide monitors
16:00 – Long Covid infections increasing
21:00 – We can't eliminate all risk
25:00 – Do air filters work?
28:00 – There are solutions to cleaner air
29:00 – The 3 essential steps to take
33:30 – Getting the children involved
34:30 – A cultural shift towards clean air
35:30 – Health benefits of outdoor fresh air
38:00 – Lack of staff training
40:00 – Attendance crisis in settings & schools
42:00 – Clean air should not be a selling point
44:00 – Clean air initiatives in England
47:00 – Free Clean Air Guide

For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

How early is too early for literacy? It is never too early! This article and podcast episode explore the significance of early literacy from the prenatal period onwards. Drawing on brain development research and practical strategies, it highlights the power of narration, modelling, and bonding through books—laying strong foundations for language and a lifelong love of reading.

Read the article here:

https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/extremely-early-literacy/

This episode is in partnership with Male Childcare and Teaching Jobs.

Male Childcare and Teaching Jobs advocate for greater male participation in education and caregiving roles, offering support and guidance to enhance gender inclusion in nurseries and schools.

To find out more visit: https://malechildcareandteachingjobs.co.uk/

Listen to more:

If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like to hear more at https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/articles/men-in-early-childhood/

Our 2026 conference info & tickets:

https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2026/

Get in touch and share your voice:

Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/

Episode break down:

00:00 – Welcome!
01:30 – New host introduction
04:00 – United for Literacy Initiative
05:00 – Dolly Parton's Imagination Library
08:45 – Prenatal early literacy
13:15 – The 30 million word gap
14:20 – Language immersion through narration
16:00 – You can never spoil a baby
17:10 – Book prescriptions by physicians
18:40 – Instilling a love for books early
20:00 – Books for babies
23:00 – Creating dedicated reading spaces
26:00 – Diversity & representation in books
30:00 – Screens vs physical books
35:45 – Presence & teachable moments
39:45 – Reading doesn't start at age 3+
41:00 – PreemieWorld Foundation – supporting premature babies
43:00 – Future episodes

For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers a pivotal role in reshaping daily practice by streamlining the administrative processes, therefore freeing up valuable time and reducing time burden administrative tasks. AI can also support individuals with learning difficulties, dyslexia and visual impairments alongside non-native English speakers. However, AI is far from being inclusive whilst also raising significant ethical concerns that need to be considered. This podcast episode and article explores all of this and more.

Read the article here:

https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/beyond-the-algorithm-exploring-inclusion-and-diversity-within-ai/

This episode is sponsored by Magic Notes by Beam

Beam is a national leader in tech-enabled welfare services, and created Magic Notes - an AI tool designed by frontline workers to help reduce admin and transform the productivity of frontline teams. The tool creates structured and compliant reports and case studies from recordings of meetings between frontline workers and their clients. Magic Notes was first developed by Beam to support its own frontline teams, before being made available to other frontline workers. It has since been co-developed with frontline practitioners during pilots with several local authorities, including Kingston, Ealing, and Swindon, and is used by over half of all local authority social care teams across the UK.

To find out more visit: https://magicnotes.ai/

Our 2026 conference info & tickets:

https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2026/

Listen to more:

If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like:

· How can AI positively impact education? By Richard Waite: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/how-can-ai-positively-impact-education/

· Active vs passive screen time by Musa Roshdy: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/active-vs-passive-screen-time/

· Using artificial intelligence in early years by Joshua Barr: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/using-artificial-intelligence-in-early-years/

Get in touch and share your voice:

Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/

Episode break down:

00:00 – Welcome!
03:30 – Defining & unpicking AI
06:00 – The need for human intelligence
07:00 – Reducing the burden of admin
08:00 – AI reflecting the voice of the individual
10:45 – Using AI for accessability
14:00 – AI and ethics – whose voice is heard?
15:00 – Diversity crisis in technology
18:30 – Changing the narrative around STEM subjects
20:30 – Representing the child's voice
25:00 – The need for training in using AI
30:00 – Using Magic Notes
34:00 – Risk assessing the use of AI
34:45 – The impact on the child and family
37:30 – Changing the gender narrative in tech
39:00 – Closing reflections
40:45 – Further listening & reading

For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com