Join Shána Walker and Mike Gardener from The Oracy Shift as he explores the importance of oracy in the Early Years and why the foundations of communication, language and talk are so crucial for children’s future success. In this episode, he discusses:

 * Why oracy begins in the Early Years and the importance of getting it right from the start
 * The four key areas of oracy and how they can be nurtured through everyday practice
 * What we can learn from Early Years settings about developing children’s communication and language
 * Insights Mike has gained from working alongside Early Years practitioners and leaders
 * Why Early Years practitioners are already doing so much powerful work to support oracy
 * How school leaders and headteachers can learn from and champion Early Years approaches to oracy



Packed with practical insights, reflections and examples from practice, this episode celebrates the expertise of Early Years professionals and highlights the significant role they play in developing confident communicators.

If you’re an Early Years practitioner, keep championing the language-rich interactions, play, storytelling and conversations that help children find their voice. If you’re a headteacher or school leader, take inspiration from Early Years practice and consider how these approaches can strengthen oracy across your whole school.

Want to hear more from Mike?

 * LinkedIn - https://uk.linkedin.com/company/the-oracy-shift 
 * Instagram - The Oracy Shift. (@theoracyshift) • Instagram profile [https://www.instagram.com/theoracyshift/]
 * Website - www.theoracyshift.co.uk [http://www.theoracyshift.co.uk/]
 * Book - Voices of Opportunity: Oracy for Social Mobility in Education [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Voices-Opportunity-Social-Mobility-Education/dp/1003863892]  



Find our helpful resources and links below 👇

https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/12bbbq

https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/18q8nh

https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/11uu4z

Episode 119: Oracy in Early Years

Join Shána Walker and Mienna Jones as they discuss the realities of setting up and running a nursery business. In this episode, they chat about:

 * Where to begin, from researching the market and creating a business plan to finding the right premises
 * Understanding Ofsted registration, policies, safeguarding, and legal requirements
 * Managing budgets, funding, staffing, and the true costs of opening a nursery
 * Building a strong team and creating a positive workplace culture
 * Balancing leadership, paperwork, and day-to-day life in the setting
 * The highs, the challenges, and why opening a nursery has been one of the most rewarding journeys



Filled with honest conversations, practical advice, and personal experiences, this episode offers valuable insight into what it really takes to build a successful nursery business from the ground up.

Want to hear more from Mienna Jones? Check out her social channels and website for more childcare inspiration, advice, and behind-the-scenes content.

Mienna Jones | Early Years Consultant (@miennajones) • Instagram profile [https://www.instagram.com/miennajones/]

Happycrew Childcare | St Albans Nursery (@happycrewchildcareltd) • Instagram profile [https://www.instagram.com/happycrewchildcareltd/]

Mienna Jones | Saint Albans [https://www.facebook.com/championingchildhood]

Nursery Owners & Childminders Community | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/groups/nurseryownersuk]

Mienna Jones Ltd | Nursery consultancy services [https://www.miennajones.com/]

Happycrew Childcare Ltd | Nurturing Nursery in St Albans [https://www.happycrewchildcare.co.uk/]

Find our helpful resources and links below 👇

https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/zkpt3

https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1cver2

https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/kroua

Episode 118: Setting Up A Private Nursery

Twinkl Private Early Years answers your early years practitioners problems!

In this episode, we’re exploring sensory play for all and discussing how sensory experiences can support every child’s learning, development and wellbeing.

This episode covers:

 * What sensory play is and why it’s so important in the early years
 * The benefits of sensory play for children’s development and wellbeing
 * How to create inclusive sensory experiences that are accessible to all children
 * Practical sensory play ideas and activities to try in your setting
 * Tips for supporting children with different sensory preferences and needs
 * Simple ways to encourage sensory exploration through everyday play



We’ll also be sharing our favourite sensory play ideas, professional insights and practical advice to help you create engaging, meaningful sensory experiences where every child can explore, learn and thrive.

https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/w71u0

https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/w1n1g

Want to see more from the Twinkl Private Early Years team? You can find us on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/twinklprivateearlyyears/?utm_campaign=PVIEYFS&utm_content=Podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_source=Podcast&utm_term=Socials]and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/twinkprivateearlyyears/?utm_campaign=EYFS&utm_content=Podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_source=Podcast&utm_term=Socials]. Don't forget to check out our lovely Twinkl EYFS Resources [https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/i1mit] for your day nursery, preschool and all other EYFS settings too!

Episode 117: Sensory Play for All Ages!

Join Shána Walker and Kate Ball from Mini First Aid as they discuss the importance of teaching first aid skills from a young age. In this episode, they chat about:

 * Why first aid education is valuable for children of all ages
 * The different classes and programmes available for children
 * How first aid can be taught in an engaging, age-appropriate way
 * Building children’s confidence to respond in an emergency
 * Simple safety messages children can take home and use in everyday life
 * The long-term benefits of equipping children with life-saving skills



Packed with practical advice and inspiring stories, this episode explores how first aid education can empower children, build confidence, and help create safer communities.

Want to hear more from Kate and the Mini First Aid team? Visit their website, explore their classes and courses, and follow their social channels for more first aid tips, guidance, and resources.

Mini First Aid [https://www.minifirstaid.co.uk/]

Mini First Aid | Leeds [https://www.facebook.com/minifirstaid]

Mini First Aid (@minifirstaiduk) on X [https://x.com/minifirstaiduk]

Mini First Aid (@minifirstaid) • Instagram profile [https://www.instagram.com/minifirstaid/]

Helpful resources mentioned in this episode:

https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1itz2u

https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/qlo8w

https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/by193

Episode 116: Classes for Children and Safer Eating

Join Shána Walker and Kate Ball from Mini First Aid as they discuss everything early years practitioners need to know about first aid in childcare settings. In this episode, they chat about:

 * The differences between nursery-based first aid and school-based first aid
 * Understanding Ofsted and HSE guidance and what it means for your setting
 * Practical hints and tips for managing accidents and incidents effectively
 * What to do following a first aid incident, including recording, reporting, and communicating with parents and carers
 * The importance of having the right first aid equipment available and how to access an exclusive discount on workplace first aid kits



Packed with practical advice and expert knowledge, this episode is designed to help early years professionals feel confident in managing first aid situations and meeting their responsibilities within the setting.

Don’t forget to listen to the full episode for an exclusive discount code and special offer from Mini First Aid.

Want to hear more from Kate and the Mini First Aid team? Visit their website, explore their training courses, and follow their social channels for more first aid tips, guidance, and resources.

Mini First Aid [https://www.minifirstaid.co.uk/]

Mini First Aid | Leeds [https://www.facebook.com/minifirstaid]

Mini First Aid (@minifirstaiduk) on X [https://x.com/minifirstaiduk]

Mini First Aid (@minifirstaid) • Instagram profile [https://www.instagram.com/minifirstaid/]

Helpful resources mentioned in this episode:

https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/v5tyf

https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/11qjsa

https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/awgjg



Episode 115: Expanding Nursery Provision

Join Shána Walker and Kate Ball from Mini First Aid as they discuss the importance of allergy awareness and management in early years settings. In this episode, they chat about:

 * Kate's story and how Mini First Aid came to support families and childcare professionals
 * What early years practitioners need to know about managing allergies on a day-to-day basis
 * Recent allergy updates, including Benedict's Law, and what they mean for settings
 * The training, support, and resources available through Mini First Aid
 * Useful courses, guidance, and practical tools to help practitioners feel confident when supporting children with allergies



Packed with expert advice and practical insights, this episode is designed to help early years professionals build their knowledge, increase confidence, and create safer environments for children with allergies.

Want to hear more from Kate and the Mini First Aid team? Check out their website, training courses, and social channels for expert guidance, resources, and updates.

Mini First Aid [https://www.minifirstaid.co.uk/]

Mini First Aid | Leeds [https://www.facebook.com/minifirstaid]

Mini First Aid (@minifirstaiduk) on X [https://x.com/minifirstaiduk]

Mini First Aid (@minifirstaid) • Instagram profile [https://www.instagram.com/minifirstaid/]

Helpful resources mentioned in this episode:

https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1mv4yd

https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/8bwlk

https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/ed404

Episode 114: Paediatric First Aid and Allergies

Join Shána Walker and Mienna Jones from HappyCrew Childcare as they discuss the realities of starting and running a childcare business. In this episode, they chat about:

 * Where to begin, from Ofsted registration and safeguarding to qualifications, first aid, and setting fees
 * Understanding planning permissions and the processes involved
 * Navigating Food Standards Agency requirements
 * Balancing caring for children with the never-ending admin
 * The reality of work-life balance when running your own setting
 * Why, despite the challenges, it has all been worth it



Filled with honest conversations, practical advice, and personal experiences, this episode offers an insight into the journey behind building a childcare setting from the ground up.

 

Want to hear more from Mienna Jones? Check out her social channels and website for more childcare inspiration, advice, and behind-the-scenes content.

Mienna Jones | Early Years Consultant (@miennajones) • Instagram profile [https://www.instagram.com/miennajones/]

Happycrew Childcare | St Albans Nursery (@happycrewchildcareltd) • Instagram profile [https://www.instagram.com/happycrewchildcareltd/]

Mienna Jones | Saint Albans [https://www.facebook.com/championingchildhood]

Nursery Owners & Childminders Community | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/groups/nurseryownersuk]

Mienna Jones Ltd | Nursery consultancy services [https://www.miennajones.com/]

Happycrew Childcare Ltd | Nurturing Nursery in St Albans [https://www.happycrewchildcare.co.uk/]

Find our helpful blogs, resources and links below 👇

https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/13u58g

https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/19ibvj

https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/pw0m7

Episode 113: Setting up a Childminding Business

Twinkl Private Early Years answers your early years practitioners problems!

This episode covers:

 * What are the benefits of sensory play?
 * Favourite sensory play activities from the team
 * Tips and advice for creating engaging sensory play experiences
 * Simple ways to support sensory exploration in your setting and at home



We’ll also be sharing helpful blogs, resources, and activity ideas to support you further 👇

🍼 https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1bxlp1

🧒 https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/16h9jc

🚌 https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/uedof

🖥️ https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/w71u0

Want to see more from the Twinkl Private Early Years team? You can find us on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/twinklprivateearlyyears/?utm_campaign=PVIEYFS&utm_content=Podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_source=Podcast&utm_term=Socials]and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/twinkprivateearlyyears/?utm_campaign=EYFS&utm_content=Podcast&utm_medium=social&utm_source=Podcast&utm_term=Socials]. Don't forget to check out our lovely Twinkl EYFS Resources [https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/i1mit] for your day nursery, preschool and all other EYFS settings too!

Episode 112: Sensory Play

Join us for an open and thoughtful conversation on supporting neurodiversity in leadership, and why it matters now more than ever in early years and education settings.

This episode includes discussion of personal experiences and sensitive topics that some listeners may find difficult.

In this episode, we explore how embracing neurodiverse perspectives can strengthen leadership, enrich school culture, and create more inclusive environments for both staff and children. Through honest reflections and real experiences, we consider what meaningful support looks like in practice and how leaders can champion inclusion at every level.

Check out Stoke Primary School below 👇

🏫 https://www.stoke.coventry.sch.uk/

🖥️ https://www.facebook.com/stokeprimary/

Check out our resources below 👇

https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/la1v9

https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/6he1m

https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/1g1c36

Episode 111: Supporting Neurodiversity in Leadership

Join Shána, Matt and Lucy as they explore the vital role leadership plays in driving success in early years education.

In this engaging and reflective conversation, they share their personal journeys and professional insights, unpacking what strong leadership looks like in practice and how it can shape outcomes for children in the early years.

This episode offers honest reflections, practical ideas, and plenty of inspiration for anyone passionate about strengthening early years provision through effective leadership and shared vision.

Check out Stoke Primary School below 👇

🏫 https://www.stoke.coventry.sch.uk/

🖥️ https://www.facebook.com/stokeprimary/

Take at look at our resources here 👉

📄 https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/lqqh3

Episode 110: Leadership's Role in Early Years Success

Working in the early years is busy, funny, messy and exhausting. Join host Shána, some of the Twinkl EYFS team, special guest speakers and other early years practitioners as they talk honestly about their experiences. Whether you're listening for CPD, on your commute or to help you relax... Twinkl EYFS will share everything you need to know about all things early years!

Want to get involved or share your thoughts? Get in touch on social media!

LinkedIn: @twinkl-talks-eyfs [https://www.linkedin.com/in/twinkl-talks-eyfs/]

Facebook: @TwinklEYFS [https://www.facebook.com/TwinklEYFS]

Instagram: @eyfstwinkl [https://www.instagram.com/eyfstwinkl/]

Twitter: @TwinklTalksEYFS [https://twitter.com/TwinklTalksEYFS]

TikTok: @Twinkl_EYFS [https://www.tiktok.com/@twinkl_eyfs?lang=en]

Pinterest: @twinkleyfs [https://www.pinterest.co.uk/twinkleyfs/_saved/]

YouTube: TwinklEYFS [https://www.youtube.com/c/TwinklEYFS/playlists]

Twinkl Talks: EYFS