Froebel Trust Podcast

To celebrate the launch of the book, Froebel in Social Justice by Rachna Joshi, this podcast episode explores equality, equity, diversity and inclusion in modern-day early years practice. Presenter Colin Kelly is joined by Froebelian educators to discuss the importance of supporting every child equally, developing a practice that is inclusive of all children and how a Froebelian approach can support this. Hear from Rachna Joshi, early childhood teacher, action researcher, consultant and author of the new book, Froebel and Social Justice, alongside Froebel Trust Courses Director Dr Stella Louis and Froebel Trust Travelling Tutor, Professor Carole Bloch. Together, the panel explore how Froebel himself laid the foundations of inclusivity through his approach and principles, how external factors shape views that can prevent equality and what educators can do to create an inclusive setting that enables all children to have rich, nurturing and nourishing experiences. "He [Froebel] says exactly, "Don't allow the matter of childhood to become a tool for political parties." And I think that's a really powerful quote because it [...] shows what he was fighting for and shows that he was really advocating for children." Rachna Joshi "Inclusion is a process rather than one thing. When I think of EDI and I think of Froebel, he has this one quote that says, "Every child should be treated as an indispensable member of the human race." Which means that children should be seen as whole, active members of their families." Dr Stella Louis "I think it really is about finding ways to see the humanity in the other person. It's about the relationships that we can build with other people so that we can start to see the commonalities as well as the uniquenesses." Professor Carole Bloch Froebel and Social Justice is the first in a series of short form books for educators which the Froebel Trust have launched in partnership with Bloomsbury Academic. It is available to read for free online via Bloomsbury Collections or to buy as a printed edition from 17th September. Froebel Trust Podcast listeners can receive a discount on the printed edition using the code FROEBELTRUST20. Order yours at Bloomsbury.com. Visit the Froebel Trust website for a list of recommended resources referenced throughout the episode.

To celebrate the launch of the Trust's new resources for educators, Research Insights: Birth to Three, in this episode we're talking all things babies and toddlers. Presenter Colin Kelly is joined by four experts to discuss the importance of listening to and developing our practice with children aged from birth to three.  Hear from Dr Zeny Melissourgaki, Clinical Psychologist and author of Research Insights: Birth to Three, alongside researchers and educators involved in Froebel Trust funded research projects with babies and toddlers. Together, the panel explore why the period from birth to 36 months is so crucial to a baby's development and the influence educators of this age group can have, as well as well as plenty of tips and insights from the panel which can be used in practice. "Birth to three is […] a very critical period in our development, and by that, I mean cognitive development, social, emotional, and physical development, and in fact a lot of what happens in these first three years provides the foundation and all the building blocks for who we become later in life." Dr Zeny Melissourgaki "The value of reflection and reflexivity can't be underestimated. It doesn't cost anything to be more analytical about practice, and I think that to care and educate the youngest child well requires knowledge, and leaders can nurture those kinds of conditions." Dr Maria Cooper "Just like [Froebel's principles] were relevant when he was alive and he was writing, just like they were relevant 20 years ago, they're still relevant today in terms of what babies need and very young children need can be underpinned by those principles." Polly Bolshaw "If we are using Froebelian approaches, then while we're interacting with children during those care routines, we'll be remembering the importance of relationships. We'll be talking to them, using those opportunities to talk and engage with them, to have shared moments of interaction with them, mirroring the things that they're doing. All of this supports those relationships and makes the most of those moments" Annamaria Bevan Guests: Dr Zeny Melissourgaki, Polly Bolshaw, Maria Cooper, Annamaria Bevan

In this special episode of the Froebel Trust podcast, presenter Colin Kelly looks back at the insights Froebel Trust podcast guests have shared on relationships and why they matter so much in the early years.  Reflecting over the catalogue of 20 episodes, we explore what our guests have said about how educators can support young children as they learn about relationships and communication. Hear about the importance of early relationships and the role of the educator, nurturing relationships and the key person approach, how educator and child wellbeing are interdependent, the role of relationships in supporting children's emotional wellbeing and future self, positive role models and connections between educators, families and carers.  Guests featured in this episode are Dr Caroline Guard, Dr Julia Manning-Morton, Dr Peter Elfer, Dr Robyn Dolby, Holli Williams, Pete Moorhouse, Matt Langton, Dr Karen Vincent and Rachna Joshi. If you want to know more about what a guest says, you can find the full episode in our back-catalogue at Froebel.org.uk. You can also find the biography for each of the guests featured. To view a video showing a Froebelian approach to developing relationships in action, visit our YouTube channel.

Love it or hate it, Maths is a key part of everyday life that enables us to make sense of the world around us. In episode 20 of the Froebel Trust podcast, presenter Colin Kelly is joined by expert guests to discuss how educators can support young children to develop early mathematical skills. 💡 Joined by historian of science and mathematics, Michael Friedman and Froebel Trust Travelling Tutors, Jane Whinnett MBE and Pete Moorhouse, they share how you can teach the subject even if you're not confident with maths. 🌿 Visit the Froebel Trust website to download the podcast transcript, further free resources, information of Froebel Trust Short Courses and learn more about the speakers ➡️ https://bit.ly/4qIflVE If you'd like to contact us with questions about this podcast or suggestions for future episodes, you can email [email protected]

In episode 19, presenter Colin Kelly is joined by six Froebelian's across the globe to share their reflections on education, past, present and future through a Froebelian lens.   Guest speakers, Professor Larry Prochner, Dr Kristen Nawrotzki, Dr Karen Vincent, Donna Kilpatrick, Grace Choi and Dr Andrea Schmidt share Froebel's influence throughout history and why a Froebelian approach to education is so important today. 🌿 The episode was recorded shortly after the International Froebel Society Conference which took place in the summer of 2025. Find out more about the speakers on the Froebel Trust website ➡️ https://bit.ly/4qOmynl Access FREE resources to support the development of Froebelian education ➡️ https://bit.ly/4juniLM Released November 2025. Don't forget to follow/subscribe to this podcast to receive updates on the next release! 

In episode 18, presenter Colin Kelly is joined by an expert team of speakers to mark the launch of the latest Froebel Trust pamphlet, Connecting with Parents, Families and Communities: a starting point. 🤝 Joined by Froebel Trust Travelling Tutors and authors Holli Williams and Rachna Joshi, they share how the pamphlet can support educators while sharing examples from their own first-hand experiences in practice.   We also hear from Fufy Demissie, senior lecturer at Sheffield Hallam University who shares an example of a setting that has taken connection with families one step further. 🌿 Access the podcast transcript and learn more about the speakers on the Froebel Trust website ➡️ https://bit.ly/49jYmlm Download the FREE pamphlet written by Holli and Rachna ➡️ https://bit.ly/4jwIBMJ Released September 2025. Don't forget to follow/subscribe to this podcast to receive updates on the next release! 

In this special episode, recorded at the Froebel Trust's 2025 Conference, Inspiring Early Learning, presenter Colin Kelly is joined by Jane Whinnett MBE. 🙌 Here, Jane presents her keynote speech, a Froebelian Path in Bewildering Times that explores Froebel's ideas, the impact throughout history and the relevance of Froebelian practice and principles today. Find out more about Jane Whinnett MBE on the Froebel Trust website ➡️ https://bit.ly/49bp2WQ Watch more videos and extracts from the 2025 Conference ➡️ https://bit.ly/49NsLdm Released May 2025. Don't forget to follow/subscribe to this podcast to receive updates on the next release! 

In episode 16 of the Froebel Trust podcast, presenter Colin Kelly is joined by guest speakers to explore ways educators in early years settings can develop play and learning environments. 🤸 Joined by Helen Adams, Liam Graham, Emma Short, Helen Tovey, together they give practical advice on creating environments which inspire and reflect a child's interests. Learn the key ingredients of a Froebelian early years setting today. 🌿 Find out more about the speakers ➡️ https://bit.ly/49L6ixA Access FREE resources to support in developing a Froebelian setting ➡️ https://bit.ly/4qdt1bk Released January 2025. Don't forget to follow/subscribe to this podcast to receive updates on the next release! 

In this episode, presenter Colin Kelly and his guests discuss the main challenges facing leaders in early education today. 🌿 Guest speakers, Simon Bateson, Kayla Halls, Sam Jones explore what it means to be a leader in early years settings and how a Froebelian approach can support leaders in their work. Access the podcast transcript and learn more about the speakers on the Froebel Trust website. ➡️ https://bit.ly/4sxSfCX Explore the Trusts Research Highlights that summarises recent early childhood research. ➡️ https://bit.ly/4jAVDZI Released December 2024. Don't forget to follow/subscribe to this podcast to receive updates on the next release! 

In episode 14, presenter Colin Kelly is joined by expert guests to explore how educators can support and include every child to meet the needs of the individual child.   Joined by Dr Agnes Agyepong, Janice Marriott, Eve Mawby Whistler, they discuss ways educators can create a truly inclusive environment which allows all children to play and learn. 🤸 Find out more about the speakers and access the podcast transcript on the Froebel Trust website ➡️ https://bit.ly/3Z4JYJ6 Download our FREE pamphlet Supporting Children with Additional Needs ➡️ https://bit.ly/3Yw46Us Released September 2024. Don't forget to follow/subscribe to this podcast to receive updates on the next release!