Play is a Lifeline

Amber Ogunsanya-William joins Ben for a discussion on her role as a play consultant and worker.

Technology in Early Years education, digital literacy, and online safety - what do educators need to know now? On this month's Tapestry Talks, Ben and Kat sit down with Princess Souassou Tsiagbe for a practical conversation on using technology to enhance learning in the early years. This episode explores technology in early childhood education, building digital skills safely, and how educators can introduce technology in ways that support creativity, communication, and development. From safeguarding and screen balance to meaningful EdTech use, their discussion focuses on real-world strategies for classrooms and early learning environments.

For Tapestry's 200th podcast, directors Helen and Steve sat down to highlight a few of their favourite previous episodes and reflect on where they see the podcast going over the next year, as well as some big moments that happened for Tapestry over the last year! Episodes mentioned in this podcast are linked below: Neil Leitch on Childcare Deserts, School Based Nurseries and Workforce Sustainability: https://fsf-podcasts.simplecast.com/episodes/neil-leitch-on-childcare-deserts-school-based-nurseries-and-workforce-sustainabilityeya-ceo-neil-leitch-discusses-current-issues-and-challenges-confronting-the-sector Sonia Mainstone-Cotton - Extending our use of creativity to focus on children's well-being: https://fsf-podcasts.simplecast.com/episodes/extending-our-use-of-creativity-to-focus-on-childrens-well-being Warda Farah, Professor Eunice Lumsden and Kate Moxley - An Intersectional approach to cultivating wellbeing https://fsf-podcasts.simplecast.com/episodes/an-intersectional-approach-to-cultivating-wellbeing

What to consider to ensure child-centred transition from Reception to Year 1, with Michelle Windridge, National Education Lead for School-based EYFS at Twinkl.

Becca and Stephen are joined by Dr Ben Levy who is and Educational Psychologist and magician who has developed a framework to enhance pupil engagement and performance. They discuss the 5 aspects of the framework and how it can be applied in early years environments.

Neurodiversity affirming practice for autistic girls and a glimpse into the ethos behind Ashley’s House – a new centre where a life-skills programme is central to the curriculum. With Dipaley Patel, Speech and Language Associate Practitioner and mother to Ashley.

Stephen chats with Simon Airey, who is a neurodivergent teacher and advocate for Inclusion. They discuss what inclusion means to Simon, his top tips for inclusive learning spaces and the importance of 'connection over correction'.

EYA CEO Neil Leitch discusses current issues and challenges confronting the sector.

Join us for a memorable conversation with trumpeter and teacher Sean Chandler, and BSL interpreter Lizzie Wharton. Sean explains the words and terms about deafness and shares his own experiences of his deaf identity. He tells us about BSL and Lizzie tells us about being a BSL interpreter. You can find the video version of this podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5iFUdxEMmg

Stephen chats with educator, author and neurodiversity champion Frances Akinde about her book 'Be an Ally not a Bystander'. They discuss the benefits of teaching young children about allyship, how bias can show up in educators and how we can turn allyship into a practical part of whole school life.