Early Years Impact

Lead, Learn and Lift: Leading with Intention

In this energising and thought-provoking episode, we explore what it really means to lead with intention in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). At a time when the role of early years leadership is becoming increasingly visible in both research and practice, we ask: what does great leadership actually look like through the lens of early childhood? We consider the idea of the leader as connector - not just managing provision, but weaving together people, pedagogy and purpose. From shaping school-wide culture to nurturing the professional growth of early years teams, intentional leadership is more than a role - it's a responsibility rooted in relationships. As the field of early childhood leadership research begins to expand, we're seeing just how essential this kind of thoughtful, responsive leadership is to high-quality provision. Whether you're a headteacher, EYFS lead or passionate classroom practitioner, this episode invites you to reflect, reconnect, and lead with clarity and care. In This Episode, You’ll Discover: • Why intentional leadership is a game-changer for early years settings and what it looks like in real life • The vital role of leaders as connectors: linking children, teams, families and the wider school vision • How early years leadership is emerging as a distinct and powerful field of research • What research tells us about the link between early childhood leadership and whole-school outcomes • Why leadership in early years must be shaped by a child development lens, not borrowed from other phases • How to navigate the complexity of early childhood with confidence, flexibility and purpose • What’s shaping and influencing the people leading our youngest learners and who’s leading them? • The impact of targeted, intentional leadership on team growth, staff wellbeing and child outcomes • How to move from managing to meaning-making: leading with vision, values and voice. This episode is a reminder that in early childhood, leadership isn't about hierarchy - it’s about connection, influence and intention. And when we lead well, with the right mindset and methods, everyone in our setting thrives from the tiniest learners to the most experienced educators. I’m Michelle Hague, founder of HEYD (Early Years School Improvement Specialists) and host of the Early Years Impact Podcast. Got thoughts, questions, or want to connect? Drop me a message: michellehague@heyd.uk or visit heyd.co.uk. Dr Amie Fabry has multifaceted experience as an early childhood educator, academic, researcher, policy consultant and professional development facilitator. Her PhD research revealed the critical role early childhood leaders play in school settings to support educators to embed quality practices for children as they transition into and through the early years of school. As Director of Early Childhood at The Learning future, Amie uses a strengths-based approach to build the confidence, knowledge and skills of early childhood educators, teachers and leaders to create responsive and trusting cultures in which educators and children can thrive. She is the author of Lead with Intention, the first framework for leading the early years of school. Linked In- Amie Fabry PhD Instagram- amiefabry_earlyyears Website thelearningfuture.com

ABC Does...Authenticity in Early Years

In this inspiring episode, we explore what it really means to honour the natural rhythm of child development in early years. From the atmosphere of the classroom to the cadence of children’s days, we ask: what happens when we give ourselves permission to start trusting what we know about how children actually grow? We reflect on the truth that underpins so much of quality early years and child development - that children don't develop on a fixed timetable. They don’t all crawl in March, walk in April, or read by July! What we come back to, time and time again, is this: respecting the authenticity of child development, grounded in current science and research, is not just ideal - it's essential. In This Episode, You’ll Discover: • Your call to action: shift from delivering curriculums to creating the conditions where authentic development can unfold (fabulously flourishing children!) • Why the rhythm of a child’s day matters more than rigid schedules and how to honour it in real classrooms • What developmental science really tells us about learning timelines – hope you’re not expecting a straight line! • How to tune into the feel of the classroom, give great value to 'noticing' and use simple tools for reflection and change • Practical ways to resist a one-size-fits-all model and reclaim responsive, respectful, authentic early years practice: yes to being a Teacher, not a 'deliverer!' …and why respecting real child development might be the most radical (and research-informed) thing you can do. I'm Michelle Hague, founder of HEYD (Early Years School Improvement Specialists) and the Early Years Impact podcast. You can contact me directly: michellehague@heyd.uk, or visit heyd.co.uk. I know this episode will inspire you to know more and to connect further with Dr. Alistair Bryce-Clegg, EY consultant, author, trainer and a passionate advocate for play. Check out Alistair's website - abcdoes.com head to ‘contact us’ and you will find social media links plus Alistair’s direct email address. What are you waiting for?

Musical Heights & Boogie Bites!

In this uplifting episode, we explore why music isn’t just a 'nice extra' in early years - it’s a neuroscientific powerhouse that builds the brain, boosts learning and supports development in ways no other activity can. Joined by the brilliant Sue Newman from Boogie Mites, we dive into how music and movement light up young children’s brains, laying the groundwork for language, self-regulation, memory and even maths. You’ll hear how musical play isn't about perfection – but, what is it about? Press play to find out :) This is your invitation to put music at the heart of your EYFS practice - not as a Friday treat, but as a daily, brain-building essential. This episode will leave you dancing away with inspiration, backed by science and full of practical ideas. In This Episode, You’ll Discover: • How music shapes the developing brain – and why it’s so closely linked to language, memory, motor skills and executive function • Why music is more than a 'creative area' – it’s a tool for self-regulation, belonging, emotional regulation and learning across the EYFS curriculum • The power of rhythm, repetition and movement – how Boogie Mites programmes use neuroscience-backed techniques to strengthen neural pathways • How music supports early literacy and phonological awareness – laying strong foundations for reading before formal instruction even begins • Why music is calming for the brain – and how it helps co-regulation for both children and adults • How to build musical confidence as a practitioner – even if you don’t see yourself as ‘musical’ • Practical ways to embed music across your day, including whether to play background music as children play – or not. And that’s just an overview! I’m Michelle Hague, founder of HEYD (Early Years School Improvement Specialists) and host of the Early Years Impact podcast. I’m Michelle Hague, founder of HEYD (Early Years School Improvement Specialists) and host of the Early Years Impact podcast. You can contact me directly: michellehague@heyd.uk Visit heyd.co.uk for more on our early years school improvement consultancy offers Sponsored by outdoor.classrooms and their SENDCO Nature Initiative, which is proudly supported by HEYD. I know this episode will inspire you to connect more with Sue Newman, who you can also find at boogiemites.co.uk: After a giving up a business career to look after my children, Sue returned to my childhood love of music and set up Boogie Mites as co-founder with Harriet Thomas in 2007. She is delighted to spend every day leading our passionate team of teachers at Boogie Mites as we share the joy and learning power of music every day. Our mission is to equip early educators and parents with the knowledge, confidence and resources to make active, creative music making part of each and every day. Sue still does some teaching, she presents at conferences, write articles, manages business strategy planning, programme compilation, training provision, local authority contracts, team and customer relationships. She has many partners/ collaborators, including Neuromuscial Educator Dr Anita Collins, Dr Kathryn Murray and children’s author Michael Rosen. We have a vision of making a real difference to early years education globally through the power of music, starting children on a lifelong love of music, language and literacy, with all the associated wellness and cognitive benefits, wellbeing and health benefits.

Magical Maths, Mastery and More!

In this insightful episode, we unpack what it really means to lay the foundations for maths in the early years - not through worksheets or rushed number goals, but by building deep, confident mathematical thinking through language, connection and play. Joined by Twinkl’s National Primary Maths Lead Jon Cripwell, we explore the marvel of maths, from the importance of using precise vocabulary, to the role of the adult as the ultimate connector between children and mathematical ideas: this conversation reframes early maths as something every child can access and enjoy - with the right foundations in place. We also explore the hotly debated question: should your classroom have a designated maths area? Spoiler alert - it depends on how you use it. This is your invitation to reimagine maths in Reception - not as a checklist of objectives, but as a living, breathing part of everyday learning. Parents included! This episode will leave you thinking differently about what early maths is, how we talk about it, and the kind of experiences that truly prepare children for lifelong success. In This Episode, You’ll Discover: • Why maths in Reception is one of the biggest predictors of later success – and what that tells us about where to focus our time and energy • The case for being fussy about maths vocabulary – how precise language builds real understanding • How Reception teachers (and families) are the ultimate connectors – why the magic isn’t in the resources, but in the way you bring maths to life through conversation and curiosity • Whether a maths area is worth it – what a truly purposeful maths space looks like, and why maths needs to be visible across the whole provision • What ‘early maths’ really looks like – including how routines rock. …and that’s just the start! I’m Michelle Hague, founder of HEYD (Early Years School Improvement Specialists) and host of the Early Years Impact podcast. FREE resources to re-connect children with nature are being launched by outdoor.classrooms on Insta - be sure to connect with Richard and the team to be in the first round of giveaways. You can contact me directly: michellehague@heyd.uk Visit heyd.co.uk for more info on our early years school improvement offers, including on-site visits, coaching and training. Sponsored by outdoor.classrooms and their SENDCO Nature Initiative, which is proudly supported by HEYD. Whether you’re new to Reception or deep in your early years journey, this episode will empower you to see maths not as a subject, but as a way of seeing the world and as something every child deserves to feel confident in. I know this episode will inspire you to connect more with Jon Cripwell, Twinkl’s Maths Lead , jon.cripwell@twinkl.co.uk, who you can also find at: LinkedIn: Jon Cripwell Instagram: @joncripwellmaths And as the Host of The Primary Maths Podcast (YouTube and all major podcast platforms).

Take Action on Distraction: Improving Attention & Focus

In this eye-opening episode, we dive into what it really means to support attention and focus in the early years, not by demanding silence or stillness, but by understanding the science behind how young children’s brains actually work. Joined by leading neuroscientist Professor Sam Wass, we explore key ideas from his brilliant book Take Action on Distraction. Together, we unpack what’s really going on when children ‘lose focus,’ how stress (yours and theirs!) plays a surprising role, and how we can move away from blame and into strategies that build regulation, connection and resilience for both children and adults. This is your invitation to step into your role with awareness, empathy and intention, not as someone who manages behaviour, but as someone who shapes the conditions for deep, joyful, sustained engagement. This conversation will leave you feeling informed, empowered, and ready to take action on distraction. In This Episode, You’ll Discover: * Your call to action: shift from managing distraction to creating the conditions where deep focus and joyful learning can thrive * How attention actually works and how to strengthen it in everyday practice * Whether we can truly ‘train’ children to concentrate (the answer might surprise you!) * The role of stress, co-regulation, and adult presence in supporting attention * Why predictability, rhythm and routines are essential – and what really matters most * How to ‘notice more and intervene less’ to grow autonomy and resilience * What research really says about screen time, overstimulation and attention overload …and that’s just the start! I'm Michelle Hague, founder of HEYD (Early Years School Improvement Specialists) and the Early Years Impact podcast. You can contact me directly: michellehague@heyd.uk, or visit heyd.co.uk where you will find more details about our coaching offer plus our sponsors KCS.co.uk. I know this episode will inspire you to know more and to connect further with Prof. Sam Wass, Director, Institute for the Science of Early Years. Web: www.profsamwass.com [http://www.profsamwass.com/] / www.isey.org/ [http://www.isey.org/] www.nestkids.co.uk [http://www.nestkids.co.uk/] / www.mee.dev [http://www.mee.dev/] Instagram @profsamwass/@isey_uel Twitter: @profsamwass/@ISEY_uel Bluesky: @profsamwass.bsky.social LinkedIn - personal: www.linkedin.com/in/sam-wass-987513202/ [http://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-wass-987513202/]; ISEY: https://www.linkedin.com/company/107254666/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/107254666/] NEW BOOK: Take Action on Distraction - The definitive guide to improving attention and focus in the Early Years and Key Stage