Best Practice Network: Apprenticeships

Early Years Senior Leaders: Organisational Values

In this insightful episode Tatia Singleton is joined by co-host, Emma Minchella and Lauren Hemmings to explore the role of organisational values in early years education and leadership. Drawing on their extensive experience as nursery leaders and managers, the conversation unpacks what values such as child-centred practice, partnership working, staff wellbeing, inclusion, and passion for early years truly look like in practice — from recruitment and induction to everyday decision-making in settings. The discussion also tackles the real-world challenges leaders face when values are tested by funding pressures, differing parental expectations, or operational demands. Through honest reflections and practical examples, the episode highlights how strong values shape setting culture, influence staff and family relationships, and ultimately ensure the best outcomes for children. Perfect for early years leaders, managers, and practitioners, this episode offers thought-provoking insights into leading with integrity, reflection, and purpose.

Childminder Insights with Coram Pacey

In this episode of the Best Practice Network Apprenticeship Podcast, host Emma Minchella is joined by guest Ka Lai Brightley-Hodges from Coram Pacey to explore the findings from the Magic of Childminding 2026 report and celebrate the incredible impact childminders have on children, families and communities. Together, they discuss what makes childminding such a distinctive form of childcare, the importance of long-term relationships and emotional security for children, and why so many childminders remain passionate about the profession for years. They also explore the vital role childminders play in supporting babies and young children, creating rich learning experiences through everyday life, and providing trusted support for whole families.

Senior School Leaders: Level 7 Organisational Values

Explore what organisational values really mean in practice. You will reflect on whether values are lived or just displayed, how they shape behaviour and decision making, and how they hold up under pressure. This episode encourages you to align values, actions and culture to lead with greater consistency and clarity. Steph Larner-Pickin is an Assistant Headteacher in an Alternative Provision Academy and PRU in the north west of England. She has a particular interest in ethical leadership and what drives us as school leaders to make the decisions we do, including balancing accountability with compassion and the wellbeing of everyone within the organisation. Steph holds values-based practice close to her heart and believes that strong schools are built upon inclusion, justice, transparency, aspiration and trust. Resources Level 7 Organisational values - PowerPoint [https://isu.pub/FKRhvDH]

Putting the Fun into Fun-ctional Skills

In this upcoming episode of the Best Practice Network Apprenticeship Podcast, hosts Emma Minchella and Tatia Singleton are joined by maths and English tutor Tamara Priestman. Together, they explore how the virtual classroom sessions are designed to be engaging, supportive, and inclusive for all learners. Through real-life examples, they highlight how the virtual classrooms are both accessible and enjoyable, and why creating a positive environment is key to building confidence and encouraging participation. The episode also offers valuable insight into how tailored support and interactive teaching approaches can help you develop essential skills, succeed in their maths and English functional skills exams, and unlock long-term career opportunities. BPN Boost https://www.bestpracticenet.co.uk/boost [https://www.bestpracticenet.co.uk/boost ]

School Seniors Leaders: Level 7 Ethical Leadership

Explore what ethical leadership really means in practice. You will reflect on values, accountability and the pressures that shape difficult decisions. This episode encourages you to examine your own assumptions, consider competing priorities and lead with integrity when navigating complexity and uncertainty in senior leadership. Steph Larner-Pickin is an Assistant Headteacher in an Alternative Provision Academy and PRU in the north west of England. She has a particular interest in ethical leadership and what drives us as school leaders to make the decisions we do, including balancing accountability with compassion and the wellbeing of everyone within the organisation. Steph holds values-based practice close to her heart and believes that strong schools are built upon inclusion, justice, transparency, aspiration and trust. Resources Level 7 Ethical leadership - PowerPoint [https://bestpracticenet-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/anthonywelch_bestpracticenet_co_uk/IQAs07fIECgcR6Ru8uGYZCm-AbKOo3cOCLHAnnOYOqNydck?e=0JKdge]