Episodes

  • The Episode All About Little White Lies
    May 27 2024

    This week on the podcast, Emily and Ben dive into the fascinating world of white lies, focusing especially on the small, often innocent fibs our parents told us as children. They explore a range of these common little deceptions, from the classic "Santa Claus is real" to the more creative "If you swallow gum, it will stay in your stomach for seven years." Tune in to hear amusing anecdotes, psychological insights, and a nostalgic look back at the harmless myths that shaped our childhoods.


    If you love the Little Minds, Big Ideas podcast then why not head over to The Early Years Network and unlock a world of early years training and development.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show more Show less
    36 mins
  • The Episode All About Sex Education
    May 20 2024

    Join Ben and Emily this week on Little Minds, Big Ideas as they dive into some of the most pressing issues affecting young minds today. In this episode, they explore the controversial topic of sex education bans for children under 9 and the implications this has for early childhood development. They also discuss the upcoming mental health class initiatives, highlighting how these programs aim to equip kids with the tools they need for emotional well-being.


    The hosts take a deep dive into the common societal urge to reassure others with "it’s okay," and how we can shift our mindsets to foster genuine, positive mental health. In honour of Mental Health Week, Ben and Emily share personal experiences and stories that underscore the importance of mental health awareness and support. Additionally, they examine the impact and dangers of social media on mental health, offering insights into how young people can navigate the digital world safely and mindfully. Tune in for a heartfelt and informative discussion that promises to leave you with a deeper understanding of the mental health challenges and opportunities facing our children today.



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show more Show less
    38 mins
  • The Episode All About Men In Childcare
    May 13 2024

    In this episode of "Little Minds, Big Ideas," Emily has been ejected from the host seat as Ben welcomes a very special guest, Claudio Sisera from 'Male Childcare & Teaching Jobs,' to the studio. Together, they embark on a captivating exploration of the role of men in early childhood education.


    Delving deep into the conversation, Ben and Claudio highlight the multitude of benefits that come with male representation in the childcare sector. From providing diverse role models to offering unique perspectives, they shed light on why it's crucial to encourage more men to pursue careers in early years education. However, they don't shy away from addressing the challenges and barriers that men may encounter along the way. From societal stereotypes to systemic obstacles, Ben and Claudio engage in a candid discussion about the realities of being a man in a predominantly female-dominated profession.


    As the conversation unfolds, they also cast a hopeful gaze towards the future, envisioning a landscape where men are not only welcomed but celebrated in early childhood education. They explore potential solutions and strategies for fostering inclusivity and equality within the field, inspiring listeners to join the movement towards positive change.


    Tune in to this enlightening episode as Ben and Claudio navigate the complexities and possibilities of men in childcare, inviting listeners to rethink traditional perceptions and embrace a more inclusive vision for the future of education. 🎧


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show more Show less
    48 mins
  • The Episode All About Gender Stereotypes
    May 7 2024

    Welcome to "Little Minds, Big Ideas," the podcast where we dive deep into the world of early childhood development with your hosts, Emily and Ben, from The Early Years Network. Join us as we unravel the mysteries of those crucial first years of life, exploring topics, news, and insights that illuminate the importance of early childhood education.


    Join Emily and Ben as they bring their expertise and passion to the forefront, delving into topics ranging from cognitive development to effective teaching strategies, all while weaving in anecdotes and experiences from their work at The Early Years Network. Through casual chats and thought-provoking dialogue, they uncover the latest trends, news, and research shaping the early years landscape.


    Whether you're a parent, educator, or simply curious about the fascinating world of early childhood, "Little Minds, Big Ideas" is your go-to podcast. Together, let's celebrate the wonder of childhood and champion the significance of investing in our youngest learners. Tune in, subscribe, and join us on this enriching journey into the magical realm of early years development.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show more Show less
    42 mins
  • The Episode All About Storytelling & Books
    Apr 29 2024

    Welcome to 'Little Minds, Big Ideas,' episode 24 where Ben and Emily delve into the enchanting realm of storytelling in early childhood education.


    Discover the profound impact of stories and storybooks on young minds, as we explore their pivotal role in fostering imagination, language development, and social-emotional skills.


    Join us as we share practical strategies, expert insights, and engaging anecdotes to inspire and empower educators in nurturing the next generation of storytellers.


    And of course, we'll sprinkle in some Harry Potter chat along the way, because who doesn't love a bit of magic in education?


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show more Show less
    36 mins
  • The Episode All About Being Curious
    Apr 22 2024

    Welcome to "Little Minds, Big Ideas," the podcast where we explore the fascinating world of childhood development and parenting strategies to nurture young minds. Join your hosts Ben & Emily as they delve into the latest research, expert insights, and practical tips to support children's growth and development. In each episode, Ben & Emily unpack a different aspect of early childhood development, from nutrition and cognitive development to social-emotional skills and beyond. With a focus on empowering parents and caregivers, they provide actionable advice and evidence-based strategies to help children thrive.


    In this episode all about being curious, Emily and Ben explore a number of topics in an action packed episode! Starting with a deep dive into some of the latest news in the world of early years, before exploring the topic of STEM and discussing some of the latest classes soon to be available over on The Early Years Network.


    Whether you're a parent, caregiver, educator, or anyone interested in children's health and well-being, "Little Minds, Big Ideas" is your go-to resource for navigating the exciting journey of early childhood development. Join Ben & Emily as they share big ideas for little minds, one episode at a time.


    As always if you enjoyed this podcast make sure to head over to The Early Years Network and discover a world of early years training and development for just £4.99 a month!


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show more Show less
    43 mins
  • The Episode All About Food, Glorious Food!
    Apr 15 2024

    Welcome to "Little Minds, Big Ideas," the podcast where we explore the fascinating world of childhood development and parenting strategies to nurture young minds. Join your hosts Ben & Emily as they delve into the latest research, expert insights, and practical tips to support children's growth and development. In each episode, Ben & Emily unpack a different aspect of early childhood development, from nutrition and cognitive development to social-emotional skills and beyond. With a focus on empowering parents and caregivers, they provide actionable advice and evidence-based strategies to help children thrive.


    In this episode all about nourishing young minds, Ben & Emily dive into the importance of prioritising nutrient-dense foods for children's health and well-being. They discuss the critical role of fruits and vegetables in providing essential vitamins, minerals, and fibre for growing bodies. Drawing on the latest research in neuroscience and nutrition, they explore why early experiences with food are so crucial and offer practical tips for introducing healthy eating habits from an early age.


    But it's not just about nutrition – Ben & Emily also address the current social issues surrounding rising food prices and food insecurity levels, highlighting the challenges faced by families in accessing nutritious foods. Through insightful discussions and inspiring stories, they empower listeners to make informed choices and create a positive food environment for their children.


    Whether you're a parent, caregiver, educator, or anyone interested in children's health and well-being, "Little Minds, Big Ideas" is your go-to resource for navigating the exciting journey of early childhood development. Join Ben & Emily as they share big ideas for little minds, one episode at a time.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show more Show less
    52 mins
  • The Episode All About Myth Busting
    Apr 8 2024

    Welcome to the latest episode of Little Minds, Big Ideas, where Ben and Emily are on a mission to bust some early years myths wide open!


    Ever heard that play in early years settings is just a time filler? Think again! Join us as we delve into the wealth of benefits play offers for children's development, from communication skills to problem-solving, and explore the fascinating links to brain development.


    And what about the myth that men don't make good early years educators? We're here to challenge that stereotype. Discover how male practitioners bring unique perspectives and skills to the table, enriching children's learning experiences both indoors and out.


    But wait, there's more! Think a career in early years isn't worth pursuing? Think again! We'll debunk the misconception that early years professionals lack career opportunities, showcasing the diverse paths available in this rewarding field.


    Plus, we'll tackle misconceptions about baby care, qualifications, and the crucial role early years settings play in laying the foundation for a child's future success.

    Join us as we shatter these myths and explore the true value of early years education. Tune in now to expand your understanding and celebrate the incredible impact of nurturing young minds.


    As always if you enjoyed this podcast and are eager to learn more head over to www.theearlyyearsnetwork.co.uk and sign up for as little as £4.99 a month today!


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show more Show less
    46 mins