The Foundation Stage Forum (FSF) and Tapestry podcast brings you a new episode every two weeks. The show is hosted by members of our education team, who between them have many years of experience in early years, primary and specialist education and senior leadership. We are joined in conversation by wonderful guests with specific expertise. You can find some of our most popular episodes below as well as subscribe on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Neil Leitch on Childcare Deserts, School Based Nurseries and Workforce Sustainability
EYA CEO Neil Leitch discusses current issues and challenges confronting the sector.
A specialist centre for autistic girls
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.
Creating inclusive learning spaces
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’.
Supporting the early years workforce
Supporting the early years workforce – what staff and leaders struggle with, what they might need, and how Twinkl’s experienced educators can help. With Tracie Butterfill, National Education Lead EYFS for Twinkl Educational Publishing.
A conversation about deaf identity and BSL
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.
Be an Ally not a Bystander
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.