Froebel Trust Podcast

Inspiring conversations about early learning. The Froebel Trust podcast is for you if you've ever wondered what a Froebelian approach to early education is all about - and want to know what it looks like in action. Get in touch and find out more at www.froebel.org.uk

Episode 17: A Froebelian Path in Bewildering Times 05/21/2025

Episode 17: A Froebelian Path in Bewildering Times Episode 17: A Froebelian Path in Bewildering Times This special episode of the Froebel Trust Podcast was recorded at the Trust’s 2025 Conference, Inspiring Early Learning. During this episode Presenter Colin Kelly hears from Jane Whinnett as she presents her keynote speech, a Froebelian Path in Bewildering Times. Through Jane’s speech, this episode explores Froebel’s ideas, the resurgence of academic interest in his teaching, and the relevance of Froebelian principles and practice today. “[Froebel’s] views of training and women becoming educators was ridiculed in his time and yet these ideas have become foundations of current early childhood education and care today." A transcript of this episode is available at: froebel.org.uk/training-and-resources/podcast Guests appearing in this episode: Jane Whinnett MBE started studying Froebel in 2005 at the University of Roehampton. She was previously the head teacher of two Edinburgh Nursery Schools and now tutors at the University of Edinburgh where she contributes to two courses: Froebel in Childhoos Practice and MSc Education: Early Childhood Practice and Froebel pathway. Jane is also an Endorsed Froebel Travelling Tutor who teaches the Froebel Trust's and . In 2019, Jane received an MBE from HRH The Prince of Wales for services to early education. She and her co-authors were also awarded the 2021 Nursery World Professional Book Award for Putting Storytelling at the Heart of Early Childhood Practice [Bruce, McNair and Whinnett Eds. 2020, Routledge]. During Episode 17, Jane refers to the following resources and courses for educators, including: Courses: at the University of Edinburgh at the University of Edinburgh at the University of Roehampton. Articles,books and resources: Bruce, T., (2021) Bruce, T., McNair, L., Whinnett, J., (2023) Bruce, T., (2023) Colliles, S., Play and Inclusion Lilley, I. M., (1967) Louis, S., (2022) Manning-Morton, J., (2024) Abingdon: Routledge May, H., (2006) 35(2) pp.245-262 McNair, L.J., Learning from our children The story of Eilidh in Bruce, T., Nishida, Y., Powell, S., Wasmuth, H., and Whinnett, J.,(eds) (2024) McNair, L J., and Powell, S. (2020) . Moorhouse, P. (2021) Osgood, J., Archer, N.J., Albin-Clark, J., & Mohandas, S., (2024) Parker, L.,(2017) London: Froebel Trust Pascal, C., Bertram, T., Cave, S., Bruce, T., Lyndon, H., Bennett, S., & Denham, A., (2024) Sakr, M., & Kaur, V., (2024) Snaza, N., (2013) Stewart, N., Hope brings change in Bruce, T., Nishida, Y., Powell, S., Wasmuth, H., Whinnett, J., Tovey, H., (2nd ed)(2017) Wasmuth, H., (2022) Whinnett, J., (2024) Introduction in Bruce, T., Nishida, Y., Powell, S., Wasmuth, H., Whinnett, J., Whinnett, J., (2020) London: Froebel Trust Visit the to access the free resources mentioned in this episode and find out more about the Froebel Short Courses. If you’d like to contact us with questions about this podcast or suggestions for future episodes, you can email /episode/index/show/fde57d97-66af-44da-9399-4ce232e68534/id/36654640

Episode 16: Play and early learning environments 01/20/2025

Episode 16: Play and early learning environments The latest episode of the Froebel Trust podcast explores the ways educators and leaders in early years settings can develop play and learning environments which inspire and truly reflect children's interests. Froebel was the inventor of Kindergarten. He advocated for places where young children can grow and develop at their own pace, nurtured by knowledgeable and supportive adults - a place for activity, curiosity, investigation and play. But what does that look like in the modern education system of today? "... it's really important to think about how the children feel... Do they feel secure? Do they feel that sense of curiosity - that they want to investigate and find out more?" Emma Short, Headteacher, Camborne Nursery School Find out what the key ingredients of a Froebelian early years setting are and the difference a nurturing learning environment can make to young children today - with special guests Helen Adams, Liam Graham, Emma Short, Helen Tovey: Helen Adams Helen is the Headteacher of in Cornwall. She has worked in a range of schools as well as leading an additional resource base. She co-authored the Froebel Trust pamphlet "" (published in January 2025). Liam Graham Liam Graham is a Reception teacher with 7 years teaching experience, and currently the Early Years Lead at . Liam is passionate about child-centred learning, outdoor learning, offering rich, engaging, and meaningful experiences for all our children - and recently completed the . Recognising Liam's approach to Early Years education, the Welsh Government recently invited him to create a presentation on '' - sharing his experience of implementing a Froebelian approach. Emma Short Emma is the Headteacher of l in Cornwall. She has extensive experience of working in early years both in the UK and abroad. She co-authored the Froebel Trust pamphlet "" (released in January 2025). Helen Tovey Helen is a former Principal Lecturer in Early Childhood Studies at the University of Roehampton. She is a Froebel trained nursery teacher and previous headteacher of an inner city nursery school. She is the author of "" (published by Routledge) and the Froebel Trust pamphlets "" and "". _ Links and resources for educators mentioned in Episode 16: by Helen Adams and Emma Short (Froebel Trust, January 2025) by Helen Tovey (Froebel Trust, March 2020) by Helen Tovey (Froebel Trust, August 2017) by Helen Tovey (Routledge, 2017) '' - a presentation by Liam Graham (2024) - A series of short courses for educators and carers in nursery schools and early years settings. - A transcript of Episode 16 is available to download at - Visit the website to access the free resources mentioned in this episode and find out more about a Froebelian approach to early childhood education. froebel.org.uk /episode/index/show/fde57d97-66af-44da-9399-4ce232e68534/id/34922210

Episode 15: Empowering early years leaders 12/11/2024

Episode 15: Empowering early years leaders In this episode, presenter Colin Kelly and guests discuss the the main challenges facing leaders in early childhood education today. What does being "a leader" mean in nursery schools and early years settings? And how might a Froebelian approach support leaders in their work with educators, young children and families? This episode is packed with advice and inspiration for anyone starting out in their first leadership role and for those who are keen to develop leadership skills. "...leadership can not just be with one person. It can't be assigned to a job title... leadership has to be throughout everything you do... giving everybody that confidence and the skills to be able to lead in their own way, in ways that suits them..." Sam Jones, Headteacher, Tremorfa Nursery School Presenter Colin Kelly is joined by a panel of guests: Simon Bateson Simon was a Co-director of , an international training and research programme (funded by the Froebel Trust 2021- 2024) which aimed to develop and deepen Froebelian pedagogy and leadership in Scotland and beyond. He teaches on the Froebel and Social Justice MSc at The University of Edinburgh. Simon also works as a senior practitioner with young children at in Edinburgh. In 2024, he co-led a Froebel Trust funded research project which considered anti-racist practice in early childhood eduction today and co-authored (with Dr Shaddai Tembo) a guide for educators: (free to download). Kayla Halls is a Research Fellow at Middlesex University. Kayla worked alongside Dr Mona Sakr on a Froebel Trust funded research project: (November 2024). She recently completed her MA in Early Childhood at University of Roehampton. Sam Jones Sam Jones is Headteacher at in Wales. Sam has recently taken part in the and leads a maintained nursery school in Cardiff. The nursery school is family-centred, "... a resource for the whole community..." offering courses for parents, baby groups and a community cafe on site. Research, links and resources for educators mentioned in Episode 15: (a 10 minute short film), produced by Froebelian Futures in 2023. (final report), a research project led by Dr Mona Sakr - with Kayla Halls. Funded by the Froebel Trust. Completed in November 2024. , Cardiff, Wales. , a recorded session from the Froebelian Futures Conference held in Edinburgh in May 2024. , Edinburgh, Scotland. - a series of short courses for educators and carers in nursery schools and early years settings. - A transcript of Episode 15 is available to download at - Visit the website to access the free resources mentioned in this episode and find out more about a Froebelian approach to early childhood education. froebel.org.uk /episode/index/show/fde57d97-66af-44da-9399-4ce232e68534/id/34393215

Episode 14: Supporting children with additional needs in early years settings 09/18/2024

Episode 14: Supporting children with additional needs in early years settings At a time of year when many young children are joining early years settings and schools for the first time - this podcast episode explores how educators can support and welcome every child. How can educators today ensure that they are offering a truly inclusive environment which allows all children to play and learn? "One of the key Froebelian principles is starting where the learner is at, letting the child be the stage they are at and not focusing constantly on pushing them to reach the next stage... A Froebelian approach is all about respecting diversity, respecting that all children are different..." Eve Mawby Whistler Presenter Colin Kelly is joined by a panel of guests: Dr Agnes Agyepong Agnes is a mother of three and the Founder and CEO of , a leading advocate for empowering Black communities to reclaim their health narratives. Agnes spearheaded the pioneering and conference, highlighting the experiences of Black children and their families with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. As a maternal health advocate and former Head of Engagement at a national charity, Agnes is dedicated to promoting representative research in maternal health, education and healthcare. Janice Marriott Janice is Head of which is part of Kisharon Charity Organisation. Kisharon offers education, opportunity and support for people with learning disabilities and their families throughout life’s journey. Tuffkid is a Jewish nursery for mainstream children and those with disabilities and special educational needs, with an integrated approach to learning through play. Tuffkid has been recognised by Ofsted three consecutive times as ‘Outstanding’. Janice has been working as Head of Tuffkid for 22 years and has a background in Education and Therapy. Having completed four Elements of the at Tuffkid, Janice has introduced Froebel to Kisharon School which has been participating in the year long . Janice has promoted parent/ family involvement with Froebel in the nursery, with Dr Stella Louis supporting Parent Evening. Eve Mawby Whistler Eve worked in a maintained nursery school in Peckham, London for over 6 years and is currently a nursery teacher in a primary school in Cambridgeshire. She gained her MA in Early Childhood Studies at University of Roehampton and it was there that she became inspired by a Froebelian approach to early education. She is now a , sharing her Froebelian knowledge and supporting educators in schools and settings across the UK. Eve co-authored the Froebel Trust pamphlet 'Supporting children with additional needs'. Published in September 2024. - Research, links and resources for educators mentioned in Episode 14: by Eve Mawby Whistler with Lizzie Montgomery (Froebel Trust, September 2024) Free to download. : Accessing special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) provision for Black and mixed Black heritage children: Lived experiences from parents and professionals living in South London (, February 2024)Free to download. , London by Dr Peter Elfer (Froebel Trust, September 2022) Free to download. - A transcript of Episode 14 is available to download at - Visit the website to access the free resources mentioned in this episode and find out more about a Froebelian approach to early childhood education. froebel.org.uk /episode/index/show/fde57d97-66af-44da-9399-4ce232e68534/id/33105642

Episode 13: In conversation with Professor Tina Bruce 07/01/2024

Episode 13: In conversation with Professor Tina Bruce A special edition of the Froebel Trust podcast bringing together two highly respected champions of the Early Years sector - Liz Roberts (former Editor-in-Chief, Nursery World) in conversation with Professor Tina Bruce CBE. This episode was recorded in the week leading up to the 2024 UK General Election. During their conversation, they discuss the state of early childhood education today and hopes for the future. "The thing I care about most is that if children are going to be in group settings, they need to be with nurturing, knowledgeable adults."  Prof. Tina Bruce CBE A transcript of this episode is available at: Guests appearing in this episode: Professor Tina Bruce is considered a world-leading Froebelian educator. She has written or edited over 30 books about early childhood education and is perhaps best known for the 'ten principles of early childhood education' first published in 1987 in her book Early Childhood Education. Many know Tina for her writing and extensive work about young children’s play – introducing the idea of 'free flow play' and championing the need for children to be given time and opportunity to play in schools and early years settings. In the 1990s and into the 2000s she worked with successive Ministers for Children - as Coordinator of the Early Years Advisory Group. During her career, Tina has worked with a freelance portfolio with CPD and consultancy across a variety of early childhood context. She co-founded the Centre for Early Childhood Studies (which later became the Early Childhood Research Centre at Roehampton University) - and as an educator she is guided by Froebelian principles, being known for her ability to interweave theory and practice in creative and challenging ways. In 2008, she was made a CBE for Services to early years education and in 2014 was given the Nursery World Lifetime Achievement Award. Tina, with a group of Froebelian colleagues, helped to re-establish the Froebel Certificate courses in Scotland and at the University of Roehampton. She led the group who subsequently developed these into a format for the . These introduced Froebel’s main ideas and educational approach. They are designed for everyone who works with babies and young children in early years settings and schools today. In the past year alone, the Froebel Trust offered over 1,500 training places for educators in the UK, allowing them to take part in the Short Courses designed by Tina. Liz Roberts is a consultant, editor and writer. She started working at in 1996 leading its editorial operations for many years. Liz stepped down as editor-in-chief in 2023. She frequently chairs early years events, as well as commenting on the early years sector for national TV, radio and newspapers. During her career Liz has been a member of several early years sector working groups and think-tanks. She is also a trustee of CREC, the . - During Episode 13 guests, Liz Roberts and Prof. Tina Bruce, refer to the following research, policies, organisations, courses and resources for educators: EPPE - Funded by the DfES 1997-2004. Sylva, Kathy; Melhuish, Edward; Sammons, Pam; Siraj-Blatchford, Iram; Taggart, Brenda; (2004) Institute of Education, University of London/ Department for Education and Skills/Sure Start: London. QTS - (1967) NNEB - Usha Goswami . Nursery World: March 2024. Dominic Wyse and Alice Bradbury (2022) The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) Report - (2024) HMI - His Majesty's Inspector (HMI). Ofsted inspectors visit, inspect and report on the quality of places of education and learning in England. is the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills. Ofsted is a non-ministerial department. Peter Mortimore - (2023) Peter McKellar - (1957) /episode/index/show/fde57d97-66af-44da-9399-4ce232e68534/id/31959932

Episode 12: Developing language and literacy in the early years 06/10/2024

Episode 12: Developing language and literacy in the early years In this episode, guest presenter Dr Kate Smith (Froebel Trust Travelling Tutor) looks at the ways educators can support babies and young children's language and literacy in schools and settings today. Kate is joined by a panel of experts, sharing the latest research and exploring a holistic approach to developing literacy in early childhood education. Together they discuss how babies learn language, the use of phonics in schools, the importance of singing, play, storytelling and much more... "...rhythm is the hidden glue that underpins all the world's language systems..." Prof. Usha Goswami "This idea that there's one way to teach children to learn to read is just not tenable..." Prof. Dominic Wyse Guests appearing in this episode: Professor Usha GoswamiUsha Goswami CBE FRS FBA is Professor of Cognitive Developmental Neuroscience at the University of Cambridge and a Fellow of St John’s College, Cambridge. She is also founding Director of the . After training as a primary school teacher, Usha decided to pursue research in child psychology. Her core interests are the neural mechanisms underpinning language acquisition, including relationships to the rhythmic structure of infant- and child-directed speech and the brain basis of dyslexia and speech and language difficulties. She is researching the potential utility of assistive listening technology, coupled with music- and rhythm-based behavioural interventions. Find out more at Jane WhinnettJane Whinnett MBE is an associate tutor on the course at the University of Edinburgh and a Froebel Trust Travelling Tutor.She is author of the Froebel Trust pamphlet on and co authored . She has published chapters in 'Early Childhood Practice: Froebel Today' (2012) and co-edited the award winning book 'Putting Storytelling at the Heart of Early Childhood Practice' (2020) and 'The Bloomsbury Handbook to Friedrich Froebel' (2023). Jane trained as a primary school teacher, later specialising in early years and went on to become Headteacher at two local authority nursery schools in Edinburgh. In 2019 Jane was awarded an MBE for services to Early Childhood Education. Professor Dominic Wyse FAcSS FRSA is Professor of Early Childhood and Primary Education at the Institute of Education (IOE), University College London (UCL). He is Founding Director of the (HHCP), a research centre devoted to improving young children’s education. Dominic was President of the British Educational Research Association (BERA) from 2019 to 2022. Dominic has made a leading contribution to research on curriculum and pedagogy, including national curricula, for more than 25 years. He has led multiple research projects and has published many books and research papers. Dominic’s main research is on effective teaching of reading and writing. His book ‘’ (co-authored with Charlotte Hacking. Routledge Publishing), and a research paper, advanced ‘The Double Helix of Reading and Writing’, a new theory and model for teaching. Dominic’s research on writing developed ‘the ear of the writer’ as a metaphor for effective writing across the life course, for novice and expert writers. This multidisciplinary research was published in the book ‘’ (Cambridge University Press). An original feature of the work was the comparisons made between language and music. Dominic’s research on grammar and writing, in the context of national curricula, has included seminal research papers and more recently a randomised controlled trial to examine a new approach to teaching grammar. The book ‘’ (with Helen Bradford and John-Mark Winstanley. Routledge) has been a leading text for teachers and teacher education for more than 20 years. - During Episode 12 presenter, Dr Kate Smith and guests refer to the following research and resources for educators: by Prof. Usha Goswami (Nursery World magazine, March 2024) , University of Cambridge by Kathy Goouch and Sacha Powell, OU Press, 2013 by Helen Tovey, Froebel Trust, 2020 (free to download) by Prof. Tina Bruce, Froebel Trust, 2023 (free to download) by Prof. Dominic Wyse, Charlotte Hacking, Routledge, June 2024 by Dominic Wyse and Usha Goswami, British Educational Research Journal, 2008 (free to access) Visit the website to access the free resources mentioned in this episode and find out more about a Froebelian approach to early childhood education. froebel.org.uk /episode/index/show/fde57d97-66af-44da-9399-4ce232e68534/id/31681167

Episode 11: Time to focus on babies in early years settings 05/28/2024

Episode 11: Time to focus on babies in early years settings Babies are often overlooked in discussions about early childhood education and care today. With the rapid expansion of baby room provision in England underway - with new government funded childcare support being offered from September 2024 to working parents with a child from 9 months old – it's time to focus on the experiences, rights and needs of babies in early years settings This episode of the Froebel Trust podcast explores what it’s like working in a baby room today: What skills and knowledge do educators caring for babies need? Are early years settings ready to welcome more babies? And how might a Froebelian approach support educators in their work with babies? "....we've had this astronomical growth in particularly private sector provision for very young children, and that's only going to grow in England from September this year. I think we have to find a way of ensuring that babies have environments that are specifically designed for them... We need to think about space. We need to think about cosy spaces. We need to think about access to gardens..." Dr Caroline Guard "... we really need to wind back, slow down, allow ourselves to slow down with our children, allow our children to slow down and allow practitioners to slow down..." Julia Manning-Morton Guests appearing in this episode include: Dr Caroline Guard - Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood Education at Kingston University, London Julia Manning-Morton - Author, lecturer and Froebel Trust Travelling Tutor Chloe McLaughlin & Kerri Stephen - Two experienced educators who work with and care for babies at Poppies Pre-school in Aberdeenshire. You can find out more information about each of our guests at During Episode 11 presenter, Colin Kelly, and guests refer to the following resources for educators: ‘’ by Dr Caroline Guard, Froebel Trust, April 2024 (free to download) ‘’ A project report from Poppies Pre-School, November 2023 (free to download) ‘’ by Kathy Goouch and Sacha Powell, OU Press, 2013 ‘’ by Julia Manning-Morton, Routledge, March 2024 ‘’ A report by the Early Education and Childcare Coalition, Spring 2024 (free to download) ‘’ by Helen Tovey, Froebel Trust, 2020 (free to download) ‘’ – a collection of resources and information available via the Froebel Trust website: (free to access) ‘’ - A collection of resources and information connected to Dr Alison Clark’s 'slow pedagogy' research and work. Available via the Froebel Trust website: (free to access) Visit the website to access the free resources mentioned in this episode and find out more about the Froebel Short Courses. /episode/index/show/fde57d97-66af-44da-9399-4ce232e68534/id/31493432