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
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Episode 20: Maths in the early years
01/12/2026
Episode 20: Maths in the early years
Love it or hate it, Maths is a key part of everyday life that enables us to make sense of the world around us. In episode 20 of the Froebel Trust podcast, presenter Colin Kelly is joined by expert guests to discuss how educators can support young children to develop early mathematical skills. 💡 Joined by historian of science and mathematics, Michael Friedman and Froebel Trust Travelling Tutors, Jane Whinnett MBE and Pete Moorhouse, they share how you can teach the subject even if you’re not confident with maths. 🌿 Visit the Froebel Trust website to download the podcast transcript, further free resources, information of Froebel Trust Short Courses and learn more about the speakers ➡️ If you’d like to contact us with questions about this podcast or suggestions for future episodes, you can email The Froebel Trust's new strategy will be created in 2026 and educators, academics and stakeholders in the early childhood sector are being asked to help shape it. The Trust is asking people to complete a short survey so it can target its resources to help meet the needs and interests of the early childhood sector and Froebelian community. To participate, please complete the anonymous by 19 February 2026.
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Episode 19: Froebelian Education: Past, Present and Future
11/05/2025
Episode 19: Froebelian Education: Past, Present and Future
In episode 19, presenter Colin Kelly is joined by six Froebelian’s across the globe to share their reflections on education, past, present and future through a Froebelian lens. Guest speakers, Professor Larry Prochner, Dr Kristen Nawrotzki, Dr Karen Vincent, Donna Kilpatrick, Grace Choi and Dr Andrea Schmidt share Froebel’s influence throughout history and why a Froebelian approach to education is so important today. 🌿 The episode was recorded shortly after the International Froebel Society Conference which took place in the summer of 2025. Find out more about the speakers on the Froebel Trust website ➡️ Access FREE resources to support the development of Froebelian education ➡️ Released November 2025. Don't forget to follow/subscribe to this podcast to receive updates on the next release! The Froebel Trust's new strategy will be created in 2026 and educators, academics and stakeholders in the early childhood sector are being asked to help shape it. The Trust is asking people to complete a short survey so it can target its resources to help meet the needs and interests of the early childhood sector and Froebelian community. To participate, please complete the anonymous by 19 February 2026.
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Episode 18: Connecting with Parents, Families and Communities
09/09/2025
Episode 18: Connecting with Parents, Families and Communities
In episode 18, presenter Colin Kelly is joined by an expert team of speakers to mark the launch of the latest Froebel Trust pamphlet, Connecting with Parents, Families and Communities: a starting point. 🤝 Joined by Froebel Trust Travelling Tutors and authors Holli Williams and Rachna Joshi, they share how the pamphlet can support educators while sharing examples from their own first-hand experiences in practice. We also hear from Fufy Demissie, senior lecturer at Sheffield Hallam University who shares an example of a setting that has taken connection with families one step further. 🌿 Access the podcast transcript and learn more about the speakers on the Froebel Trust website ➡️ Download the FREE pamphlet written by Holli and Rachna ➡️ Released September 2025. Don't forget to follow/subscribe to this podcast to receive updates on the next release! The Froebel Trust's new strategy will be created in 2026 and educators, academics and stakeholders in the early childhood sector are being asked to help shape it. The Trust is asking people to complete a short survey so it can target its resources to help meet the needs and interests of the early childhood sector and Froebelian community. To participate, please complete the anonymous by 19 February 2026.
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Episode 17: A Froebelian Path in Bewildering Times
05/21/2025
Episode 17: A Froebelian Path in Bewildering Times
In this special episode, recorded at the Froebel Trust’s 2025 Conference, Inspiring Early Learning, presenter Colin Kelly is joined by Jane Whinnett MBE. 🙌 Here, Jane presents her keynote speech, a Froebelian Path in Bewildering Times that explores Froebel’s ideas, the impact throughout history and the relevance of Froebelian practice and principles today. Find out more about Jane Whinnett MBE on the Froebel Trust website ➡️ Watch more videos and extracts from the 2025 Conference ➡️ Released May 2025. Don't forget to follow/subscribe to this podcast to receive updates on the next release! The Froebel Trust's new strategy will be created in 2026 and educators, academics and stakeholders in the early childhood sector are being asked to help shape it. The Trust is asking people to complete a short survey so it can target its resources to help meet the needs and interests of the early childhood sector and Froebelian community. To participate, please complete the anonymous by 19 February 2026.
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Episode 16: Play and early learning environments
01/20/2025
Episode 16: Play and early learning environments
In episode 16 of the Froebel Trust podcast, presenter Colin Kelly is joined by guest speakers to explore ways educators in early years settings can develop play and learning environments. 🤸 Joined by Helen Adams, Liam Graham, Emma Short, Helen Tovey, together they give practical advice on creating environments which inspire and reflect a child’s interests. Learn the key ingredients of a Froebelian early years setting today. 🌿 Find out more about the speakers ➡️ Access FREE resources to support in developing a Froebelian setting ➡️ Released January 2025. Don't forget to follow/subscribe to this podcast to receive updates on the next release! The Froebel Trust's new strategy will be created in 2026 and educators, academics and stakeholders in the early childhood sector are being asked to help shape it. The Trust is asking people to complete a short survey so it can target its resources to help meet the needs and interests of the early childhood sector and Froebelian community. To participate, please complete the anonymous by 19 February 2026.
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Episode 15: Empowering early years leaders
12/11/2024
Episode 15: Empowering early years leaders
In this episode, presenter Colin Kelly and his guests discuss the main challenges facing leaders in early education today. 🌿 Guest speakers, Simon Bateson, Kayla Halls, Sam Jones explore what it means to be a leader in early years settings and how a Froebelian approach can support leaders in their work. Access the podcast transcript and learn more about the speakers on the Froebel Trust website. ➡️ Explore the Trusts Research Highlights that summarises recent early childhood research. ➡️ Released December 2024. Don't forget to follow/subscribe to this podcast to receive updates on the next release! The Froebel Trust's new strategy will be created in 2026 and educators, academics and stakeholders in the early childhood sector are being asked to help shape it. The Trust is asking people to complete a short survey so it can target its resources to help meet the needs and interests of the early childhood sector and Froebelian community. To participate, please complete the anonymous by 19 February 2026.
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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
In episode 14, presenter Colin Kelly is joined by expert guests to explore how educators can support and include every child to meet the needs of the individual child. Joined by Dr Agnes Agyepong, Janice Marriott, Eve Mawby Whistler, they discuss ways educators can create a truly inclusive environment which allows all children to play and learn. 🤸 Find out more about the speakers and access the podcast transcript on the Froebel Trust website ➡️ Download our FREE pamphlet Supporting Children with Additional Needs ➡️ Released September 2024. Don't forget to follow/subscribe to this podcast to receive updates on the next release! The Froebel Trust's new strategy will be created in 2026 and educators, academics and stakeholders in the early childhood sector are being asked to help shape it. The Trust is asking people to complete a short survey so it can target its resources to help meet the needs and interests of the early childhood sector and Froebelian community. To participate, please complete the anonymous by 19 February 2026.
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Episode 13: In conversation with Professor Tina Bruce
07/01/2024
Episode 13: In conversation with Professor Tina Bruce
In this special episode of the Froebel Trust podcast, two highly respected voices in the Early Years sector, Liz Roberts (former Editor-in-Chief, Nursery World) and Professor Tina Bruce CBE share their thoughts on education and governing policies. Recorded in the week leading up the 2024 UK General Election, the two speakers discuss the state of early childhood education today and hopes for the future. ✨ Find out more about our speakers on the Froebel Trust website ➡️ Released July 2024. Don't forget to follow/subscribe to this podcast to receive updates on the next release! The Froebel Trust's new strategy will be created in 2026 and educators, academics and stakeholders in the early childhood sector are being asked to help shape it. The Trust is asking people to complete a short survey so it can target its resources to help meet the needs and interests of the early childhood sector and Froebelian community. To participate, please complete the anonymous by 19 February 2026.
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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 and Froebel Trust Travelling Tutor, Dr Kate Smith is joined by a series of expert guest speakers to look at ways educators can support babies and young children’s language and literacy in early years settings today. Dr Smith is joined by Prof. Usha Goswami, Jane Whinnett, Prof. Dominic Wyse. The guests talk about how babies learn language, the use of phonics in schools and the importance of singing, play and storytelling for language development. 🎶 The team discuss the latest research while exploring a holistic approach to developing literacy in early childhood education. Find out more about the speakers and their experience on the Froebel Trust website ➡️ Released June 2024. Don't forget to follow/subscribe to this podcast to receive updates on the next release! The Froebel Trust's new strategy will be created in 2026 and educators, academics and stakeholders in the early childhood sector are being asked to help shape it. The Trust is asking people to complete a short survey so it can target its resources to help meet the needs and interests of the early childhood sector and Froebelian community. To participate, please complete the anonymous by 19 February 2026.
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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
In episode 11 of the Froebel Trust podcast, presenter Colin Kelly is joined by a series of expert guests to explore what it is like to work in a baby room today. 🌿 Babies are often overlooked in discussions about early childhood education and care today. With the rapid expansion of baby room provision in England underway – and government funded childcare support being rolled out as of September 2024 – it’s time to focus on the experiences, rights and needs of babies in early years settings. Joined by Dr Caroline Guard, Julia Manning-Morton, Chloe McLaughlin, Kerri Stephen, share how might a Froebelian approach can support educators in their work with babies. Find out more about the speakers and access the podcast transcript on the Froebel Trust website ➡️ Download our Thinking about Babies pamphlet that gives guidance for leaders and managers of early years settings. ➡️ Released May 2024. Don't forget to follow/subscribe to this podcast to receive updates on the next release! The Froebel Trust's new strategy will be created in 2026 and educators, academics and stakeholders in the early childhood sector are being asked to help shape it. The Trust is asking people to complete a short survey so it can target its resources to help meet the needs and interests of the early childhood sector and Froebelian community. To participate, please complete the anonymous by 19 February 2026.
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Episode 10: Special edition
04/02/2024
Episode 10: Special edition
To mark the one-year anniversary of the Froebel Trust Podcast, in this episode, presenter Colin Kelly will take you on a whistle-stop tour of the past nine episodes. Colin introduces many of the guests and experts who appeared on the series, sharing informative and thought-provoking extracts from the series. 💡 Tune in and listen to inspiring conversations about early learning. Find out more about the Frobel Trust on our website ➡️ Released April 2024. Don't forget to follow/subscribe to this podcast to receive updates on the next release! The Froebel Trust's new strategy will be created in 2026 and educators, academics and stakeholders in the early childhood sector are being asked to help shape it. The Trust is asking people to complete a short survey so it can target its resources to help meet the needs and interests of the early childhood sector and Froebelian community. To participate, please complete the anonymous by 19 February 2026.
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Episode 9: Can a Froebelian approach work in any kind of school or early years setting?
02/05/2024
Episode 9: Can a Froebelian approach work in any kind of school or early years setting?
In episode 9, presenter Colin Kelly is joined by a panellist of guests who share their personal stories about how they connected with a Froebelian approach. Speakers, Annamaria Bevan, Jessica Holme, Paula Lester (previous surname Phillips) and Craig Taylor share their experiences of changing the way they work with young children. 🌿 Together, they explore whether a Froebelian approach can work in any kind of early years setting or school. Find out more about the speakers and access the podcast transcript on the Froebel Trust website ➡️ Released February 2024. Don't forget to follow/subscribe to this podcast to receive updates on the next release! The Froebel Trust's new strategy will be created in 2026 and educators, academics and stakeholders in the early childhood sector are being asked to help shape it. The Trust is asking people to complete a short survey so it can target its resources to help meet the needs and interests of the early childhood sector and Froebelian community. To participate, please complete the anonymous by 19 February 2026.
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Episode 8: Where are the men in early years education?
01/15/2024
Episode 8: Where are the men in early years education?
Data from the Department for Education suggests only 2 percent of the people who work in early years education in England are male. In this episode, presenter Colin Kelly is joined by a team of experts to discuss why early childhood education continues to be one of the most gender imbalanced workforces. Guest speakers, Pete Moorhouse, Dr Shaddai Tembo, Matt Langton and Louie Werth consider how nursery school and early years setting leaders could support more men to work in early education. 🤝 Find out more about the speakers on the Froebel Trust website ➡️ Access the FREE resources mentioned in this episode ➡️ Released January 2024. Don't forget to follow/subscribe to this podcast to receive updates on the next release! The Froebel Trust's new strategy will be created in 2026 and educators, academics and stakeholders in the early childhood sector are being asked to help shape it. The Trust is asking people to complete a short survey so it can target its resources to help meet the needs and interests of the early childhood sector and Froebelian community. To participate, please complete the anonymous by 19 February 2026.
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Episode 7: Relationships and wellbeing in early years settings
12/05/2023
Episode 7: Relationships and wellbeing in early years settings
In this episode, presenter Colin Kelly is joined by a panel of experts to explore how educators’ wellbeing is connected to the wellbeing of the children they teach. 🌿 Froebel, the inventor of kindergarten, recognised that children thrive when they are emotionally secure and in close relationships with others – educators, families and carers. Guest speakers, Dr Peter Elfer, Holli Williams, Dr Jools Page and Dr Robyn Dolby explore these themes, discussing ways leaders can best support educators’ wellbeing in their work with children. Learn more about the speakers on the Froebel Trust website ➡️ Explore our research studies around relationships in early years ➡️ Released December 2023. Don't forget to follow/subscribe to this podcast to receive updates on the next release! The Froebel Trust's new strategy will be created in 2026 and educators, academics and stakeholders in the early childhood sector are being asked to help shape it. The Trust is asking people to complete a short survey so it can target its resources to help meet the needs and interests of the early childhood sector and Froebelian community. To participate, please complete the anonymous by 19 February 2026.
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Episode 6: Observation and assessment in early childhood education
07/03/2023
Episode 6: Observation and assessment in early childhood education
In episode 6 of the Froebel Trust podcast, Colin Kelly and guest speakers engage in a thought-provoking discussion which challenges all educators who work with babies and young children to consider the basis of their approach to assessments in early years settings. ✨ Speakers, Dr Stella Louis and Gaynor Brimble explore how Froebelian educators navigate assessments, inspections and progress reporting systems, and how the Froebelian approach can support this. Find out more about the speakers and access the podcast transcript on the Froebel Trust website. ➡️ Released July 2023. Don't forget to follow/subscribe to this podcast to receive updates on the next release! The Froebel Trust's new strategy will be created in 2026 and educators, academics and stakeholders in the early childhood sector are being asked to help shape it. The Trust is asking people to complete a short survey so it can target its resources to help meet the needs and interests of the early childhood sector and Froebelian community. To participate, please complete the anonymous by 19 February 2026.
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Episode 5: Taking play and learning outdoors in the early years
06/12/2023
Episode 5: Taking play and learning outdoors in the early years
In this episode, presenter Colin Kelly is joined by expert panellists to explore outdoor play and young children’s connections with nature. 🤸 You’ll hear from guest speakers Beverley Dickinson, Janice Marriott, Felicity Thomas, Holli Williams. The panel discuss how schools and early years settings support outdoor play for young children now. They also provide practical advice on utilising space in city settings or settings with limited space. 🌿 Access the podcast transcript and learn more about the speakers on the Froebel Trust website ➡️ View our FREE resources mentioned in the episode ➡️ Released June 2023. Don't forget to follow/subscribe to this podcast to receive updates on the next release! The Froebel Trust's new strategy will be created in 2026 and educators, academics and stakeholders in the early childhood sector are being asked to help shape it. The Trust is asking people to complete a short survey so it can target its resources to help meet the needs and interests of the early childhood sector and Froebelian community. To participate, please complete the anonymous by 19 February 2026.
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Episode 4: Block play for early learning
05/22/2023
Episode 4: Block play for early learning
In episode 4 of the Froebel Trust Podcast, presenter Colin Kelly explores block play in early childhood education. Together with guests, this episode explores how block play can make a difference to children’s learning and development. Joined by Lauren Gray, Paula Lester (previous surname Phillips) and Jane Whinnett MBE, the panel discuss the benefits of block play and the relevance to young children today. 🌿 Visit our website to access the podcast transcript ➡️ Access our FREE pamphlet, Froebel’s Gifts and Block Play Today and receive practical advice and actionable steps to introducing block play into your setting. ➡️ Released May 2023. Don't forget to follow/subscribe to this podcast to receive updates on the next release! The Froebel Trust's new strategy will be created in 2026 and educators, academics and stakeholders in the early childhood sector are being asked to help shape it. The Trust is asking people to complete a short survey so it can target its resources to help meet the needs and interests of the early childhood sector and Froebelian community. To participate, please complete the anonymous by 19 February 2026.
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Episode 3: Recognising children's individuality in early years settings
02/24/2023
Episode 3: Recognising children's individuality in early years settings
In episode three of the Froebel Trust podcast, host Colin Kelly and guests discuss how educators can ensure we celebrate differences in early years settings. Returning panellists, Simon Bateson, Sally Cave, Dr Stella Louis, Dr Lynn McNair OBE, Professor Chris Pascal OBE, come together to discuss how a Froebelian approach could support early years settings to connect with families, carers and local communities. 🤝 Find out more about our guest speakers and access the transcript of the podcast on the Froebel Trust website. ➡️ Access FREE Froebelian training and resources ➡️ Released February 2023. Don't forget to follow/subscribe to this podcast to receive updates on the next release! The Froebel Trust's new strategy will be created in 2026 and educators, academics and stakeholders in the early childhood sector are being asked to help shape it. The Trust is asking people to complete a short survey so it can target its resources to help meet the needs and interests of the early childhood sector and Froebelian community. To participate, please complete the anonymous by 19 February 2026.
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Episode 2: Inside the Froebel based early years setting
02/22/2023
Episode 2: Inside the Froebel based early years setting
In episode two of the Froebel Trust podcast, host Colin Kelly and our expert panellists explain more about Froebelian education in early years settings. Joined by Simon Bateson, Sally Cave, Dr Stella Louis, Dr Lynn McNair OBE, Professor Chris Pascal OBE, the panel discusses what makes a Froebelian setting different from others. 🌿 Find out more about the speakers on the Froebel Trust website ➡️ Access FREE training and resources ➡️ Released in February 2023. Don't forget to follow/subscribe to this podcast to receive updates on the next release! The Froebel Trust's new strategy will be created in 2026 and educators, academics and stakeholders in the early childhood sector are being asked to help shape it. The Trust is asking people to complete a short survey so it can target its resources to help meet the needs and interests of the early childhood sector and Froebelian community. To participate, please complete the anonymous by 19 February 2026.
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Episode 1: What does it take to become a Frobelian early years setting?
02/22/2023
Episode 1: What does it take to become a Frobelian early years setting?
Welcome to the Froebel Trust Podcast – inspiring conversations about early learning. 🌿 This podcast is for all those who have ever wondered what a Froebelian approach to early education is all about and want to know what it looks like in action. Presented by journalist Colin Kelly, he is joined by various panel experts who discuss Frobel’s influence in education and the impact it has today. In episode 1 we are joined by Simon Bateson, Sally Cave, Dr Stella Louis, Dr Lynn McNair OBE, Professor Chris Pascal OBE to discuss how an early year’s setting can adopt a Froebelian approach. Find out more about the speakers here ➡️ Access Froebel Trust training and resources mentioned in this episode ➡️ Released in February 2023. Don't forget to follow/subscribe to this podcast to receive updates on the next release! The Froebel Trust's new strategy will be created in 2026 and educators, academics and stakeholders in the early childhood sector are being asked to help shape it. The Trust is asking people to complete a short survey so it can target its resources to help meet the needs and interests of the early childhood sector and Froebelian community. To participate, please complete the anonymous by 19 February 2026.
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