Let's Talk Early Years

Rethinking Induction

Induction is one of the most overlooked policies in early learning. It isn’t a folder handed to a new team member on their first day. It’s the foundation of your culture, your expectations, and the way quality practice i

S4 #3 Policies are not Paperwork

You spent weeks updating the policies.The inspector is happy.The file is complete.Now what?In this episode we’re talking about the gap between having a policy and actually using it. What that looks like in real nursery s

S4 #2 Crisis Management for Leaders in Early Years Setting.

S4 #1 Eligibility Isn’t Readiness: The Truth About FS1 Age Changes in the UAE

The new FS1 age eligibility changes in the UAE are raising big questions across the early years sector.In this episode, Melonie Karriem chats with Louise Hurley from Parent Prosper coaching & explores what these changes

S3 #7 Continuous Development, Well-Being and HR Practices with Desma D'Souza and Elrona D'Souza

In this episode of Let’s Talk Early Years, I’m joined again by The HR Sisters, Desma and Elrona D’Souza, for Part 2 of our conversation on the vital role HR plays in building thriving early years teams. This time, we div

S3 #6 Onboarding, Hiring and Culture in Early Years Settings with HR Sisters

In this insightful episode of Let’s Talk Early Years, I’m joined once again by The HR Sisters, Desma and Elrona D’Souza, to explore why HR is more than policies and procedures, it’s the roots that allow people, culture,

S3 #5 The Environment as the Third Teacher — Curating Calm, Curiosity & Connection with Hollie Mayes

In this thoughtful episode of Let’s Talk Early Years, I sit down with Hollie Mayes to explore one of the most powerful, yet often overlooked, influences in early childhood learning: the environment.What if the space itse

S3 #4 Coaching as Culture — Elevating Early Years Through Reflective Practice with Julie Keyes

In this inspiring episode of Let’s Talk Early Years, I am joined by Julie Keyes to explore how coaching is more than just a skill, it’s a culture shift that can transform early years settings.When we move away from ticki

S3 #3 Navigating Difficult Moments Through Intentional Communication with Stephanie Martin

In this episode of Let’s Talk Early Years, I sit down with Stephanie Martin to unpack the art of handling tough conversations in early years settings.Whether it’s giving feedback, resolving conflict, or leading with empa

S3 #2 First Impressions Matter: Rethinking Customer Service in Early Years Settings with Orchid Roy

In this insightful episode of Let’s Talk Early Years, we sit down with Orchids Roy to explore why customer service isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s a core leadership skill in early childhood settings.From the moment a par

S3 #1 Why Personal Branding Matters in Early Childhood Education with Kelly Lunderberg

In this exciting kickoff to Season 3 of Let’s Talk Early Years, we’re joined by personal branding expert Kelly Lundberg to explore why personal branding matters for early years educators — and how to harness it to grow y

S2 #10 Neurodiversity, Autism and Inclusive Practice in the Early Years with Louise Dawson

In this powerful episode of Let’s Talk Early Years, we’re joined by Louise Dawson to explore how early years settings can embrace neurodiversity and truly support all children. What does inclusion look like in action—not

S2 #9 School Readiness – Debunking the Myths with Letitia Petrie

In Episode 9 of Let’s Talk Early Years, we tackle one of the most debated topics in early childhood education—school readiness. What does it really mean for a child to be "ready" for school? And are we focusing on the ri

S2 #8 Screen Time & Little Minds: Navigating the Impact of Screens on Young Children

In Episode 8 of Let’s Talk Early Years, we dive into a crucial conversation about the effects of screen time on young children’s development with Nicole Plumridge, an experienced early childhood expert. As digital media

S2 #7 The Role of Occupational Therapy in Supporting Sensory Development with Laura Reid

Every child experiences the world in a unique way, and for some, sensory processing can be a challenge. How can occupational therapy help children develop essential life skills and navigate their environment with confide

S2 #6 Beautiful Young Mind with Gaurav Saxena

Every child’s mind is filled with curiosity, potential, and the ability to shape the future. But how can we nurture their cognitive and emotional growth during the critical early years? In this inspiring episode of Let’s

S2 #5 Beyond the Buzzwords – The Heart of True Inclusion with May Zalat

In this insightful episode, we go beyond the surface of inclusion and explore what it truly means in early years education. Our guest, May Zalat, an expert in inclusive education, shares her invaluable perspective on cre

S2 #4 Educators Are Not Superheroes—And That’s Okay!

Teaching is one of the most rewarding professions, but it’s also demanding. Educators often feel the pressure to be everything—mentor, caregiver, problem-solver, and role model—while balancing their own well-being. In th

S2 #3 The Changing Landscape of Early Years Education with Sari Saliba

In Episode 3 of Season 2, early years expert Sari Saliba explores the evolving landscape of early education. Dive into a conversation that unpacks the latest trends—from innovative curriculum and pedagogy to the integrat

S2 #2 Ensuring Excellence in Nursery Education with Lara Hudson

In this episode, early years expert Lara Hudson shares invaluable insights into Nursery School Quality Assurance and Inspection Preparation. From understanding key inspection criteria to fostering a culture of continuous