This double length, special episode features a conversation between Deborah Brown and Dr Jacqueline Young about Jacqueline’s recent research study exploring the intersections between creative thinking and disadvantage in reception age children (aged 4 and 5 years). Jacqueline talks about how disadvantage shapes opportunities for imagination, and why nurturing creativity is a powerful act of equity in early education.

Join the podcast for a thoughtful, accessible conversation about curiosity, context, and the transformative potential of creative pedagogy.

Episode Nine References:

DfE (2025) ‘Early years foundation stage statutory framework for group and school-based providers: setting the standards for learning, development and care for children from birth to five’. Department for Education. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-foundation-stage-framework--2

Di Battista, A. et al. (2023) Future of jobs report 2023. Geneva, Switzerland: World Economic Forum. Available at: https://www.weforum.org/publications/the-future-of-jobs-report-2023/

Young, J. (2025). ‘Why don’t fish have eyelashes?’: understanding the intersections between creative thinking and disadvantage in early years education in two schools located in areas of high deprivation. Available at: https://sussex.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/44SUS_INST/1qbui9j/alma991397837302461

Hosts:

Deborah Brown www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-brown79

Dr Jacqueline Young www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jacqueline-young

Podcast produced by:

Luke Young www.linkedin.com/in/lukeyoungcomposer

Title music by:

Luke Young www.linkedin.com/in/lukeyoungcomposer