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

In this week's episode, Jacqueline and Deborah explore how the smallest moments in a family’s day can become the biggest opportunities for connection. From breakfast chats to bath‑time giggles, they share simple, practical ways to spark richer conversations, nurture curiosity, and build children’s confidence as communicators. They unpack the realities of screen time without the guilt, offering easy shifts that turn digital moments into shared learning. The episode also dives into supporting children through big emotions, with calming phrases, connection‑first strategies, and ideas for building emotional vocabulary. A warm, reassuring listen for any parent or carer wanting to make talking feel natural, joyful, and part of everyday life.

Link to Google form to submit questions: https://forms.gle/BMDCvTGAEfjjoqTQ8

Episode Eight References:

Bhutani, P. et al. (2024) ‘Is the screen time duration affecting children’s language development? - a scoping review’, Clinical Epidemiology and Global Health, 25, p. 101457. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cegh.2023.101457

Karani, N.F., Sher, J. and Mophosho, M. (2022) ‘The influence of screen time on children’s language development: A scoping review’, South African Journal of Communication Disorders, 69(1), p. 825. Available at: https://doi.org/10.4102/sajcd.v69i1.825.

Links to website:

BBC Nursery Rhymes and Songs:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/school-radio/articles/zhwdgwx

National Literacy Trust Website:

https://wordsforlife.org.uk/

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

In this energising episode, Deborah and Jacqueline dive into the powerful role home languages play in children’s identity, confidence, and communication. Discover why bilingualism is an asset, what the “funds of knowledge” approach means for practice, and how simple everyday interactions can transform language learning for children with English as an additional language. Packed with practical ideas, warm reflections, and inclusive strategies, this episode is perfect for educators, students, and anyone passionate about nurturing joyful, meaningful communication from the very start.

Episode Seven References:

Moll, L. C., Amanti, C., Neff, D. and Gonzáles, N. (1992) Funds of knowledge for teaching: using a qualitative approach to connect homes and classrooms. Theory into Practice, 31(2), 132–141.

Links to website:

Help for Early Years Providers

https://help-for-early-years-providers.education.gov.uk/support-for-practitioners/english-as-an-add…

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