In this episode, James Lane, the Digital Sector Manager at NCFE, and Dr Gray Mytton, from the NCFE Innovation Team, discuss the evolving role of artificial intelligence within education and its broader implications. Join the team as they discuss how AI, particularly generative AI, is currently being used by colleagues, and the wider education sector, primarily for routine tasks and as a creative brainstorming tool. The conversation touches on the ethical considerations of AI, including security concerns and bias in AI training data.  James and Gray also explore the potential future of AI ..read more

Join us this week as we chat to Dr Kathryn Murray, founder of Future Strong Education and creator of the Brain-SET Environments Formula. In the episode, Kathryn shares how her personal experiences, combined with her research into brain development, led to the creation of the Brain-SET formula, which focuses on designing educational environments that make children feel safe and secure. Reflecting on the principle that "a calm brain is a thinking brain", we explore how these feelings of safety directly impact brain functions like memory, communication, and decision making, and how simple adjustm ..read more

Join us this week as we chat to Cheryl Warren, an award-winning trainer and consultant from Aperion Training, specialising in neurodiversity in the early years.  In the episode, Cheryl discusses her career journey and personal mission, sharing how her lived experience has shaped her professional approach. As a parent, Cheryl offers valuable insights into supporting neurodivergent children and their families, understanding the pressures they face.   As an educator, Cheryl understands the importance of applying a neuroaffirming lens in practice, recognising that each child's needs ..read more

Join us this week as we chat to Jane Maria Harding da Rosa from Enriching ELT about English language learning and teaching. During our conversation, we learn about Jane's fascinating journey from mime and dance to her career in language education. Jane shares her research aimed at making language learning more memorable and engaging with rhythm, chanting and games and explains the nuances of teaching different groups of learners. We also discuss the crucial role of CPD and how Jane's work is supporting EAL teachers to foster their pupils' full potential. We'll be back with a whole new episode ..read more

Join us this week as Dean Blewitt, NCFE's Senior Innovation and Investments Manager, chats to Charlotte Jones, Operations and Project Manager from the Greater Manchester Learning Provider Network (GMLPN) and Seamus Mannion, Chief Operating Officer of Digital Advantage. In the episode, Charlotte and Seamus discuss their organisations' work on the Inclusive Pathways Autism Support Project, which provides tailored support to help autistic individuals navigate vocational pathways and secure employment. Charlotte emphasises the project's approach of complementing existing services rather than dupli ..read more

Join us for this throwback episode of POD-CACHE and re-listen to Dr Diane Boyd on sustainability in education and childhood development.    We'll be back with a whole new episode on Wednesday 10 July.  00:00 What's Coming Up? 00:36 Introducing Diane Boyd 01:00 Sustainable education and development 14:39 Taking it into practice 25:35 Environmental awareness and skill building 31:02 CACHE Alumni 31:23 Empowering children to learn 21:35 Getting Down To Business 36:54 Connect with Diane Dr Diane Boyd is a Senior Lecturer in Early Years at Liverpool John Moores University. With a fo ..read more

In this episode we meet with Dr Helen Bilton, Author and Professor of Outdoor Learning and Play, to talk about recapturing the lost value of play and independent problem-solving, as well as how different early years settings can support outdoor learning. We also touch on the courses Helen has written for FutureLearn on Supporting Successful Learning in Primary Schools and in Secondary Schools, which explore how we can teach children to navigate risk and how we can reflect upon our own attitudes and perceptions of the outdoors.   Want to hear more from Helen? Website: https://www.drhelenbi ..read more

Join us for this throwback episode of POD-CACHE and re-listen to Dr Helen Williams' wisdom on making maths playful.   We'll be back with a whole new episode on Wednesday 10 January.  0:00 Introduction to Dr Helen J Williams and her journey with maths 2:30 Moving from a dislike to a love of maths 4:50 Maths' evolution since the 80s and use of manipulatives in maths teaching 7:42 The challenges of applying more practical approaches  9:20 Challenging perceptions of being good vs. bad at maths and how taking risks translates into development  ..read more

Join us this week as we chat to Sass Boucher and Kate Collier from SelfCare Psychology, an organisation dedicated to providing support for practitioners at risk of professional trauma and fatigue.  In the episode, we explore the complex challenges faced by those working in care through the lens of SelfCare's 'Umbrella of Professional Trauma and Fatigue', and we examine the strategies for mitigating these issues by following their 'Five Pillars of Protection' framework. We also discuss how to recognise the signs of professional trauma, practical tips for prioritising personal wellbeing, ho ..read more

Join us for this episode about navigating the food landscape, the relationship between food and wellbeing, and the importance of nutrition in the early years. We'll be back with a whole new episode on Wednesday 15 May.  Louise Mercieca, a nutritional therapist and early years nutrition consultant, emphasises the intricate relationship between food and our overall wellbeing. Moving beyond simply labelling food as 'good' or 'bad', she urges a focus on how different foods affect us. Highlighting the critical impact of early years nutrition on children's long-term health, she stresses the val ..read more