Early Years Insights

About Early Years Insights

Introduction : Welcome to “Early Years Insights,” a podcast hosted by Kathy Leatherbarrow from Eden Training Solutions. In this podcast, Kathy explores various topics related to early years education and apprenticeships. Through insightful interviews with guests from diverse industries, the show aims to provide valuable insights and perspectives on the early years sector. About the Host: Kathy Leatherbarrow is a seasoned professional in the field of early years education and apprenticeships. With her extensive experience and expertise, she brings a wealth of knowledge to the podcast. Kathy’s passion for empowering individuals in the early years sector is evident in her engaging discussions and thought-provoking conversations with industry experts. Podcast Format: “Early Years Insights” features in-depth discussions on a wide range of topics relevant to early years education and apprenticeships. Each episode delves into key topics, trends, and best practices within the industry. The format includes engaging interviews with professionals, educators, and leaders who share their valuable insights and experiences. Key Topics: The podcast covers a diverse array of topics, including but not limited to: Early childhood development Educational philosophies and approaches Apprenticeship programs in the early years sector Innovative teaching methods Regulatory updates and compliance Career pathways and professional development opportunities Guest Interviews: Kathy Leatherbarrow invites esteemed guests from various related industries to share their expertise on the podcast. These guests include influential figures, educators, policymakers, and professionals who offer unique perspectives and valuable insights into the early years sector. Audience Engagement: Listeners are encouraged to actively engage with the podcast by sharing their thoughts, questions, and feedback. The show fosters a sense of community among early years professionals, educators, students, and anyone passionate about early childhood education. Please visit www.eden-ts.com (http://www.eden-ts.com) to find out more! Conclusion: “Early Years Insights” is a must-listen podcast for anyone involved or interested in the early years sector. With its informative content, engaging interviews, and thought-provoking discussions, the show serves as a valuable resource for staying updated on key developments within early years education and apprenticeships.

Publisher

Kathy Leatherbarrow

Category

education · kids & family

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

8 Feb 2024

Latest episode

30 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

36 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   30 Sept 2026

   Navigating The New EYFS Safeguarding Shift - Early Years Insights

   Watch the video version on YouTube! . https://youtu.be/zKaty0ZDp5g (https://youtu.be/zKaty0ZDp5g) . Navigating The New EYFS Safeguarding Shift - Early Years Insights Kathy Leatherbarrow sits down with Lucy Pottinger and Caitlin Bray from Grass Roots Day Nursery to break down the revised EYFS reforms. Operating in an area of high deprivation, Lucy and Caitlin explain how they turn strict statutory rules into everyday practice, manage the new "met or not met" criteria, and support vulnerable families beyond the nursery door. Key Discussion Points: Met or Not Met: Navigating the updated EYFS safeguarding benchmarks and applying them with confidence on the nursery floor. Lived Practice Over Theory: Moving past tick-box exercises to help practitioners trust their instincts during real safeguarding incidents. Deprivation and Real Inclusion: Supporting families through community pantries, clothing packs, and fully funded sessions with no top-up charges. Multi-Agency Tenacity: Overcoming stretched public services by building direct relationships with local authority teams and following through on referrals. Culture and Staff Autonomy: Building resilient teams using bite-sized practical learning, peer observations, and open-door leadership. Guests: Lucy Pottinger – Executive Nursery Manager at Grass Roots Day Nursery. Caitlin Bray – Nursery Manager at Grass Roots Day Nursery. Host: Kathy Leatherbarrow – Early Years Consultant at Eden Training Solutions. Connect With Us: How is your team handling the EYFS updates? Share your experiences at www.eden-ts.com (http://www.eden-ts.com). #EarlyYearsInsights #EYFSReforms #SafeguardingInEarlyYears #GrassRootsNursery #NurseryManagement #ChildProtection #EarlyYearsLeadership #EdenTrainingSolutions

2. 

   26 Aug 2026

   How Intuitive Weaning Shapes Early Years Communication - Early Years Insights

   Watch the video version on YouTube! . https://youtu.be/zKaty0ZDp5g (https://youtu.be/zKaty0ZDp5g) . How Intuitive Weaning Shapes Early Years Communication - Early Years Insights In part two of our discussion on infant nutrition, Kathy Leatherbarrow welcomes back Lisa Wallace, founder of Intuitive Weaning. With over 23 years of experience in early years, Lisa dives into why weaning is so much more than just a mechanical milestone - it is a creative, sensory-rich journey that directly impacts oral development and early speech. Key Discussion Points: Connecting Oral Development and Speech: Understanding how tongue movement, jaw strength, and texture exploration during weaning lay the physical foundations for language. Navigating SEND and Sensory Overload: A compassionate look at neurodivergent food preferences, "beige food," and why a child's nervous system can shut down before they even taste new textures. Allergies vs. Intolerances: Removing fear from mealtimes by equipping practitioners with the knowledge to handle food sensitivities and guide anxious parents safely. Guest: Lisa Wallace – Early Years Specialist and Founder of Intuitive Weaning. https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-wallaceuk/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-wallaceuk/) https://www.instagram.com/intuitiveweaning/ (https://www.instagram.com/intuitiveweaning/) Host: Kathy Leatherbarrow – Early Years Consultant at Eden Training Solutions. Connect With Us: Want to strengthen weaning practice and parent confidence in your setting? Share your thoughts with us at www.eden-ts.com (http://www.eden-ts.com) #EarlyYearsInsights #IntuitiveWeaning #ChildDevelopment #EarlyCommunication #SEND #ParentPartnerships #NurseryNutrition #EdenTrainingSolutions

3. 

   30 Jul 2026

   The Truth About Weaning: Building Parent Confidence - Early Years Insights

   Watch the video version on YouTube! . https://youtu.be/g-Bxsm5lvoA (https://youtu.be/g-Bxsm5lvoA) . The Truth About Weaning: Building Parent Confidence - Early Years Insights Kathy Leatherbarrow is joined by Intuitive Weaning founder Lisa Wallace to unpack the choking fears around early mealtimes. They explore how shifting from a rigid "nutritional chore" to a sensory, stress-free journey empowers parents to wean with confidence. Key Discussion Points: The Noise Around Weaning: How social media trends, commercial sales, and conflicting guidance drive unnecessary anxiety. More Than Just Food: Why treating weaning as a nutritional chore misses key developmental and sensory milestones. Supermarket Convenience: A balanced look at baby pouches versus home-cooked foods and progressive textures. Removing Judgment: Lisa shares personal experiences with parent-shaming and the need for individualized approaches. Mindset Shifts: Practical lessons on managing sweet versus savoury preferences and cost-of-living challenges. Guest: Lisa Wallace – Founder of Intuitive Weaning https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-wallaceuk/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-wallaceuk/) https://www.instagram.com/intuitiveweaning/ (https://www.instagram.com/intuitiveweaning/) Host: Kathy Leatherbarrow – Early Years Consultant at Eden Training Solutions Connect With Us: We'd love to hear your feedback on this episode at www.eden-ts.com (http://www.eden-ts.com). #EarlyYearsInsights #IntuitiveWeaning #EarlyYearsEducation #ParentConfidence #ChildDevelopment #EYFS #EdenTrainingSolutions

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Spotify

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 33 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

42

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

60

Contact Early Years Insights

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.