Your Teacher Village and Friends

Епизоди

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  Episode 8 - Making Visuals Mainstream with Gina Smith 19.07.2026 27мин

  The podcast episode features a conversation with Gina Smith, the founder of Create Visual Aids, discussing the impact and importance of visual communication in education. The discussion covers the journey of Create Visual Aids, the impact of visual communication, the role of visuals in education, visuals for older children, and preparing for September. Key takeaways include the benefits of visual communication for all children and the importance of consistency when using visuals.TakeawaysVisual communication benefits all childrenConsistency is key when using visualsFind Vicki at:www.yourteachervillage.co.ukInstagramFacebookTikTokLinkInFind Gina at:InstagramFacebookTikTokWebsiteFind our podcast sponsor Is it Time to Play? at:www.isittimetoplay.co.ukInstagramFacebook
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  Episode 7 - What it's Really Like Being and EYFS Content Creator with Georgia Lucas 12.07.2026 23мин

  What does it really look like to balance a full-time Reception teaching role with creating content for thousands of teachers online?In this week's episode of the Your Teacher Village & Friends Podcast, Vicki is joined by Georgia Lucas (@misslucas.eyfs) to talk about life as both a Reception teacher and an education content creator.Georgia shares her journey from posting simple classroom ideas online to building a thriving social media community, while teaching in a brand-new school and helping to establish a brand-new EYFS environment from scratch.Together, they discuss the reality behind sharing your classroom online, overcoming self-doubt, managing criticism and comparison, and why social media can be such a powerful tool for connecting and inspiring educators.Whether you've thought about sharing your own classroom online or you're simply curious about what happens behind the scenes, this episode offers an honest, encouraging conversation full of practical advice.Chapters00:00 Introduction & Starting Strong Workshop01:32 Meet Georgia Lucas & Teaching in a Brand-New School03:10 Building an EYFS Department from Scratch05:08 How Georgia Started Sharing Content Online06:09 Balancing Teaching & Social Media08:01 Criticism, Comparison & Online Confidence11:18 Finding the Confidence to Share Your Practice14:36 The Reality of Being an Education Content Creator20:23 Collaborations & Opportunities Through Social Media22:47 Creating an Incredible Outdoor Space & Parents' Reactions24:54 Final Advice for Aspiring Content CreatorsFind Vicki at:www.yourteachervillage.co.ukInstagramFacebookTikTokLinkInFind Georgia at:InstagramTikTokFacebookJoin our upcoming workshop Starting Strong: Planning a Calm and Connected First Week in EYFS
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  Episode 6 - Is it Time to Rethink KS1? with Charlotte Bunyan and Karina Kenning 05.07.2026 33мин

  Episode 6: Rethinking KS1 Through Play with Charlotte & KarinaSponsored by Is it Time to PlayWhat if Key Stage 1 didn't have to mean rows of tables, worksheets and children sitting still for long periods of the day?In this inspiring episode of the Your Teacher Village & Friends Podcast, Vicki is joined by Charlotte and Karina, who share their incredible journey of transforming their Key Stage 1 classrooms into play-based, provision-led environments over the past five years.Together, they explore why they decided to rethink KS1, the practical changes they made, the challenges they faced along the way and the remarkable impact it has had on both children and staff.Whether you're simply curious about play-based learning in KS1 or you're already beginning your own journey, this episode is packed with honest reflections, practical advice and reassurance that meaningful change is possible.Key TakeawaysA successful transition to play-based KS1 starts with a clear vision and strong leadership.Change doesn't happen overnight—it requires careful planning, reflection and gradual implementation.High-quality provision can successfully deliver National Curriculum objectives while maintaining children's curiosity and engagement.Purposeful play is carefully planned, intentional and underpinned by excellent teaching.Every school's journey will look different, so it's important to start where you are and build from there.Chapters00:00 – Introduction & Sponsor06:08 – Misconceptions About a Play-Based Approach12:07 – What Does a Typical Day in Year 1 Look Like?20:22 – Challenges and Barriers to Implementation25:46 – Tips for Schools Beginning Their Journey33:02 – Final Advice & Closing ThoughtsJoin our upcoming webinar Rethinking KS1 on 14th July.Find Vicki at:www.yourteachervillage.co.ukInstagramFacebookTikTokLinkInFind Charlotte and Karina at:InstagramFacebookFind our podcast sponsor Is it Time to Play? at:www.isittimetoplay.co.ukInstagramFacebook
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  Episode 5 - Looking After the Teacher Behind the Job with Louise Abslom 28.06.2026 31мин

  With Louise AbslomTeaching is so much more than lesson plans, marking and data. Behind every classroom door is a teacher balancing the pressures of the job with the demands of everyday life.In this episode, I sit down with wellbeing expert, Assistant Headteacher and Cognitive Hypnotherapist Louise Abslom to have an honest conversation about protecting your wellbeing while working in education. We explore why so many teachers put themselves last, the signs that stress is beginning to take its toll, and practical strategies to help you feel calmer, more resilient and better equipped to look after yourself.Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, running on empty, or simply want to be more intentional about your own wellbeing, this episode is full of realistic advice and gentle reminders that you matter too.In this episode, we discuss:Why teacher wellbeing is about more than self-careRecognising the early signs of stress and burnoutSetting healthy boundaries without feeling guiltyPractical strategies to reduce overwhelmSupporting your own mental health alongside supporting childrenSmall changes that can make a big difference to your wellbeingWhy looking after yourself ultimately benefits your pupils tooThis episode is sponsored by Is it Time to Play?This episode is proudly sponsored by Is it Time to Play?—the membership supporting EYFS and KS1 teachers with practical planning, engaging enhancements, assessment tools and a wonderfully supportive community.If you're looking to save time while creating meaningful, play-based learning experiences, you'll find everything you need inside the membership.Find out more using the link in the show notes.Listen & ConnectIf you enjoyed this episode, we'd love it if you could leave a rating or review on your favourite podcast platform—it really helps more teachers discover the podcast.Don't forget to follow Your Teacher Village & Friends so you never miss a future episode.You can also connect with us:Your Teacher Village – practical, realistic and research-backed CPD for primary teachers.Louise Abslom (New Future Me) – for more wellbeing advice, coaching and support for educators.Because behind every great teacher is a person who deserves to thrive too.
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  Episode 4 - Step into EYFS Leadership with Confidence 21.06.2026 21мин

  The podcast episode features a solo conversation with Vicki Yadav, an Early Years Leader, sharing insights and tips for new and experienced Early Years Leaders. The discussion covers key areas for Early Years Leaders, understanding the early years framework, transition plans, implementing changes, managing challenges, and creating a shared pedagogical vision. Vicki also provides valuable advice for preparing for September and offers support for Early Years Leaders through a membership program.TakeawaysEarly Years LeadershipPreparing for SeptemberChapters00:00 Introduction and Sponsorship05:13 Tips for New Early Years Leaders10:26 Staffing and CPD Needs15:41 Managing Challenges in Implementing Changes21:35 Monitoring and Reflecting on ChangesFind Vicki at:www.yourteachervillage.co.ukInstagramFacebookTikTokLinkInFind our podcast sponsor Is it Time to Play? at:www.isittimetoplay.co.ukInstagramFacebook
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  Episode 3 - Play is Learning with Ruth Lue-Quee 13.06.2026 41мин

  Episode: Play is Learning with Ruth Lue-QueeIn this episode of Your Teacher Village and Friends, Vicki Yadav is joined by Ruth Lue-Quee, founder of My Mummy Teacher and creator of the Play is Learning campaign.Ruth shares the story behind building My Mummy Teacher and MMT Play, as well as the passion that led her to campaign for play-based learning and continuous provision to be debated in Parliament. Together, Vicki and Ruth explore the powerful impact of play on children's academic outcomes, wellbeing and social development, and discuss what implementing a play-based approach in Key Stage 1 can look like in practice.They also delve into the characteristics of effective learning, the flexibility within the National Curriculum and why understanding child development is essential when making decisions about teaching and learning. This episode is full of encouragement for educators who want to follow their instincts and advocate for what children truly need.Timestamps00:00 The birth of My Mummy Teacher and MMT Play06:01 The impact of play-based learning15:20 Supporting children in play-based learning25:07 Characteristics of effective learning32:17 The journey of implementing play-based learning40:19 Following your heart in educationAbout Ruth Lue-QueeRuth Lue-Quee, also known as My Mummy Teacher, is the founder of MMT Play, an award-winning educational resources brand, and the creator of the Play is Learning campaign. A highly qualified educational consultant, former Deputy Headteacher and mum of two, Ruth is passionate about championing play-based learning and supporting educators, parents and caregivers to provide joyful, developmentally appropriate learning experiences for children.Find VickiWebsite: www.yourteachervillage.co.ukInstagram: @yourteachervillageFacebook: Your Teacher VillageTikTok: @yourteachervillageLinkedIn: Vicki YadavFind RuthWebsite: www.mmt.co.uk Instagram: @mymummyteacherUpcoming WebinarsRethinking KS1 – for PractitionersRethinking KS1 – for Senior LeadersHosted by Your Teacher Village KS1 Provision experts Charlotte Bunyan and Karina Kenning, these webinars are designed to support schools that are considering a more play-based, developmentally appropriate approach in Key Stage 1. Packed with practical ideas and examples from experienced leaders, these sessions will leave you feeling inspired and confident about what is possible..
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  Episode 1 - Finding Their Voice: Why Oracy Matters with Sarah Hunter 13.06.2026 30мин

  In this episode of Your Teacher Village and Friends, Vicki Yadav is joined by Sarah Hunter, founder of Oracy Playroom and one of Your Teacher Village's Oracy Experts.Sarah shares her journey into the world of oracy and explains why helping children to become confident communicators is one of the most powerful things we can do as educators. Together, Vicki and Sarah explore how vocabulary, conversation and meaningful interactions shape children's confidence, relationships and learning, and discuss practical ways to create language-rich environments where every child can thrive.They also delve into Sarah's highly acclaimed Talk Toolkit: Developing Oracy Across EYFS and KS1, the role of ambitious vocabulary, and how schools can support quieter children to find their voice. This episode is packed with practical ideas and encouragement for anyone wanting to place communication at the heart of their practice.Timestamps00:00 Welcome to the Your Teacher Village and Friends Podcast05:23 The benefits of prioritising oracy in schools11:52 Empowering staff to use ambitious vocabulary19:09 Introducing and implementing the Talk Toolkit24:37 Using Makaton and visual supports27:16 Common misconceptions about oracy32:24 Advice for teachers and where to startAbout Sarah HunterSarah Hunter is the founder of Oracy Playroom and an Early Years educator with a passion for helping children become confident, capable communicators. Through her training, resources and consultancy work, she supports schools and practitioners to develop communication and language across EYFS and KS1. Sarah is also the creator of the highly acclaimed Talk Toolkit: Developing Oracy Across EYFS and KS1, which provides practical, realistic strategies to help children find their voice and flourish.Find VickiWebsite: www.yourteachervillage.co.ukInstagram: @yourteachervillageFacebook: @yourteachervillageTikTok: @yourteachervillageLinkedIn: Vicki YadavFind SarahWebsite: www.oracyplayroom.comInstagram: @oracyplayroomFacebook: Oracy PlayroomFeatured CourseTalk Toolkit: Developing Oracy Across EYFS and KS1Created by Sarah Hunter, this highly-rated course is packed with practical strategies to help practitioners develop confident communicators and create language-rich environments. Whether you're working in Nursery, Reception or Key Stage 1, Talk Toolkit provides realistic ideas that can be implemented straight away.This episode is sponsored by Is it Time to Play?Website: www.isittimetoplay.co.ukInstagram: @isittimetoplayFacebook: @isittimetoplay
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  Episode 2 - Ready for September in EYFS with Emma Davies 14.06.2026 39мин

  In this episode, Vicki Yadav is joined by Emma Davies from Is it Time to Play?, to discuss how to prepare for the new academic year in EYFS. Together, they explore the importance of routines, expectations and creating environments that help children feel safe, secure and ready to learn.TakeawaysPlay-based learningUnderstanding children's developmentTeaching routines and expectations is crucialVisuals and repetition are key for learning routinesChapters00:00 Introduction to Purpose Session20:22 Teaching Routines and Expectations28:14 Balancing Academic Lessons and Routines34:25 Settling Children in Nursery and ReceptionFind Vicki at:www.yourteachervillage.co.ukInstagramFacebookTikTokLinkInFind Emma at:www.isittimetoplay.co.ukInstagramFacebookJoin our upcoming workshop - Starting Strong: Planning a Calm and Connected First Week in EYFS
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  Welcome to the Your Teacher Village and Friends Podcast! 19.05.2026 1мин

  The Your Teacher Village and Friends podcast is introduced by Vicki Yadav, the founder of Your Teacher Village. The podcast aims to provide a supportive space for primary school practitioners, offering honest conversations, practical ideas, and relatable stories. It emphasizes the importance of community and support in the teaching profession.TakeawaysSupporting primary school practitionersCreating a supportive communityChapters00:00 Introduction to Your Teacher Village and Friends Podcast