Welcome to the 7th episode of Talking Early Years! In this episode, Gemma and Ellen explore the importance of Environments in early years settings - what makes a space truly supportive for young children’s learning, development, and wellbeing. From calm corners to curated play zones, we discuss how thoughtful environments can nurture independence, curiosity, and connection.
We also touch on the role of natural materials, open-ended resources, and the balance between aesthetics and functionality in early years spaces.
A fantastic place for inspiration is Community Playthings, known for their beautifully crafted furniture and learning resources designed specifically for early childhood environments. Take a look at their work here: https://www.communityplaythings.co.uk
Showcase Training are an Early Years-specialist training provider based on the south coast of the UK. Meet our hosts, Gemma and Ellen! https://showcasetraining.co.uk/2025/01/09/podcast-meet-the-hosts/
We'd love your feedback on the episode including comments and ideas for future discussions! Email us at hello@showcasetraining.co.uk and do make sure you visit our website for further resources and reading, especially on the subject of Safeguarding: www.showcasetraining.co.uk.