The Parent-Teacher Loop

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Claire, Lucy and Olivia explore early childhood phonics support, teaching strategies, and preparing for phonics screening checks. They share practical tips for parents to enhance children's reading skills from nursery through to the Phonics screening check in Year one.

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This episode features Claire, Lucy and Olivia discussing dyslexia, early signs, support strategies, and the importance of early diagnosis. Learn how teachers and parents can collaborate to support children with dyslexia effectively.

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This episode explores the nuances of potty training, exploring the idea and benefits of making an early start. It emphasises the importance of routine, and confidence-building strategies. Have potty trained over 50 children, Lucy shares her extensive experience, debunking myths and offering practical tips for parents and educators.

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In this episode Olivia, Claire and Lucy explore the importance of outdoor play for children's development, discussing practical tips for parents and educators to encourage outdoor activities despite urban constraints and weather challenges.

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This episode explores the importance of low-cost, creative play for children, especially during the cost of living crisis. Hosts Claire, Olivia, and Lucy share practical ideas, personal experiences, and tips for fostering imaginative play using household items and minimal resources.

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This episode explores the importance of sleep and bedtime routines for children, debunking myths and sharing practical tips for establishing healthy habits. Join us as we discuss the impact of routines on development, the influence of modern parenting trends, and effective strategies for peaceful bedtimes.

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In this episode, the Lucy, Olivia and Claire discuss the pressing issue of school refusal, exploring its complexities, especially in the context of rising anxiety levels among children post-COVID. They emphasise the importance of communication between parents and schools, the need for empathy and understanding, and practical strategies for parents to help their children navigate school refusal. The conversation highlights the significance of establishing routines and remaining calm and consistent in addressing these challenges.

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In this episode, the Olivia, Claire and Lucy discuss the importance of communication between parents and children regarding school experiences. They explore various strategies to encourage open conversations, the significance of positive framing, and how to handle sensitive topics. The conversation emphasises the need for parents to model good communication skills and to create a safe space for children to express their feelings. The episode concludes with practical tips for effective communication and a preview of the next...

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In this episode, the hosts discuss the pressing issue of smartphone usage in schools, particularly focusing on the implications of phones on children's learning and social interactions. They explore the idea of phone-free schools, the impact of smartphones on teenagers' attention spans and reading abilities, and provide guidelines for parents on managing smartphone usage. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community support and resources for parents navigating these challenges.

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In this episode, the hosts discuss the significance of effective communication between parents and teachers, emphasising how it can positively impact a child's educational experience. They share personal anecdotes, tips for parents on what and how to communicate with teachers, and the importance of building a respectful and collaborative relationship to support children's development.

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In this episode, the hosts discuss the challenges of managing children's screen time with guest Morwenna Lewis, a psychotherapist and parenting coach. They explore the impact of technology on family dynamics, the importance of setting boundaries, and the role of communication in fostering healthy relationships. Morwenna shares her journey into parenting coaching, emphasizing the need for parents to be aware of their own energy and capacity to hold boundaries. The conversation also touches on the significance of fun...

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In this episode, Olivia and Lucy engage with Amanda Christopherson, a Thrive Practitioner, to explore the importance of building confidence and resilience in children. They discuss the Thrive approach, the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and the significance of attachment in early development. Amanda shares insights on her initiative, Peapods and Stars, which aims to support children's emotional and social needs through tailored activities and a nurturing environment. The conversation highlights the challenges children face today, particularly...

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In this episode, the hosts discuss the impact of screen time on children's development, focusing on attention spans, recommended usage, and the importance of physical activity. They share personal anecdotes and insights from their experiences as educators and parents, emphasizing the need for balance and practical strategies to manage screen time effectively. The conversation highlights the role of parents in guiding their children's screen habits and the potential long-term effects of excessive screen use on child development.
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In this episode, the hosts discuss the importance of reading for children with James from the Rebel Reading Society. They explore the challenges children face in developing a reading habit, the impact of reading on academic success, and practical strategies for parents to encourage reading at home. James shares insights on how the Rebel Reading Society promotes reading through engaging activities, book giveaways, and celebrating new authors. The conversation emphasizes the need for a supportive reading culture in...

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In this episode, the hosts discuss the critical issue of school lateness and absences, exploring the emotional and academic consequences for children. They share personal anecdotes and insights on how parents can encourage consistent school attendance, the impact of COVID-19 on education, and the importance of resilience in children. The conversation emphasizes the need for open communication between parents and teachers and highlights the long-term effects of missing school on academic performance.

If...

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In this podcast episode, the hosts discuss the concept of risky play, emphasising its importance in child development. They explore how taking risks can build resilience, confidence, and emotional growth in children. The conversation includes practical tips for parents on how to encourage safe exploration and the use of tools, as well as the significance of gross motor development. The hosts also share personal anecdotes and insights on fostering a healthy attitude towards risk-taking in children, ultimately highlighting...

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In this episode, the hosts discuss childhood infections and vaccinations with Dr. Julia Kenny, a pediatric consultant. They explore the importance of vaccinations, herd immunity, and the complications associated with diseases like chickenpox and measles. The conversation also addresses parental concerns about missed vaccinations, guidelines for keeping children off school, and the educational support available for hospitalized children. Additionally, Dr. Kenny provides travel safety advice regarding vaccinations for families planning to travel abroad.

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In this episode, the Claire, Olivia and Lucy discuss the significance of homework in children's education, exploring expectations by age group, effective strategies for parents to help their children succeed, and the importance of life skills alongside academic tasks. They emphasize the need for routine, communication with teachers, and the value of engaging children in their learning process.

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In this podcast episode, Richard Boak, a specialist speech and language therapist, discusses the challenges and developments in speech therapy today. He highlights the increasing demand for services, the importance of human interaction in language development, and provides insights into speech therapy milestones for children. Richard also addresses common concerns such as speech delay and stuttering and offers practical tips for parents to foster good speech and language skills in their children.

If you have any...

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In this episode, the hosts discuss the critical role of diet in children's performance at school, emphasizing the importance of a balanced diet for energy, concentration, and overall health. They share practical tips for overcoming picky eating, meal preparation, and creating healthy snacks and lunchboxes. The conversation highlights the need for parents to model healthy eating habits and the significance of involving children in food preparation. The episode concludes with encouraging words for parents dealing with fussy eaters...

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If you have ever wondered or asked your child's teacher 'Is my child where they need to be?' then this episode is for you. This week on the Parent Teacher Loop podcast, the hosts discuss learning expectations for children in Year Four, Five and Six focusing on reading, writing, and maths. They delve into what parents can expect from their children as they progress through the school system. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding individual learning...

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In this episode of the Parent Teacher Loop podcast, the hosts discuss learning expectations for children in Year One, Year Two and Year Three, focusing on reading, writing, and maths. They delve into what parents can expect from their children as they progress through the school system. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding individual learning paths, the significance of communication with teachers, and practical tips for supporting children's education at home.

If...

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In this episode, the hosts discuss the critical topic of eSafety for children, especially as summer approaches and screen time increases. They explore the implications of screen time, the importance of parental awareness, and the role of schools in educating children about online safety. The conversation highlights the dangers of smartphones and online gaming, the impact of technology on child development, and the need for open communication between parents and children. The hosts also provide practical tips for...

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In this episode, Olivia, Claire and Lucy discuss the challenges parents face during the summer holidays regarding their children's learning and development. They share personal anecdotes, explore the impact of long breaks on academic progress, and provide practical tips for keeping children engaged and learning while having fun. The conversation emphasizes the importance of balance, routine, and creative activities to ensure children do not fall behind as they transition back to school.

Chapters

00:00 Navigating...

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In this episode, the hosts discuss strategies for surviving the long summer holidays with children, focusing on maintaining some educational skills, while also ensuring fun and engaging activities. They share personal experiences and practical tips for structuring days, encouraging reading, and incorporating creative play. The conversation emphasizes the importance of balance, flexibility, and involving children in planning their summer activities to foster independence and enjoyment.

Chapters 

00:00 Surviving the Summer Holidays
08:59 E...

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In this episode, the hosts discuss the complexities of parenting and education, focusing on managing children's big emotions, the importance of compliance in early education, and the role of transparency between parents and educators. They explore strategies for helping children articulate their feelings and navigate hormonal changes as they grow. The conversation emphasizes the need for emotional literacy and awareness in children, while also engaging listeners for future topics. This conversation delves into the emotional development of children...

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In this episode, the hosts discuss the importance of boredom in childhood development, emphasizing how it fosters creativity, imagination, and resilience. They explore various strategies for parents to manage their children's boredom, the role of technology, and the significance of independent play. The conversation highlights the balance between structured activities and free play, ultimately advocating for boredom as a valuable learning opportunity.

Chapters

00:00 The Importance of Boredom
03:43 Boredom as a Catalyst...

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In this episode we welcome our first guest to the podcast: Louise is Head of Lower School and Year 7 at a grammar school and she explains the expectations for starting Grammar school. Claire, our Early Years teacher explains the expectations of starting Primary school and we talk about how to best prepare your children for those transitions.

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In this engaging podcast episode, the hosts discuss the multifaceted challenges of parenting, particularly focusing on the importance of resilience and play in child development. They share personal anecdotes and professional insights on how to foster resilience in children, the significance of school readiness, and the transitions children face as they grow. The conversation emphasizes the need for parents to allow their children to struggle and learn from their experiences, ultimately preparing them for future challenges.

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In this episode we explain what is meant by early numeracy. Claire, our Early Years teacher describes what the skills and expectations look like in the classroom. Lucy, our Childminder gives top tips on how to encourage early counting and maths skills at home and how to fit it in to busy day.

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In this episode we explain what is meant by early literacy. Claire, our Early Years teacher describes what the skills and expectations look like in the classroom. Lucy, our Childminder gives tips on early reading and how to fit it in to a busy day.

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In this episode we look at the communication and social skills needed for starting school. Claire, our Early Years teacher explains what the expectation is for children starting school and Lucy, our Childminder, gives tips on how to encourage those skills in children getting ready to go to school so that they can be as successful as possible from day one.

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In this episode we talk all about the statutory tests that children do in Primary School: phonics screening check, the Multiplications check and the SATs. Claire and Olivia, our Primary School teachers explain what the children can expect and how best to prepare for them with as little stress as possible.

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This episode looks again at the school readiness checklist and in particular potty training. Claire, our Early teacher explains what is expected of your child when they start school when it comes to going to the toilet. She describes what the children can expect in class as well as how the teachers will help them. Lucy, our Nanny and Childminder then gives lots of great tips and information about how to get your children to the point where...

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This episode looks more closely at the school readiness checklist, in particular the importance of movement and play for helping your child be successful at writing when they start school. Claire, our Early Years teacher tells us what to expect in the first year of school and Lucy, our Nanny and Childminder gives lots of great tips for encouraging movement and play.

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This episode looks in more detail at 3 items on the school readiness checklist: independent eating, dressing and focusing. As Primary School teachers, parents and practitioners we explain what the expectations look like in school, the impact of meeting those expectations and give tips for how to achieve them.

If you have any questions you would like us to answer you can find and follow us on Instagram @ParentTeacherLoop