How can we support children in the early years to flourish?

This article and podcast episode explore what it means for children to flourish in early years. They outline key characteristics of flourishing; positive relationships, emotional resilience, curiosity, and a sense of belonging, connecting these to effective early years teaching and learning. They provide practical strategies to embed flourishing, creating supportive environments, fostering emotional development and promoting strong partnerships with families.

Read the article here:

https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/how-can-we-support-children-in-the-early-years-to-flourish/

This episode is in partnership with BookedIn

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Our 2026 conference info & tickets:

https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2026/

Listen to more:

If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like:

● Growth mindset in early childhood, by Matt Bawler: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/growth-mindset-in-early-childhood-2/

● Understanding neuroscience in early childhood, by Mandy Worsley: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/understanding-neuroscience-in-early-childhood/

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Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/

Episode break down:

· 00:00 - Welcome to the episode + guest introduction

· 03:45 - Unpicking "flourishing": why it's tricky to define + adult perspective

· 06:15 - Flourishing is individual: not one-size-fits-all + children's "place in the world"

· 08:25 - Moving from "becoming" to "being": focusing on the child in the now

· 09:55 - The "so what?": language, skills, and environment that supports flourishing

· 11:35 - What flourishing can look like in practice: confidence, empathy, coping "toolkit"

· 14:40 - Flourishing for younger children and babies: adult attunement, gaze, and early interaction

· 17:40 - Noticing when children need more support: proximity, reassurance, applying knowledge

· 20:30 - Characteristics of effective learning + links to flourishing (EYFS context)

· 22:45 - Practical strategies: relationships, greetings, routines, predictability, visual timetables

· 25:25 - Environment and provision: safe/calm spaces, indoors/outdoors, co-creating with children

· 27:40 - Adult language and modelling: thinking aloud, problem-solving, responsive play partner

· 29:50 - Positive affirmations: building motivation and long-lasting positive memories

· 32:00 - Educator learning and CPD: adults flourishing to support children flourishing

· 34:05 - Closing thanks + where to find Jane's accompanying article

For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com