The Early Years Together

From developmental milestones to the power of play, this podcast explores early years education through thoughtful conversation, practical guidance and the latest research.

Early childhood education and care

Dr Jacqueline Young and Deborah Brown, associate professors in Education, launched the brand new podcast ‘The Early Years Together’ on Monday 26 January 2026.

With over six decades of experience between them and a shared passion for early childhood education, Deborah and Jacqueline bring a unique blend of academic expertise and hands-on experience to each ‘nurturing and insightful’ episode.

Each week, podcast episodes explore the wonders of early childhood education and care through playful curiosity and professional depth, weaving together lived experience and evidence-based practice. From developmental milestones to the power of play, they share thoughtful conversations, practical guidance, and the latest research with warmth, humour, and heart.

Whether you’re an experienced early years educator or a student, the podcast is a useful companion to support little learners to grow into confident, caring individuals.

Deborah and Jacqueline open the doors to a warm, reflective space designed for everyone who cares about early childhood. In particular, they explore why the early years matter, from rapid brain development and milestone moments, to the lifelong impact of early experiences. They also discuss how stress, disadvantage and early language gaps can shape a child’s future, the growing pressure on educators, and trusted resources available to support practitioners.

Whether you’re an educator, a parent or a student interested in teaching or supporting young people, this podcast offers bite size insights, real world context, and thoughtful conversation to accompany you on your daily routine.