Your Teacher Village and Friends
Vicki Yadav 9 episodes Nov 8, 2026
Your Teacher Village and Friends is a podcast for primary school practitioners, hosted by Vicki Yadav, founder of Your Teacher Village and an assistant headteacher at an inner London school. The show features conversations with teachers, leaders, and specialists sharing practical ideas, real experiences, and authentic discussions about school life. Topics range from Early Years to leadership, wellbeing to classroom practice, covering challenges, successes, and funny moments. The podcast aims to build a supportive community for educators.
Episodes
Episode 24 - Back to the Classroom with Charlie Burley
In this episode, Vicki Yadav speaks with Charlie Burley, the Teacher's Health Coach, about his journey from teaching to coaching and back to the classroom. They discuss the importance of teacher well-being, the challenges faced in education, and the impact of stress and mental health on teachers. In this conversation, Charlie reflects on his experiences returning to teaching and the changes he has
Episode 23 - The Growing GLD with Michelle Windridge
In this episode, Vicki Yadav and Michelle Windridge discuss the implications of the government's GLD targets for early years education, exploring the pressures faced by educators and the importance of focusing on children's individual needs. They emphasise the need for community support, trust in educators, and the challenges posed by external pressures and comparisons in the teaching profession.T
Episode 22 - Going Platinum in School Sports with Amy Downs
In this episode, Vicki Yadav interviews Amy Downs about her journey as a PE leader and the steps taken to achieve the Platinum Sports Mark at their school. They discuss the challenges, strategies, and the importance of creating an inclusive and positive environment for physical education. The conversation explores the importance of fostering a positive sports culture in schools, emphasising the ro
Episode 21 - Life as a Special School Teacher with Sarah Brown
In this podcast episode, Vicki Yadav interviews Sarah Brown, a teacher with extensive experience in both mainstream and special education settings. They discuss the unique challenges and rewards of teaching in a special school, emphasizing the importance of inclusion, communication, and tailored educational strategies for children with special needs. The conversation focuses on the importance of t
Episode 20 - Being an EYFS Lead with Sophie Greenaway
In this episode, Vicki Yadav speaks with Sophie Greenaway about her experiences and challenges as an early years leader. They discuss the importance of community support, the evolution of leadership roles, and the balance between career and family life. In this conversation, Sophie and Vicki discuss the challenges and rewards of being an early years leader, emphasizing the importance of profession
Episode 19 - Battling the Imposter Syndrome with Clare Welsh
In this podcast episode, Vicki Yadav and Claire Welsh discuss the challenges faced by educators, particularly focusing on stress, burnout, and imposter syndrome. They explore the importance of self-awareness, seeking help, and the impact of teaching culture on mental health. In this conversation, Clare Welsh discusses strategies for managing stress and imposter syndrome, particularly in the contex
Episode 18 - Big News, Little People with Katie Harrison
The podcast episode features a conversation with Katie Harrison, co-founder of Picture News, discussing the importance of media literacy and engaging children in news. The discussion covers the origin and growth of Picture News, its resource overview, age range, news selection, handling controversial topics, early years application, encouraging children to form their own views, parental concerns,
Episode 17 - Preparing for SIAMS with Alice Fletcher
The episode features a conversation with Alice Fletcher, a head teacher, about preparing for a Siams inspection. The discussion covers the Siams inspection process, the key areas of focus, and strategies for effective preparation.TakeawaysSiams inspection focuses on theologically rooted Christian vision, curriculum, collective worship, well-being, responsibility, justice, and religious education.P
Episode 16 - From Nappies to Knickers with Hayley Stoner
The podcast episode discusses the challenges and strategies for supporting children with toilet training. It covers topics such as navigating toilet training, meeting Hailey and toilet training challenges, factors affecting toilet training, transition to school and toilet training, constipation and toilet training, managing toilet training challenges, initiation and transition times, predictable d
Episode 15 - Let's Talk EAL with Hannah White
The episode focuses on practical strategies for supporting multilingual learners in the classroom, covering topics such as welcoming new EAL learners, pre-teaching vocabulary, and using the Bell Foundation's resources for assessment and support. The conversation emphasizes the importance of inclusion, body language, and adapting activities to meet the needs of EAL learners at different proficiency
Episode 14 - Your EYFS Questions Answered with Emma Davies and Vicki Yadav
In this episode, Vicki Yadav and Emma Davies discuss planning, provision, and timetabling in early years education. They emphasize the importance of continuous provision, the role of seasonality in planning, and the need for flexibility in timetabling. They also highlight the value of adult-led sessions and the balance between adult-led and child-led activities. The conversation covers topics rela
Episode 13 - All About Me with Vicki Yadav
Vicki Yadav shares her journey from early childhood to becoming a teacher and founding Your Teacher Village. She discusses her experiences, challenges, and the evolution of her career, as well as the development of her business. Vicki emphasizes the importance of trying different year groups and schools to find the right fit in teaching.TakeawaysPassion for Early ChildhoodEntrepreneurship in Educa
Episode 12 - Inside Year 6 with Megan Ford
The conversation delves into the experiences and challenges of teaching year six, covering topics such as behavior management, SATs, and parental involvement. Megan Ford shares insights on teaching year six, including the importance of building relationships, managing behavior, and preparing for SATs. The conversation covers various aspects of year six, including SATs week, the year six show, and
Bonus Episode - Early Years Matters: Why the Workforce Deserves More with Elle Hull
The episode features a conversation with Elle Hull, who has launched a campaign calling for greater recognition and investment in the Early Years Workforce. Elle shares her journey into early years education, the realities of working in the sector, and the importance of the campaign. The episode also highlights the need for support and recognition for early years professionals.TakeawaysEarly years
Episode 11 - How Do We Create Children Who Genuinely Love Reading? with Esther Brown
The conversation explores the importance of creating a reading for pleasure culture in schools and classrooms. It delves into the process of choosing books for the classroom, setting up a book area in early years and key stage 1, reading outside, supporting reading at home, and working with parents. The episode concludes with a final tip on the teacher's role as a reading role model.TakeawaysReadi
Episode 10 - Supply Teaching - Stepping into the Unknown with Emma-Lee Reddacliff
Emma-Lee Reddacliff shares her journey from teaching in Australia to becoming a supply teacher in the UK. She discusses the challenges, rewards, and strategies for success in supply teaching, offering valuable insights and advice for educators.TakeawaysSupply teaching offers opportunities for growth and learning in a new environment.Building connections with students and staff is essential for a p
Episode 9 - From Teacher to Entrepreneur with Rachel Turner
Rachel Turner, the managing director of the Positive Teacher Company, shares the story behind the company, the challenges she faced, and the community she has built. She emphasizes the importance of real-world networking and support within the teaching community.TakeawaysEntrepreneurial spirit in teachingReal-world networking and support within the teaching communityChapters00:00 The Birth of the
Episode 8 - Making Visuals Mainstream with Gina Smith
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
Episode 7 - What it's Really Like Being and EYFS Content Creator with Georgia Lucas
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
Episode 6 - Is it Time to Rethink KS1? with Charlotte Bunyan and Karina Kenning
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 St
Episode 5 - Looking After the Teacher Behind the Job with Louise Abslom
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
Episode 4 - Step into EYFS Leadership with Confidence
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 fo
Episode 2 - Ready for September in EYFS with Emma Davies
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 crucialVisu
Episode 3 - Play is Learning with Ruth Lue-Quee
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 Parliam
Episode 1 - Finding Their Voice: Why Oracy Matters with Sarah Hunter
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, conversa
Welcome to the Your Teacher Village and Friends Podcast!
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 practitionersCreatin
