In this episode of the Best Practice Network Apprenticeship Podcast, host Emma Minchella is joined by guest Ka Lai Brightley-Hodges from Coram Pacey to explore the findings from the Magic of Childminding 2026 report and celebrate the incredible impact childminders have on children, families and communities.

Together, they discuss what makes childminding such a distinctive form of childcare, the importance of long-term relationships and emotional security for children, and why so many childminders remain passionate about the profession for years. They also explore the vital role childminders play in supporting babies and young children, creating rich learning experiences through everyday life, and providing trusted support for whole families.

Explore what organisational values really mean in practice. You will reflect on whether values are lived or just displayed, how they shape behaviour and decision making, and how they hold up under pressure. This episode encourages you to align values, actions and culture to lead with greater consistency and clarity.

Steph Larner-Pickin is an Assistant Headteacher in an Alternative Provision Academy and PRU in the north west of England. She has a particular interest in ethical leadership and what drives us as school leaders to make the decisions we do, including balancing accountability with compassion and the wellbeing of everyone within the organisation. Steph holds values-based practice close to her heart and believes that strong schools are built upon inclusion, justice, transparency, aspiration and trust.

Resources

Level 7 Organisational values - PowerPoint

In this upcoming episode of the Best Practice Network Apprenticeship Podcast, hosts Emma Minchella and Tatia Singleton are joined by maths and English tutor Tamara Priestman. Together, they explore how the virtual classroom sessions are designed to be engaging, supportive, and inclusive for all learners.

Through real-life examples, they highlight how the virtual classrooms are both accessible and enjoyable, and why creating a positive environment is key to building confidence and encouraging participation. The episode also offers valuable insight into how tailored support and interactive teaching approaches can help you develop essential skills, succeed in their maths and English functional skills exams, and unlock long-term career opportunities.

BPN Boost

https://www.bestpracticenet.co.uk/boost

Explore what ethical leadership really means in practice. You will reflect on values, accountability and the pressures that shape difficult decisions. This episode encourages you to examine your own assumptions, consider competing priorities and lead with integrity when navigating complexity and uncertainty in senior leadership.

Steph Larner-Pickin is an Assistant Headteacher in an Alternative Provision Academy and PRU in the north west of England. She has a particular interest in ethical leadership and what drives us as school leaders to make the decisions we do, including balancing accountability with compassion and the wellbeing of everyone within the organisation. Steph holds values-based practice close to her heart and believes that strong schools are built upon inclusion, justice, transparency, aspiration and trust.

Resources

Level 7 Ethical leadership - PowerPoint

In this episode, hosts Tatia Ruble Singleton and Emma Minchella are joined by experienced nursery leader Dawn Lewis to explore what it truly means to be an ethical leader in an early years setting. Drawing on their collective experience in early childhood education, they discuss the values, responsibilities, and everyday decisions that shape ethical practice. Together, they reflect on how integrity, care for staff and children, and thoughtful leadership can create nurturing environments where both educators and young learners can thrive.

In this episode of the Best Practice Network Apprenticeship Podcast, hosts Emma Minchella and Tatia Singleton are joined by guest Lucas Wheatley to explore the important topic of feeling lost in adulthood.

Together, they dive into the experience of questioning whether we’re on the right path, the challenges of navigating uncertainty, and the impact this can have on mental wellbeing. They also discuss practical strategies for finding direction, embracing change, and fostering resilience, helping listeners reflect on their own journeys and feel more confident in their personal and professional growth.

BPN Boost

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Develop a sharper strategic mindset by exploring critical analysis and evaluation in real leadership contexts. You will reflect on assumptions, evidence, bias and judgement, considering how decisions are formed under uncertainty. This episode encourages deeper thinking, balanced reasoning and greater confidence when navigating complex organisational challenges.

Guy Strath is an Upper Phase Lead & Data Manager at Southlands School in Lymington, Hampshire. Teaching for over 20 years in large secondary schools & sixth form to specialist ASD schools. Level 7 apprentice for Senior School Leadership.

​​​​​​​​​​Level 7 Critical Analysis & Evaluation PowerPoint

Explore what makes a business proposal truly strategic. You will reflect on risk, ethics and influence, moving beyond operational fixes to big-picture thinking. This episode helps you test your ideas, challenge assumptions and make confident decisions when navigating complexity, uncertainty and competing priorities as a leader.

Resources

Creating a strategic business proposal - PowerPoint