Dr. Aaron Bradbury
@aaronearlyyears.bsky.social
Early Childhood Academic,Author, International Speaker: Nurture, Play, Child Development & Social Mobility. Co Chair ECSDN, MNS/PVI School Governor: Views my own #EarlyYearsSky #PlayMatters #edusky
Play and High Expectations Are Not Opposites
nottinghaminstituteofeducation.wordpress.com/2025/11/11/p...
nottinghaminstituteofeducation.wordpress.com/2025/11/11/p...
Play and High Expectations Are Not Opposites
Somewhere along the way, the narrative around play and high expectations became tangled. In policy papers, inspections, and even professional development sessions, play has too often been cast as t…
nottinghaminstituteofeducation.wordpress.com
November 12, 2025 at 8:09 AM
Play and High Expectations Are Not Opposites
nottinghaminstituteofeducation.wordpress.com/2025/11/11/p...
nottinghaminstituteofeducation.wordpress.com/2025/11/11/p...
The Early Years are at a crossroads.
Between checklists and child development.
Between performance and play.
Between data and developmentally appropriate practice.
Which path will we choose?
👉 www.early-years-reviews.com/post/the-ear...
#EarlyYears #PlayMatters #ChildDevelopment #SchoolReadiness
Between checklists and child development.
Between performance and play.
Between data and developmentally appropriate practice.
Which path will we choose?
👉 www.early-years-reviews.com/post/the-ear...
#EarlyYears #PlayMatters #ChildDevelopment #SchoolReadiness
November 9, 2025 at 7:41 PM
The Early Years are at a crossroads.
Between checklists and child development.
Between performance and play.
Between data and developmentally appropriate practice.
Which path will we choose?
👉 www.early-years-reviews.com/post/the-ear...
#EarlyYears #PlayMatters #ChildDevelopment #SchoolReadiness
Between checklists and child development.
Between performance and play.
Between data and developmentally appropriate practice.
Which path will we choose?
👉 www.early-years-reviews.com/post/the-ear...
#EarlyYears #PlayMatters #ChildDevelopment #SchoolReadiness
Today I had the pleasure of sharing our Play, Policy and Power research at a conference in Telford.
It reminded us to challenge systems that sideline play and practitioner voice, and to keep children’s joy, curiosity and rights at the heart. Together, we have the power.
It reminded us to challenge systems that sideline play and practitioner voice, and to keep children’s joy, curiosity and rights at the heart. Together, we have the power.
November 7, 2025 at 8:49 PM
Today I had the pleasure of sharing our Play, Policy and Power research at a conference in Telford.
It reminded us to challenge systems that sideline play and practitioner voice, and to keep children’s joy, curiosity and rights at the heart. Together, we have the power.
It reminded us to challenge systems that sideline play and practitioner voice, and to keep children’s joy, curiosity and rights at the heart. Together, we have the power.
🌱 Tomorrow I’ll be speaking at #NurseryWorldConference about rethinking school readiness.
It’s not about checklists, it’s about who children are.
Play, relationships & belonging are the real foundations of readiness.
#StartingStrong #PlayMatters #ChildInTheNOW #EarlyYears
It’s not about checklists, it’s about who children are.
Play, relationships & belonging are the real foundations of readiness.
#StartingStrong #PlayMatters #ChildInTheNOW #EarlyYears
November 3, 2025 at 8:25 PM
🌱 Tomorrow I’ll be speaking at #NurseryWorldConference about rethinking school readiness.
It’s not about checklists, it’s about who children are.
Play, relationships & belonging are the real foundations of readiness.
#StartingStrong #PlayMatters #ChildInTheNOW #EarlyYears
It’s not about checklists, it’s about who children are.
Play, relationships & belonging are the real foundations of readiness.
#StartingStrong #PlayMatters #ChildInTheNOW #EarlyYears
Reposted by Dr. Aaron Bradbury
Join our WhatsApp Channel: Early Years Reviews
Are you passionate about early years education? Want to stay on top of the latest news, reviews, commentary and professional insight, all delivered directly to your phone?
✅ Click here to join: whatsapp.com/channel/0029...
Are you passionate about early years education? Want to stay on top of the latest news, reviews, commentary and professional insight, all delivered directly to your phone?
✅ Click here to join: whatsapp.com/channel/0029...
November 1, 2025 at 9:24 AM
Join our WhatsApp Channel: Early Years Reviews
Are you passionate about early years education? Want to stay on top of the latest news, reviews, commentary and professional insight, all delivered directly to your phone?
✅ Click here to join: whatsapp.com/channel/0029...
Are you passionate about early years education? Want to stay on top of the latest news, reviews, commentary and professional insight, all delivered directly to your phone?
✅ Click here to join: whatsapp.com/channel/0029...
🎉 It’s Sale Time! 🎉
With our second edition of Early Childhood Theories Today out now, which you can get a copy here amzn.eu/d/d8KbvJo, the first edition is only £5! 🙌
Don’t miss your chance to grab a copy that’s inspired thousands across the early years sector.
With our second edition of Early Childhood Theories Today out now, which you can get a copy here amzn.eu/d/d8KbvJo, the first edition is only £5! 🙌
Don’t miss your chance to grab a copy that’s inspired thousands across the early years sector.
November 2, 2025 at 4:52 PM
🎉 It’s Sale Time! 🎉
With our second edition of Early Childhood Theories Today out now, which you can get a copy here amzn.eu/d/d8KbvJo, the first edition is only £5! 🙌
Don’t miss your chance to grab a copy that’s inspired thousands across the early years sector.
With our second edition of Early Childhood Theories Today out now, which you can get a copy here amzn.eu/d/d8KbvJo, the first edition is only £5! 🙌
Don’t miss your chance to grab a copy that’s inspired thousands across the early years sector.
Join our WhatsApp Channel: Early Years Reviews
Are you passionate about early years education? Want to stay on top of the latest news, reviews, commentary and professional insight, all delivered directly to your phone?
✅ Click here to join: whatsapp.com/channel/0029...
Are you passionate about early years education? Want to stay on top of the latest news, reviews, commentary and professional insight, all delivered directly to your phone?
✅ Click here to join: whatsapp.com/channel/0029...
November 1, 2025 at 9:24 AM
Join our WhatsApp Channel: Early Years Reviews
Are you passionate about early years education? Want to stay on top of the latest news, reviews, commentary and professional insight, all delivered directly to your phone?
✅ Click here to join: whatsapp.com/channel/0029...
Are you passionate about early years education? Want to stay on top of the latest news, reviews, commentary and professional insight, all delivered directly to your phone?
✅ Click here to join: whatsapp.com/channel/0029...
Reposted by Dr. Aaron Bradbury
If school readiness is really about children, we need to stop pretending context doesn’t matter.
www.nurseryworld.co.uk/content/news...
www.nurseryworld.co.uk/content/news...
Dr Aaron Bradbury: If school readiness is really about children, we need to stop pretending context doesn’t matter - Nursery World
Every child's individual experience needs to be taken into account when they start school, says Dr Aaron Bradbury
www.nurseryworld.co.uk
October 20, 2025 at 6:20 PM
If school readiness is really about children, we need to stop pretending context doesn’t matter.
www.nurseryworld.co.uk/content/news...
www.nurseryworld.co.uk/content/news...
Reposted by Dr. Aaron Bradbury
Out in November: the comprehensively revised and updated 2nd edition of Putting the EYFS Curriculum into Practice
uk.sagepub.com/en-gb/eur/pu...
uk.sagepub.com/en-gb/eur/pu...
Putting the EYFS Curriculum into Practice
uk.sagepub.com
September 19, 2025 at 1:56 PM
Out in November: the comprehensively revised and updated 2nd edition of Putting the EYFS Curriculum into Practice
uk.sagepub.com/en-gb/eur/pu...
uk.sagepub.com/en-gb/eur/pu...
New publication now live 📢
Written by the Early Childhood Maths Group, this resource explores how to nurture early mathematical thinking through play and developmentally-appropriate practice.
📄 Download: www.early-years-reviews.com/_files/ugd/c...
Please share.
#EYFS #PlayMatters #EarlyMaths
Written by the Early Childhood Maths Group, this resource explores how to nurture early mathematical thinking through play and developmentally-appropriate practice.
📄 Download: www.early-years-reviews.com/_files/ugd/c...
Please share.
#EYFS #PlayMatters #EarlyMaths
October 21, 2025 at 8:29 PM
New publication now live 📢
Written by the Early Childhood Maths Group, this resource explores how to nurture early mathematical thinking through play and developmentally-appropriate practice.
📄 Download: www.early-years-reviews.com/_files/ugd/c...
Please share.
#EYFS #PlayMatters #EarlyMaths
Written by the Early Childhood Maths Group, this resource explores how to nurture early mathematical thinking through play and developmentally-appropriate practice.
📄 Download: www.early-years-reviews.com/_files/ugd/c...
Please share.
#EYFS #PlayMatters #EarlyMaths
Reposted by Dr. Aaron Bradbury
"Guidance is often authored by individuals embedded in social and professional contexts where time, stability, literacy capital and institutional trust are assumed. The child is assessed against a developmental story they were never resourced to live." AMEN!
www.nurseryworld.co.uk/content/news...
www.nurseryworld.co.uk/content/news...
Dr Aaron Bradbury: If school readiness is really about children, we need to stop pretending context doesn’t matter - Nursery World
Every child's individual experience needs to be taken into account when they start school, says Dr Aaron Bradbury
www.nurseryworld.co.uk
October 20, 2025 at 7:25 PM
"Guidance is often authored by individuals embedded in social and professional contexts where time, stability, literacy capital and institutional trust are assumed. The child is assessed against a developmental story they were never resourced to live." AMEN!
www.nurseryworld.co.uk/content/news...
www.nurseryworld.co.uk/content/news...
If school readiness is really about children, we need to stop pretending context doesn’t matter.
www.nurseryworld.co.uk/content/news...
www.nurseryworld.co.uk/content/news...
Dr Aaron Bradbury: If school readiness is really about children, we need to stop pretending context doesn’t matter - Nursery World
Every child's individual experience needs to be taken into account when they start school, says Dr Aaron Bradbury
www.nurseryworld.co.uk
October 20, 2025 at 6:20 PM
If school readiness is really about children, we need to stop pretending context doesn’t matter.
www.nurseryworld.co.uk/content/news...
www.nurseryworld.co.uk/content/news...
Who else has an emotional attachment to their robot vacuum? Mine is called Ronnie.
Mine works harder than I do on a Sunday and never complains, just quietly judging the state of my carpets while it does laps of the living room. 🧹🤖✨
Mine works harder than I do on a Sunday and never complains, just quietly judging the state of my carpets while it does laps of the living room. 🧹🤖✨
October 19, 2025 at 2:30 PM
Who else has an emotional attachment to their robot vacuum? Mine is called Ronnie.
Mine works harder than I do on a Sunday and never complains, just quietly judging the state of my carpets while it does laps of the living room. 🧹🤖✨
Mine works harder than I do on a Sunday and never complains, just quietly judging the state of my carpets while it does laps of the living room. 🧹🤖✨
Reposted by Dr. Aaron Bradbury
I really enjoyed this conversation with @aaronearlyyears.bsky.social
Play matters!
open.spotify.com/episode/4fBS...
Play matters!
open.spotify.com/episode/4fBS...
Play Talk Radio - Play in the Early Years Foundation Stage
open.spotify.com
October 19, 2025 at 9:28 AM
I really enjoyed this conversation with @aaronearlyyears.bsky.social
Play matters!
open.spotify.com/episode/4fBS...
Play matters!
open.spotify.com/episode/4fBS...
New #PlayTalkRadio episode 🎙
Ruth Swailes on Play in the EYFS, honest, informed and rooted in practice.
Listen now: open.spotify.com/episode/4fBS...
#PlayMatters #EYFS
Ruth Swailes on Play in the EYFS, honest, informed and rooted in practice.
Listen now: open.spotify.com/episode/4fBS...
#PlayMatters #EYFS
Play Talk Radio - Play in the Early Years Foundation Stage
open.spotify.com
October 19, 2025 at 8:48 AM
New #PlayTalkRadio episode 🎙
Ruth Swailes on Play in the EYFS, honest, informed and rooted in practice.
Listen now: open.spotify.com/episode/4fBS...
#PlayMatters #EYFS
Ruth Swailes on Play in the EYFS, honest, informed and rooted in practice.
Listen now: open.spotify.com/episode/4fBS...
#PlayMatters #EYFS
A double whammy this Friday 🎉
Heading to Hounslow to speak about School Readiness the Child-Centred Way and then onto Westminster to explore Play and School Readiness as part of Reforming the EYFS.
Two events, one message, play and relationships matter 🌈
#StartingStrong #PlayMatters #EYFS
Heading to Hounslow to speak about School Readiness the Child-Centred Way and then onto Westminster to explore Play and School Readiness as part of Reforming the EYFS.
Two events, one message, play and relationships matter 🌈
#StartingStrong #PlayMatters #EYFS
October 15, 2025 at 8:37 PM
A double whammy this Friday 🎉
Heading to Hounslow to speak about School Readiness the Child-Centred Way and then onto Westminster to explore Play and School Readiness as part of Reforming the EYFS.
Two events, one message, play and relationships matter 🌈
#StartingStrong #PlayMatters #EYFS
Heading to Hounslow to speak about School Readiness the Child-Centred Way and then onto Westminster to explore Play and School Readiness as part of Reforming the EYFS.
Two events, one message, play and relationships matter 🌈
#StartingStrong #PlayMatters #EYFS
🎓 Funded PhD opportunity!
Reimagining Practices of Play – working with Nottingham communities to explore how curiosity-driven play supports children’s social & educational development. UK only
👉 Apply now: www.findaphd.com/phds/project...
#PhD #Education #Play #ChildhoodStudies
Reimagining Practices of Play – working with Nottingham communities to explore how curiosity-driven play supports children’s social & educational development. UK only
👉 Apply now: www.findaphd.com/phds/project...
#PhD #Education #Play #ChildhoodStudies
Reimagining Practices of Play: Collaborating with Nottingham communities to support children’s social and education development through curiosity-driven play at Nottingham Trent University on FindAPhD...
PhD Project - Reimagining Practices of Play: Collaborating with Nottingham communities to support children’s social and education development through curiosity-driven play at Nottingham Trent Un...
www.findaphd.com
October 15, 2025 at 8:34 PM
🎓 Funded PhD opportunity!
Reimagining Practices of Play – working with Nottingham communities to explore how curiosity-driven play supports children’s social & educational development. UK only
👉 Apply now: www.findaphd.com/phds/project...
#PhD #Education #Play #ChildhoodStudies
Reimagining Practices of Play – working with Nottingham communities to explore how curiosity-driven play supports children’s social & educational development. UK only
👉 Apply now: www.findaphd.com/phds/project...
#PhD #Education #Play #ChildhoodStudies
Day 2! Starting Strong through a Day of Play, Manchester! 🎈
So excited to join the Bright Futures NW Early Years Stronger Practice Hub for two amazing days of fun, pedagogy, joy, learning, connection & PLAY!
Play truly matters: Giving Every Child the Best Start in Life.
So excited to join the Bright Futures NW Early Years Stronger Practice Hub for two amazing days of fun, pedagogy, joy, learning, connection & PLAY!
Play truly matters: Giving Every Child the Best Start in Life.
October 11, 2025 at 7:42 AM
Day 2! Starting Strong through a Day of Play, Manchester! 🎈
So excited to join the Bright Futures NW Early Years Stronger Practice Hub for two amazing days of fun, pedagogy, joy, learning, connection & PLAY!
Play truly matters: Giving Every Child the Best Start in Life.
So excited to join the Bright Futures NW Early Years Stronger Practice Hub for two amazing days of fun, pedagogy, joy, learning, connection & PLAY!
Play truly matters: Giving Every Child the Best Start in Life.
🎙️ New on #PlayTalkRadio!
We’re joined by the brilliant Tamsin Grimmer to explore Play, Love & Nurture ❤️
A powerful conversation on why relationships + play are at the heart of early childhood.
👉 Listen here: open.spotify.com/episode/285X...
#PlayMatters #EarlyYears #EYFS
We’re joined by the brilliant Tamsin Grimmer to explore Play, Love & Nurture ❤️
A powerful conversation on why relationships + play are at the heart of early childhood.
👉 Listen here: open.spotify.com/episode/285X...
#PlayMatters #EarlyYears #EYFS
Play Talk Radio: Play Love & Nurture with Tamsin Grimmer
open.spotify.com
October 7, 2025 at 9:45 PM
🎙️ New on #PlayTalkRadio!
We’re joined by the brilliant Tamsin Grimmer to explore Play, Love & Nurture ❤️
A powerful conversation on why relationships + play are at the heart of early childhood.
👉 Listen here: open.spotify.com/episode/285X...
#PlayMatters #EarlyYears #EYFS
We’re joined by the brilliant Tamsin Grimmer to explore Play, Love & Nurture ❤️
A powerful conversation on why relationships + play are at the heart of early childhood.
👉 Listen here: open.spotify.com/episode/285X...
#PlayMatters #EarlyYears #EYFS
Reposted by Dr. Aaron Bradbury
New on #PlayTalkRadio!
We talk with Tamsin Grimmer about Play, Love & Nurture 💜🌱🎨
Why love belongs in pedagogy, how play builds resilience, and ways to nurture children every day.
🔊 Listen now 👉 open.spotify.com/episode/285X...
#PlayMatters #EarlyYears #TamsinGrimmer
We talk with Tamsin Grimmer about Play, Love & Nurture 💜🌱🎨
Why love belongs in pedagogy, how play builds resilience, and ways to nurture children every day.
🔊 Listen now 👉 open.spotify.com/episode/285X...
#PlayMatters #EarlyYears #TamsinGrimmer
Play Talk Radio: Play Love & Nurture with Tamsin Grimmer
open.spotify.com
October 4, 2025 at 8:39 AM
New on #PlayTalkRadio!
We talk with Tamsin Grimmer about Play, Love & Nurture 💜🌱🎨
Why love belongs in pedagogy, how play builds resilience, and ways to nurture children every day.
🔊 Listen now 👉 open.spotify.com/episode/285X...
#PlayMatters #EarlyYears #TamsinGrimmer
We talk with Tamsin Grimmer about Play, Love & Nurture 💜🌱🎨
Why love belongs in pedagogy, how play builds resilience, and ways to nurture children every day.
🔊 Listen now 👉 open.spotify.com/episode/285X...
#PlayMatters #EarlyYears #TamsinGrimmer
New on #PlayTalkRadio!
We talk with Tamsin Grimmer about Play, Love & Nurture 💜🌱🎨
Why love belongs in pedagogy, how play builds resilience, and ways to nurture children every day.
🔊 Listen now 👉 open.spotify.com/episode/285X...
#PlayMatters #EarlyYears #TamsinGrimmer
We talk with Tamsin Grimmer about Play, Love & Nurture 💜🌱🎨
Why love belongs in pedagogy, how play builds resilience, and ways to nurture children every day.
🔊 Listen now 👉 open.spotify.com/episode/285X...
#PlayMatters #EarlyYears #TamsinGrimmer
Play Talk Radio: Play Love & Nurture with Tamsin Grimmer
open.spotify.com
October 4, 2025 at 8:39 AM
New on #PlayTalkRadio!
We talk with Tamsin Grimmer about Play, Love & Nurture 💜🌱🎨
Why love belongs in pedagogy, how play builds resilience, and ways to nurture children every day.
🔊 Listen now 👉 open.spotify.com/episode/285X...
#PlayMatters #EarlyYears #TamsinGrimmer
We talk with Tamsin Grimmer about Play, Love & Nurture 💜🌱🎨
Why love belongs in pedagogy, how play builds resilience, and ways to nurture children every day.
🔊 Listen now 👉 open.spotify.com/episode/285X...
#PlayMatters #EarlyYears #TamsinGrimmer
It’s been an honour to be a judge again this year for the Nursery World Awards 2025 ✨
Sorry I can’t be there tonight, but sending my congratulations to all the finalists and winners. 👏
Wishing you all an amazing evening celebrating the very best of the early years sector.
Sorry I can’t be there tonight, but sending my congratulations to all the finalists and winners. 👏
Wishing you all an amazing evening celebrating the very best of the early years sector.
September 27, 2025 at 11:29 AM
It’s been an honour to be a judge again this year for the Nursery World Awards 2025 ✨
Sorry I can’t be there tonight, but sending my congratulations to all the finalists and winners. 👏
Wishing you all an amazing evening celebrating the very best of the early years sector.
Sorry I can’t be there tonight, but sending my congratulations to all the finalists and winners. 👏
Wishing you all an amazing evening celebrating the very best of the early years sector.
✨ Today only! ✨
📚 Starting Strong Ebook by Dr Aaron Bradbury is just £6!
A child-centred take on school readiness 🌟
👉 Grab your copy now: www.lulu.com/shop/aaron-b...
#EarlyYears #SchoolReadiness #ChildCentred
📚 Starting Strong Ebook by Dr Aaron Bradbury is just £6!
A child-centred take on school readiness 🌟
👉 Grab your copy now: www.lulu.com/shop/aaron-b...
#EarlyYears #SchoolReadiness #ChildCentred
September 26, 2025 at 2:10 PM
✨ Today only! ✨
📚 Starting Strong Ebook by Dr Aaron Bradbury is just £6!
A child-centred take on school readiness 🌟
👉 Grab your copy now: www.lulu.com/shop/aaron-b...
#EarlyYears #SchoolReadiness #ChildCentred
📚 Starting Strong Ebook by Dr Aaron Bradbury is just £6!
A child-centred take on school readiness 🌟
👉 Grab your copy now: www.lulu.com/shop/aaron-b...
#EarlyYears #SchoolReadiness #ChildCentred
Had a lovely time putting together a new webinar series for and EY organisation today. The first one is all about The Beauty of Play, celebrating joy, wonder & connection in early childhood. Excited for the conversations this will spark! 💭✨ #EarlyYears #PlayMatters
September 26, 2025 at 1:40 PM
Had a lovely time putting together a new webinar series for and EY organisation today. The first one is all about The Beauty of Play, celebrating joy, wonder & connection in early childhood. Excited for the conversations this will spark! 💭✨ #EarlyYears #PlayMatters
✨ Special Offer ✨📚
Early Childhood Theories Today our first edition by Aaron Bradbury & Ruth Swailes – is just £5 on Amazon! 🎉
Bringing theory to life in a practical way for early years practitioners, students & educators.
👉 amzn.eu/d/93StCPL
Early Childhood Theories Today our first edition by Aaron Bradbury & Ruth Swailes – is just £5 on Amazon! 🎉
Bringing theory to life in a practical way for early years practitioners, students & educators.
👉 amzn.eu/d/93StCPL
September 23, 2025 at 6:51 PM
✨ Special Offer ✨📚
Early Childhood Theories Today our first edition by Aaron Bradbury & Ruth Swailes – is just £5 on Amazon! 🎉
Bringing theory to life in a practical way for early years practitioners, students & educators.
👉 amzn.eu/d/93StCPL
Early Childhood Theories Today our first edition by Aaron Bradbury & Ruth Swailes – is just £5 on Amazon! 🎉
Bringing theory to life in a practical way for early years practitioners, students & educators.
👉 amzn.eu/d/93StCPL