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
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
🎉 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...
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
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. 🧹🤖✨
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
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.
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
This Friday 26th Sept!
Starting Strong: Nurturing School Readiness the Child Centred Way eBook is just £6 🌱✨
A must-read for anyone passionate about child-centred practice & play.
👉 Don’t miss out! www.lulu.com/shop/aaron-b...
#StartingStrong #EarlyYears #PlayMatters
Starting Strong: Nurturing School Readiness the Child Centred Way eBook is just £6 🌱✨
A must-read for anyone passionate about child-centred practice & play.
👉 Don’t miss out! www.lulu.com/shop/aaron-b...
#StartingStrong #EarlyYears #PlayMatters
September 23, 2025 at 5:41 AM
This Friday 26th Sept!
Starting Strong: Nurturing School Readiness the Child Centred Way eBook is just £6 🌱✨
A must-read for anyone passionate about child-centred practice & play.
👉 Don’t miss out! www.lulu.com/shop/aaron-b...
#StartingStrong #EarlyYears #PlayMatters
Starting Strong: Nurturing School Readiness the Child Centred Way eBook is just £6 🌱✨
A must-read for anyone passionate about child-centred practice & play.
👉 Don’t miss out! www.lulu.com/shop/aaron-b...
#StartingStrong #EarlyYears #PlayMatters
📚 2026 is the year my full Starting Strong mini series will be out!
The 2nd book in the series, Moments of Meaning: Reflective Practice in Early Years Education, arrives in February 2026.
Excited to share more soon! 🌱✨
#StartingStrongSeries #EarlyYears #ReflectivePractice
The 2nd book in the series, Moments of Meaning: Reflective Practice in Early Years Education, arrives in February 2026.
Excited to share more soon! 🌱✨
#StartingStrongSeries #EarlyYears #ReflectivePractice
September 20, 2025 at 6:55 PM
📚 2026 is the year my full Starting Strong mini series will be out!
The 2nd book in the series, Moments of Meaning: Reflective Practice in Early Years Education, arrives in February 2026.
Excited to share more soon! 🌱✨
#StartingStrongSeries #EarlyYears #ReflectivePractice
The 2nd book in the series, Moments of Meaning: Reflective Practice in Early Years Education, arrives in February 2026.
Excited to share more soon! 🌱✨
#StartingStrongSeries #EarlyYears #ReflectivePractice
Excited to share my book:
Starting Strong: Nurturing School Readiness the Child Centred Way ✨
A call to reframe “school readiness” as a nurturing, play-based, and relationship-led journey.
Available now 👉 www.early-years-reviews.com/copy-of-publ...
#EarlyYears #SchoolReadiness #PlayMatters
Starting Strong: Nurturing School Readiness the Child Centred Way ✨
A call to reframe “school readiness” as a nurturing, play-based, and relationship-led journey.
Available now 👉 www.early-years-reviews.com/copy-of-publ...
#EarlyYears #SchoolReadiness #PlayMatters
September 20, 2025 at 2:55 PM
Excited to share my book:
Starting Strong: Nurturing School Readiness the Child Centred Way ✨
A call to reframe “school readiness” as a nurturing, play-based, and relationship-led journey.
Available now 👉 www.early-years-reviews.com/copy-of-publ...
#EarlyYears #SchoolReadiness #PlayMatters
Starting Strong: Nurturing School Readiness the Child Centred Way ✨
A call to reframe “school readiness” as a nurturing, play-based, and relationship-led journey.
Available now 👉 www.early-years-reviews.com/copy-of-publ...
#EarlyYears #SchoolReadiness #PlayMatters
🚀 37,000 downloads! 🚀
Play Matters is spreading far and wide — proving that play really is at the heart of childhood. 💛
Thank you to everyone championing play. Together we’re making a difference. 🙌
Download your copy here www.early-years-reviews.com/play-matters
#PlayMatters #EarlyYears
Play Matters is spreading far and wide — proving that play really is at the heart of childhood. 💛
Thank you to everyone championing play. Together we’re making a difference. 🙌
Download your copy here www.early-years-reviews.com/play-matters
#PlayMatters #EarlyYears
September 13, 2025 at 1:32 PM
🚀 37,000 downloads! 🚀
Play Matters is spreading far and wide — proving that play really is at the heart of childhood. 💛
Thank you to everyone championing play. Together we’re making a difference. 🙌
Download your copy here www.early-years-reviews.com/play-matters
#PlayMatters #EarlyYears
Play Matters is spreading far and wide — proving that play really is at the heart of childhood. 💛
Thank you to everyone championing play. Together we’re making a difference. 🙌
Download your copy here www.early-years-reviews.com/play-matters
#PlayMatters #EarlyYears
🚨 You heard it here first!
Something new is coming… Early Childhood England (ECE).
✨ Change begins when we come together.
👉 Want to know more? You’ll only find out in our WhatsApp group: whatsapp.com/channel/0029...
#EarlyChildhood #Policy #ChildrenAndFamilies #Collaboration
Something new is coming… Early Childhood England (ECE).
✨ Change begins when we come together.
👉 Want to know more? You’ll only find out in our WhatsApp group: whatsapp.com/channel/0029...
#EarlyChildhood #Policy #ChildrenAndFamilies #Collaboration
September 12, 2025 at 10:10 PM
🚨 You heard it here first!
Something new is coming… Early Childhood England (ECE).
✨ Change begins when we come together.
👉 Want to know more? You’ll only find out in our WhatsApp group: whatsapp.com/channel/0029...
#EarlyChildhood #Policy #ChildrenAndFamilies #Collaboration
Something new is coming… Early Childhood England (ECE).
✨ Change begins when we come together.
👉 Want to know more? You’ll only find out in our WhatsApp group: whatsapp.com/channel/0029...
#EarlyChildhood #Policy #ChildrenAndFamilies #Collaboration
New report out: Play, Policy and Power (Bradbury & Hare, 2025)
It shows how play in early childhood has been sidelined by policy, accountability & “school readiness” agendas – and why reclaiming play is both ethical & political.
👉 Download here: www.early-years-reviews.com/copy-of-publ...
It shows how play in early childhood has been sidelined by policy, accountability & “school readiness” agendas – and why reclaiming play is both ethical & political.
👉 Download here: www.early-years-reviews.com/copy-of-publ...
September 7, 2025 at 10:14 AM
New report out: Play, Policy and Power (Bradbury & Hare, 2025)
It shows how play in early childhood has been sidelined by policy, accountability & “school readiness” agendas – and why reclaiming play is both ethical & political.
👉 Download here: www.early-years-reviews.com/copy-of-publ...
It shows how play in early childhood has been sidelined by policy, accountability & “school readiness” agendas – and why reclaiming play is both ethical & political.
👉 Download here: www.early-years-reviews.com/copy-of-publ...
🌟 Excited to be delivering a @kinderly webinar: The Child in the Now 🌟
📅 Wed 10 Sept, 8pm (UK)
🌱 Exploring relational pedagogy & supporting children in their present moment.
💻 Join for just £5 👉 kinderly.co.uk/event/dr-aar...
#EarlyYears #Childhood
📅 Wed 10 Sept, 8pm (UK)
🌱 Exploring relational pedagogy & supporting children in their present moment.
💻 Join for just £5 👉 kinderly.co.uk/event/dr-aar...
#EarlyYears #Childhood
September 3, 2025 at 7:43 PM
🌟 Excited to be delivering a @kinderly webinar: The Child in the Now 🌟
📅 Wed 10 Sept, 8pm (UK)
🌱 Exploring relational pedagogy & supporting children in their present moment.
💻 Join for just £5 👉 kinderly.co.uk/event/dr-aar...
#EarlyYears #Childhood
📅 Wed 10 Sept, 8pm (UK)
🌱 Exploring relational pedagogy & supporting children in their present moment.
💻 Join for just £5 👉 kinderly.co.uk/event/dr-aar...
#EarlyYears #Childhood
🚨 Launching Friday 5th Sept!
Play, Policy & Power: A Systematic Literature Review of Early Childhood Education in England (2025)
by @AaronEarlyYears & Meredith Hare.
📖 Free download via Early Years Reviews.
#PlayMatters #EarlyYears #Policy
Play, Policy & Power: A Systematic Literature Review of Early Childhood Education in England (2025)
by @AaronEarlyYears & Meredith Hare.
📖 Free download via Early Years Reviews.
#PlayMatters #EarlyYears #Policy
August 30, 2025 at 3:52 PM
🚨 Launching Friday 5th Sept!
Play, Policy & Power: A Systematic Literature Review of Early Childhood Education in England (2025)
by @AaronEarlyYears & Meredith Hare.
📖 Free download via Early Years Reviews.
#PlayMatters #EarlyYears #Policy
Play, Policy & Power: A Systematic Literature Review of Early Childhood Education in England (2025)
by @AaronEarlyYears & Meredith Hare.
📖 Free download via Early Years Reviews.
#PlayMatters #EarlyYears #Policy
I'm thrilled to be speaking at Nursery World's 'Best Beginnings: The power of early years to equip children for school' conference on November 4th! I encourage you all to register and join us for a day of inspiration and collaboration. earlyyearstoschool.com/live/en/page...
August 23, 2025 at 7:38 AM
I'm thrilled to be speaking at Nursery World's 'Best Beginnings: The power of early years to equip children for school' conference on November 4th! I encourage you all to register and join us for a day of inspiration and collaboration. earlyyearstoschool.com/live/en/page...
🚨 Out Today! 🚨
The 2nd Edition of Early Childhood Theories Today
💡 Updated insights
🧠 Fresh perspectives
✨ Practical for every practitioner
Enjoy 25% off with code SAGEAUTH25 at sagepub.com, ebooks.com & woodslane.com.au
The 2nd Edition of Early Childhood Theories Today
💡 Updated insights
🧠 Fresh perspectives
✨ Practical for every practitioner
Enjoy 25% off with code SAGEAUTH25 at sagepub.com, ebooks.com & woodslane.com.au
August 9, 2025 at 6:20 AM
🚨 Out Today! 🚨
The 2nd Edition of Early Childhood Theories Today
💡 Updated insights
🧠 Fresh perspectives
✨ Practical for every practitioner
Enjoy 25% off with code SAGEAUTH25 at sagepub.com, ebooks.com & woodslane.com.au
The 2nd Edition of Early Childhood Theories Today
💡 Updated insights
🧠 Fresh perspectives
✨ Practical for every practitioner
Enjoy 25% off with code SAGEAUTH25 at sagepub.com, ebooks.com & woodslane.com.au
Passionate about early years? Help shape the future of non-statutory guidance.
📝 Project Lead – Birth to 5 Matters (part-time, fixed-term)
🌱 Lead the national review
📍 Apply now: early-education.org.uk/project-lead...
#EarlyYears #BirthTo5Matters #EYFS #EarlyEducation #PlayMatters
📝 Project Lead – Birth to 5 Matters (part-time, fixed-term)
🌱 Lead the national review
📍 Apply now: early-education.org.uk/project-lead...
#EarlyYears #BirthTo5Matters #EYFS #EarlyEducation #PlayMatters
August 7, 2025 at 7:38 AM
Passionate about early years? Help shape the future of non-statutory guidance.
📝 Project Lead – Birth to 5 Matters (part-time, fixed-term)
🌱 Lead the national review
📍 Apply now: early-education.org.uk/project-lead...
#EarlyYears #BirthTo5Matters #EYFS #EarlyEducation #PlayMatters
📝 Project Lead – Birth to 5 Matters (part-time, fixed-term)
🌱 Lead the national review
📍 Apply now: early-education.org.uk/project-lead...
#EarlyYears #BirthTo5Matters #EYFS #EarlyEducation #PlayMatters
📚✨ They’ve arrived!
The brand new 2nd Edition of Early Childhood Theories Today edited by Ruth Swailes and I is here! Updated, relevant & ready to inspire early childhood
practice. 💜
#EarlyYears #EarlyChildhood #Education
The brand new 2nd Edition of Early Childhood Theories Today edited by Ruth Swailes and I is here! Updated, relevant & ready to inspire early childhood
practice. 💜
#EarlyYears #EarlyChildhood #Education
July 30, 2025 at 5:32 PM
📚✨ They’ve arrived!
The brand new 2nd Edition of Early Childhood Theories Today edited by Ruth Swailes and I is here! Updated, relevant & ready to inspire early childhood
practice. 💜
#EarlyYears #EarlyChildhood #Education
The brand new 2nd Edition of Early Childhood Theories Today edited by Ruth Swailes and I is here! Updated, relevant & ready to inspire early childhood
practice. 💜
#EarlyYears #EarlyChildhood #Education