By Dr. Aaron Bradbury As we celebrate World Nursery Rhyme Week, it’s the perfect moment to pause and reflect on the power of these familiar nursery rhymes. For many of us working in early childhood, nursery rhymes are so much more than simple songs, they’re the foundations upon which communication, language, and connection are built. The Power of Rhyme and Repetition Nursery rhymes help young children tune into the rhythm and flow of language. Through rhyme and repetition, ch

By Dr. Aaron Bradbury In an era where digital tools, phonics flashcards, and structured interventions often take centre stage, it’s easy to overlook the simple power of play by using play dough. Yet this humble, squidgy staple has stood the test of time for a reason. It embodies what the early years should be about, sensory exploration, creativity, communication, and connection. Let’s go back to basics and remind ourselves why play dough should never be an optional extra, but

By Dr. Aaron Bradbury There comes a point where you stop and ask yourself, what are we doing to our youngest children? Right now, I genuinely believe the early years are at a crossroads. On one side, we have decades of knowledge, research, and practice grounded in child development, understanding how children grow, learn, and flourish through play, relationships, and experience. On the other, we have a policy agenda that continues to narrow childhood into checklists: school r

By Dr. Aaron Bradbury At a time when politics, public opinion, and professional practice are colliding, the need for strong ethical...

In recent years, early years education has become increasingly shaped by frameworks, assessments, and accountability. While these...

Recently, some children in my area with parents who I know have young children, have started asking about the flags that have been put up...

There’s no denying it, something’s been missing in the fabric of early years support since the slow dismantling of Sure Start. Those...

Blog Post: There is a quiet revolution happening in early childhood education, one that is placing children, not checklists, at the heart...

In December 2024 (https://schoolsweek.co.uk/starmer-wants-75-of-children-school-ready-by-2028/), Labour leader Keir Starmer has made an...

“There is always an alternative. We just need to meet somewhere in the middle.” This sentiment stayed with us as we travelled to...

Click on the image below to link to an article by Claudio Siser, and published on the Male Childcare and Teaching Jobs website. In this...

When we talk about giving children the best possible start in life, the early years takes centre stage. These formative years, full of...

In early childhood education, one of the most powerful tools for learning is play. But not all play is created equal. There’s a...

A recent visual from the government claims that new school based nurseries will “save parents thousands of pounds.” While any policy that...

Recently I wrote an article for BERA called ' The Early Years and Play: The Last Bastion for Democracy and we should always, when...

In the world of early childhood education, we often focus on structured learning, developmental milestones, and curriculum goals. But...

Then, the unimaginable happened, no ambulances were available.   As I write this my dad is still in a critical condition. When my dad...

Urie Bronfenbrenner, known for his Ecological Systems Theory, would likely have a critical and nuanced perspective on the school...

In early childhood education, the term "school readiness"  is often used as a benchmark for success. The idea is simple: ensure that...

Before you come for me as I am about to say something about the beloved tuff tray here me out. I am coming at this angle from seeing...