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Early Childhood Theories Today
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Early Childhood Theories Today

Second Edition
Edited by:
July 2025 | 200 pages | Learning Matters
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If you work in the early years, you have probably heard of Montessori and Bronfenbrenner - but have you heard of Bavolek, Fisher or Page? Contemporary theorists and theories of early childhood learning have much to teach us. It is often forgotten that this learning is still evolving and that new voices are joining the discussion every year.

With new chapters on Maslow, Bowlby, Piaget and Vygotsky, this second edition introduces you to some contemporary theorists and explores their work alongside more well-known thinkers. It demonstrates how these theories relate to everyday practice in the early years and that discussion of them can support ongoing professional learning. 
Aaron Bradbury
Abraham Maslow
Tamsin Grimmer
Urie Bronfenbrenner (1917-2005)
David Wright
John Bowlby
Kate Irvine
Pierre Bourdieu (1930 – 2002)
Meredith Rose
Friedrich Froebel (1782 – 1852)
Ruth Swailes
Jean Piaget
Angelica Celinska
Lev Vygotsky
Philippa Thompson
Tina Bruce
Valerie Daniel
Loris Malaguzzi (1920 – 1994)
Pam Jarvis
Steiner and Isaacs: Strangers in a strange land: exploring the past; projecting the future

Aaron Bradbury

Aaron Bradbury is Principal Lecturer for Early Childhood Studies, Childhood, Early Years Apprenticeships and Higher Technical Qualifications in Early Years at Nottingham Trent University. Research Interests: Widening participation (access for all) with links to apprenticeship pedagogy, Early Years and Education. More About Author

Ruth Swailes

Ruth Swailes has almost 30 years’ experience in primary education, over 20 of them in senior leadership roles including primary headship. Ruth has worked as a School Improvement Advisor, Ofsted inspector, Early Years consultant and moderator in several Local Authorities, she has advised on DFE accredited phonics schemes and is the lead author, curriculum consultant and trainer on the Oxford University Press International Early Years curriculum. She has recently written their curriculum for 2-3-year-olds. More About Author

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