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About June O’Sullivan OBE
June is a highly accomplished leader with a strong track record of driving social impact in Early Years education. As the architect of LEYF’s sustainable business model and the evidence-based LEYF Pedagogy for Social Justice, she has championed the belief that every child, regardless of their background, deserves the chance to thrive by accessing the right balance of learning and development.
A recognised speaker, author, and media commentator, June’s expertise covers social enterprise, child poverty, and sustainability. She continues to advise international governments and organisations on Early Years Education and Care (EYEC), promoting long-term social change.
Campaigner and advocate
As a dynamic social entrepreneur and disruptor, June is both proactive and inventive in addressing challenges, always at the forefront of testing new ideas that benefit children.
She is a dedicated advocate, continuously exploring innovative approaches to influence policy and promote a more inclusive society for children, families, and Early Years professionals.
A firm believer in community-based, multi-generational Early Years Education and Care (EYEC), June sees this model as a key driver for building cultural and social capital, paving the way for long-term social impact.
Watch June's TED Talk, 'How nurseries tackle the injustice of poverty'
LEYF's CEO, June O’Sullivan OBE, is an inspiring speaker, author and regular media commentator on Early Years.
LEYF's CEO, June O’Sullivan OBE, is an inspiring speaker, author and regular media commentator on Early Years.
Impact and contributions
June was instrumental in setting up The Ofsted Big Conversation in 2013 which brings together representatives of the Early Years and Ofsted from across the UK to share areas of concern on common themes and seek clarification.
She currently advises the Department for Education as well as key organisations such as Ofsted, The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, Westminster Foundation, London’s Skills Board, Urban Impact Health and Institute for Apprentices and Technical Skills.
She has given evidence to the Adebowale Commission and Education Select Commission and the British Irish Council and contributed to several reports, including Danny Kruger MP’s Social Covenant Report (2022). She is also an established author and contributor to academic papers published about social leadership, entrepreneurship and pedagogy.
June was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in 2013 for her services to London’s children and later awarded an OBE as part of the King’s Awards for Services to Education in 2023.
She won the Social Enterprise UK Women’s Champion Award in November 2014 and in February 2015 she was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Middlesex. In 2016 she was voted one of Debretts most influential 500, in 2017 she won the NMT Most Influential In Early Years Award and in 2018 she was the runner up for the Veuve Clicquot Social Purpose Award which honours female leaders whose organisations are championing social purpose. In 2024, she won Nursery World’s – Lifetime Achievement Award.
Talking Early Years podcast
Talking Early Years is June’s podcast, a monthly ‘real talk’ and no-holds-barred dive into the questions, topics and debates on all things Early Years, Parenting and Social Business – plus much, much more.
Find out more
Follow June on Twitter or connect on LinkedIn or visit June’s website for more information
