June O’Sullivan OBE

LEYF's CEO, June O’Sullivan OBE, is an inspiring speaker, author and regular media commentator on Early Years.

About June O’Sullivan OBE

Dr June O’Sullivan OBE is Chief Executive of the London Early Years Foundation (LEYF), the UK’s largest children’s charitable social enterprise, and one of the country’s most influential voices in Early Years education and care.

A passionate advocate for children, families and communities, June believes that high-quality Early Years education is both a public good and a powerful tool for social justice. Her work is driven by a simple but urgent belief: every child deserves the chance to flourish, regardless of background, income or postcode.

Under her leadership, LEYF has developed a pioneering social enterprise model that combines excellent Early Years teaching, sustainable business practice and a deep commitment to fairness and inclusion. Today, LEYF educates thousands of children across London through a network of award-winning nurseries rooted in local communities.

Dr June O'Sullivan

Pioneer in Early Years Education

June is the creator of LEYF’s Pedagogy for Social Justice, a distinctive approach that weaves together inclusion, sustainability, child development, leadership and community engagement. At its heart is the belief that social justice in Early Years is “fairness by design”, embedded in systems, relationships and everyday practice, and measured by how far it expands each child’s life chances.

Alongside LEYF, June founded the London Institute of Early Years (LIEY), which supports leadership development, research, innovation and the replication of socially just Early Years practice nationally and internationally.

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.

Impact and contributions

Despite leading a large organisation, June remains closely connected to daily nursery life. She regularly spends time with children, families and educators, believing that meaningful leadership begins by listening carefully to the lived experiences of others. This grounded, relational approach continues to shape LEYF’s culture and vision.

June is a well-known speaker, author, broadcaster and policy commentator whose work spans child poverty, sustainability, workforce development, social enterprise and the future of Early Years education. She works with governments, universities, charities and educators across the UK and internationally to champion the vital role nurseries play in building healthier, fairer and more sustainable societies.

She was awarded an MBE in 2013 for services to London’s children and an OBE in 2023 for services to education. Her many honours include the Nursery World Lifetime Achievement Award and WISE100 Social Business Woman of the Year. June is also the host of Talking Early Years, LEYF’s podcast exploring parenting, education, social business and the big questions shaping children’s futures.

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.