Authors

Julian Grenier drawing
Julian Grenier

Dr Julian Grenier CBE is senior content and engagement manager for early years at the (EEF).

Before joining the EEF, Julian was headteacher of Sheringham Nursery School and Children’s Centre and co-led the East London Research School. He also previously spent time leading Sure Start Children’s Centres, was senior early years adviser to Tower Hamlets council, and served as Ofsted’s early education lead. He has a doctorate in education from UCL Institute of Education and was appointed CBE for services to early years education in 2022.

Julian is the author and editor of many books about the early years, including .

All articles by Julian Grenier
3 critical shifts for SEND reform success in EYFS
Structural reform to the SEND system will only make early years provision more inclusive if the plans are backed up by these key changes in practice, writes Julian Grenier
Early Years
25 June 2026
Young child playing with colourful toy bricks
The myth about Ofsted, the DfE and early writing
A myth has taken root in early years that children should avoid writing until they can form letters and spell correctly – but encouraging early writing and mark making can help with literacy, says Julian Grenier
Primary
2 June 2026
Two small children writing
Why we need workforce reform in the early years
The needs of children starting school now are different than they were a few decades ago. So it’s time for us to make staffing changes, too, suggests Julian Grenier
Early Years
20 February 2026
Young boy tying shoe laces
Why SEND reform depends on the early years
Because the EYFS shapes children’s first learning experiences, it is where the SEND crisis begins – so it needs to be a key focus in fixing the problem, writes Julian Grenier, who offers three ways to improve practice
Early Years
28 January 2026
Child's footprints in sand
What does the curriculum review mean for EYFS?
As the latest early years profile results are published, Julian Grenier outlines four key areas of the recent curriculum and assessment review worth interrogating
Early Years
27 November 2025
Early years toy blocks
7 books to improve your early years provision
Amid a focus on raising standards in Reception, Julian Grenier shares recommended reads for teachers and leaders who want to better understand early years pedagogy and practice
Early Years
11 August 2025
Hands with painted number 7