ABSTRACT
This chapter begins with a rationale for the term key founders through differentiating the very fine line between our perceptions and understandings of philosophers, theorists and pioneers. Following this, there will be a brief discussion about the key beliefs each group of people have and how they have contributed to the field of Early Years education, alongside how some of their ideology can be adapted for children with EAL. Next, there is a discussion on why the ideals of key founders are important in Early Years education today in terms of how children learn. There is a critical debate between the revolutionary thinking of key founders and their influence on shaping Early Years practice in the current climate, where emphasis is on children’s performance through the goal orientated EYFS framework (DfE, 2017).
Key words: philosophers, theorists, pioneers, key founders, performative culture
