Mrs Debrah Turner
Find a member of staff
Job title: Programme Leader - Early Years Initial Teacher Training Programme
Email: d.turner1@derby.ac.uk
Phone No: ext 1779
Room: E210B
Recent publications
Awaiting publication - I have written a chapter for a book which explores working in the 0-19 sector. Due to be published late 2013.
Experience in Industry
I have 20 years experience of working within the early years sector, during this time I have managed pre schools, creche facilities and private day Nurseries. My responsibilities included planning, observation, assessment, staff training, staff appraisals, financial management, writing and reviewing policies and procedures, liaising with OFSTED during inspections, working in partnership with parents, liaising with other professionals and outside agencies.
I was also priviledged to be nominated for Nursery Manager of the Year Award (2009) and I was successful in being one of the final 5 national nominees. I was successful in becoming one of the country`s first practitioners to achieve Early Years Professional Status (2007) and subsequently I was interviewed by a national newspaper for an article about the potential impact of the graduate status on Early Years practice.
Current Activities / Links with Industry
Liaising with local providers to make links for placement opportunities for students. Visits to potential and established settings who support our students. Liason with local authorities through meetings and/or committees.
Faculty: Education, Health and Sciences
School: School of Education
Subject Area: Early Years
I am the Programme Leader for the Early Years Initial Teacher Training Programme.This programme is a government recognised professional accreditation for those wishing to pursue a career working in Early Years sector and supports the application of theory into practice. I recently worked as a Senior Lecturer on the FdA Children and Young Peoples Services - a practice based foundation degree which offers different pathway options to gain theoretical understanding alongside practical experience.
Teaching responsibilities
My teaching responsibilities are primarily on The Early Years Initial Teacher Training Programme where I am the Programme Leader. The programme has 4 pathway routes on the programme and dependent on students qualifications and experience they will be placed on the appropriate route.I teach across all 4 pathways which are Graduate Entry Pathway, Graduate Practitioner Pathway, Undergraduate Entry Pathway and Graduate Practitioner pathway.
Professional interests
As an experienced manager/practitioner in early years I am keen to keep abreast of new initiatives which influence the sector, this is achieved through visits to settings and dialogue with local authorities.
Research interests
My research interest centres around the importance of parental partnership in a childs learning and development. My most recent research has explored the role of the parent as co-educator of their child. My future research interests would be to explore the impact of a graduate led workforce, in Early Years, in relation to learning and development.
Membership of professional bodies and advisory committees
I am a fellow of the Higher Education Academy.
I am a Fellow of the Institute for Learning.
Recent Conferences
The Early Years Initial Teacher Training team organise an annual conference and as Programme Leader I have an integral role in the planning, development and delivery of the conference content.
Additional Interests and Activities
As a partner member of the Early Years Teacher Northern Alliance I have key responsibilities, liaising with our prime organisation, in relation to developing the structure and delivery of the Early Years Initial Teacher training programme.
I am a member of the Early Years Research Cluster.
Undergraduate qualifications
- Vocational Assessor Award (D32, D33), Chesterfield College
- BA (Hons) Learning,Teaching and Research in Education, Anglia University
Postgraduate qualifications
- Early Years Professional Status, Open University
- PGCE in Post Compulsory Education and Training, Sheffield Hallam
- MA Learning and Teaching, Sheffield Hallam
