About

I am a Senior Lecturer on the BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies Degree and Academic Lead for the BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies Online Top-Up programme.

Teaching responsibilities

I currently teach on all stages of the degree with particular module leadership responsibility for 'Studying Early Childhood' at Stage 1 and the 'Young Child in Transition' at Stage 3. I also work with colleagues to support the delivery of other modules such as 'Leadership in Early Childhood Education and Care' and 'The Developing Practitioner'.

Professional interests

As a practice-based programme, my professional interests lie in keeping up to date with critical debate within the early childhood sector in order to support our students to enter the workforce as advocates for children and families.

Research interests

I currently have a particular research interest in the experiences of previously looked after children and their families.

Membership of professional bodies

• I am a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy

Qualifications

• BA (Hons) Education and English - De Montfort University
• Early Years Professional Status - The University of Derby
• Certificate in Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector - Leicester College
• PG Cert HE - The University of Derby
• MA Education (Early Years) - The University of Derby

Experience in industry

I have worked in the Early Years sector for 14 years.

After leaving university, I undertook a senior management role with a chain of private nurseries, supporting the delivery of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework across a number of settings. It was here that I undertook Early Years Professional Status in its first year of delivery.

From here I progressed to working for Lincolnshire Local Authority within the Birth to Five Service, where I supported the professional development of those with Early Years Professional Status and Early Years Teacher Status within the county. This involved organising CPD opportunities, facilitating study trips, and running regular networking meetings. Whilst doing this I also worked as an Assessor for two different organisations delivering the Early Years Professional Status.

I began working at the University of Derby in 2012.

Recent publications

• Boldrin, J. (2021) 'Understanding Children's Play Behaviours' In Owen, K. Play in the Early Years (ed), London: Sage, pp. 53-75
• Boldrin, J. and Sedgwick, R. (2021) 'Studying Early Childhood' In Oates, R. The Student Practitioner in Early Childhood Studies: An essential guide to working with children, 2nd edition London: Routledge, pp. 1-19

Courses

• Early Childhood Studies (Top-Up) BA (Hons) (online)