About

I am a Lecturer in Education specialising in Early Years and Childhood Studies. I teach across a range of undergraduate programmes, supporting students to develop a critical understanding of contemporary issues in education and childhood. As Stage 2 Lead for the Early Childhood Studies programme, I play a key role in supporting students throughout their academic journey, fostering their academic development and helping them achieve their full potential.

Teaching responsibilities

I deliver a range of modules across the Early Childhood Studies undergraduate programme, both on campus and online. My teaching includes modules such as Challenging Childhood: Rights, Discourses and Debates, as well as the Stage 2 and Stage 3 Research Modules, where I support students in developing research skills and undertaking independent inquiry.

I supervise undergraduate students undertaking their Independent Research Projects, providing guidance and support throughout the research process.

Professional interests

I am committed to promoting high quality early childhood education and recognising the vital contribution of the early years workforce in supporting children's learning, development, and wellbeing. My professional interests centre on children of this time and the changing nature of childhood in contemporary society. In particular, I am interested in children's rights, early years education policy and practice, professional identity within the early years workforce, and the opportunities and challenges shaping children's lives today.

Research interests

My research interests are centred on the experiences and identities of early years professionals and the changing landscape of early childhood education. My Master's research examined early years professionals' perspectives on digital technology and its influence on practice. I am currently undertaking a Doctorate in Education (EdD), exploring how contextual and temporal factors shape the professional identities of graduate practitioners in private day nurseries. Through this research, I am investigating the use of audio reflective diaries as a method for capturing practitioners' perspectives and experiences, reflecting my wider interest in practitioner voice, reflective practice, and professional development within the early years workforce.

Membership of professional bodies

• Fellow, Advanced HE (FHEA)
• Member of British Educational Research Association (BERA)
• Member of Early Childhood Studies Degree Network (ECSDN)
• Member of Research and Knowledge Exchange Group for ECSDN
• Member of Early Education  

Qualifications

• BTEC Diploma in Childhood Studies (Nursery Nursing)
• BA (Hons) in Childhood Studies and Youth Studies
• MA in Early Childhood Education and awarded The Rutland Prize for dissertation research
• Doctorate in Education (ongoing)

Recent conferences

Delivered a presentation: Critically Reflecting on the Decision to Use Reflective Audio Diaries in a Qualitative Longitudinal Study of Professional Identity at BERA Conference, The ECR Journey: Developing Criticality and Confidence: Becoming a Decisive Educational Researcher, United Kingdom

Experience in industry

Prior to joining higher education, I worked across a range of early years and educational settings, progressing from practitioner to senior leadership roles. My experience spans both private and school based provision, working with children and families from diverse backgrounds, including communities experiencing both affluence and socioeconomic disadvantage.

Throughout my career, I have held roles including Nursery Nurse, Deputy Manager, Area Manager, SENCO, and Child Protection Officer. My responsibilities included staff development and training, quality improvement, safeguarding, policy implementation, and supporting inclusive practice. These experiences have provided me with a strong understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing children, families, and practitioners, and continue to inform my teaching, research, and commitment to high quality early childhood education.