HE Lecturer and Programme Leader.
Summary
I am a Programme Leader for the Top Up and MA SENDI programmes and a module lead on a range of programmes from level 4-7, covering subjects such as SENDI, Early Childhood Studies, and Education Studies. With 12 years of experience in the Early Years sector, I have served as an area manager and SENCO, gaining extensive expertise in supporting children and their families with Special Educational Needs, Safeguarding, Inclusive Practice, Partnership Working, Pedagogical Approaches, and Policy and Procedure Development. As a keen researcher, my interests include equity in education and identifying practices that inadvertently reinforce inequalities. I hold a MA and was awarded FHEA in January 2024. Additionally, I am an external examiner at two other universities and have served as an academic advisor on several occasions. I aspire to become a Doctor of Education and achieve SFHEA status.
About
I have been a lecturer in HE since April 2018. My teaching and research passion is in support for vulnerable children including those with special educational needs and/or disability. Safeguarding, social justice and current sector issues including invisible disabilities, legislation and reforms, supporting employability and pedagogy are particular areas of interest. I also have a keen interest in the process of research, especially identifying data collection methods to ensure the vulnerable child’s voice is captured. My MA Major Independent Study examined the impact of the Early Years Pupil Premium on diminishing the difference for disadvantaged children.
Teaching
I have 12-years’ sector experience working with children in the early years PVI sector in affluent and disadvantaged areas. I have experienced practice from different perspectives as a nursery assistant working my way up to an area manager. During this time, I witnessed and implemented many sector changes including policy drivers to narrow the educational gap, the SEND reforms, and the implementation of the EYFS. I have been part of multiple Ofsted reviews and inspections. My employment within the sector placed me at an advantage for lecturing in HE.
Further Industry Experience
During my time at the DN Colleges Group, I have been an external panel member for the University of Derby to revalidate their BA (Hons) SEND programme and Bishop Grosseteste University for the validation/approval of the FdA Professional Practice in SEND. I have QAA membership and have reviewed pre-publications for Routledge.