Early Childhood Studies (BA)

My background as a specialist documentary maker (BBC Producer in Broadcast Features and Documentaries) and as an early years teacher meet in expertise in observation, documentation and analysis of children’s learning experiences for research and for practice. I have worked extensively in Reggio Emilia, Italy, and with children and families in Pen Green in the UK.

My research is sociological, focusing on policy and practice within early childhood settings and primary schools.  I am interested in understandings of quality, creativity and the wellbeing of children and professionals, particularly in the context of neoliberal policymaking.  In both my research and my teaching, I explore issues relating to professional identity, different professional roles including leadership, advocacy, curriculum and assessment.  I also coordinate student placements and supervise dissertations. I am currently the Student Success Co-ordinator on the BA Early Childhood Studies Programme 

I am Programme Convenor for the Froebel Professional Certificate Course in Early Childhood, and my teaching covers the BA, MA and Froebel Certificate courses. My research interests include young children’s identities, children’s rights and participation, Froebelian perspectives, professionalism in early childhood, play and creativity, early childhood pedagogy and policy, technology with young children, and ethnographic research with young children.

My Danish Education as a Social Pedagogue forms the platform for my work, influencing both my role as a lecturer/ tutor and my research with a particular interest in promoting democratic participation and wellbeing of young children and early childhood professionals.  
My research and teaching focus on advocacy and professionalism is based on democratic principles and critical consideration of the context of curricula and professional education in England and abroad, with specific knowledge of the Danish context.  A democratic and comparative angle has been the foundation for my research while exploring young children’s experiences of wellbeing, the identity formation of the professional, and professional and parental understandings of young children’s wellbeing, as well as comparative curricula policy studies.

My study background is Psychology (MSc and BSc) and Sociology of Education. My Ph.D. research explored dialogic pedagogies in Kenya to enhance teaching and learning. I grew up in Kenya and have a tremendous social-cultural understanding of the African context, which informs my work. Previously, I worked in UK Mental Health Sector for almost ten years and later as an academic tutor at Middlesex University for four years (in the BA Education program).

I have carried out significant research on children’s literacy, bilingualism/multilingualism and children’s wellbeing and learning in the context of early years provision. I am presently working on research exploring children’s thinking through their narratives and work centred on young children’s socioemotional wellbeing and identity.