While studying for one of my master’s degrees, I completed research with colleagues in the sector surrounding development opportunities for the Early Years Workforce. I found that barriers to professional development and progression opportunities (such as entry to EYITT programmes) included vocational qualifications ceasing at level 5. Furthermore, the vocational level 5 qualifications available are not always accepted by universities to enter top-up degrees, largely due to the number of credits the qualifications carry. The research findings led to the two-year development of the first Level 6 Ofqual regulated vocational programme in Early Childhood Pedagogy,

I am committed to seeking equity in opportunity for the workforce and for vocational learners in the Early Years sector, and continue my research with my second Doctorate degree. Additional empirical doctoral research interests include aesthetic play in Early Childhood and implementing playful and creative curricula to Key Stage 1 and beyond. Further areas of interest include play and pedagogy in the early years, and playful interventions within the education sector, working with parents and/or carers in a coaching capacity, and developing an understanding of children's regulation and responses. I have developed a range of certified programmes with both NCFE CACHE and TQUK in these areas. I am also a Parent Coach and Therapeutic Play Practitioner, actively working in practice, and offer Coaching and Therapeutic training, accredited by the ACCPH (of which I am a Fellow member) and certified by TQUK or CACHE. Part of my current work is the design of the CalmPlay Approach, a practical intervention methodology to implement in the home environment with children who have experienced trauma or otherwise struggle to self-regulate. CalmPlay is a method to support regulation through playful techniques, which is accessible for all children and families and does not require specific referral. I am also an ICF Certified Trauma Informed Coach and currently completing my MSc in Children's and Adolescent's Mental Wellbeing. My development of the PlaySense Approach is inspired by my eldest daughter, who has a diagnosis of Sensory Processing Disorder. As a ICF and CMI Coach, I leverage my skills and experiences to support families and promote parental and child wellbeing through my coaching initiatives The Parenthood Coach and Child and Family Coaching Co.


In addition to independent development, research, and consultancy work, I led the 2024 Early Years Educator reforms for one of the largest Awarding and End Point Assessment organisations in the UK, in readiness for ‘first teach’ in September 2024. My work has allowed me to gain a positive reputation as an expertise in the early years, childcare, and education sector- particularly in the remit of qualifications and apprenticeships- and have given talks at conferences and events and guest blogged and authored for publications including The Nursery Managers Show and Nursery Management Today. My first textbook, 'A Complete Guide for the Early Years Educator Learner', will be available to buy from Amazon and other retailers in April 2025. 

I live in Derbyshire with my husband and two daughters. Away from work, studies, writing, and research, I can be found in theme parks, skating (ice and roller), or at music venues.