HELEN MADDISON-NEILL, Senior Lecturer

Prior to joining Edge Hill as a Senior Lecturer in STEM Education, Helen has experienced working as a Senior Leader, Maths and Science subject leader and teacher in both the state and independent sectors. Helen has experience in one, two, three and four form entry primary schools in Catholic, C of E and non denominational schools teaching in both key stages, across all year groups. As a member of the senior leadership team, Helen was involved in strategic planning across the school. 

Since joining Edge Hill University, Helen has undertaken the role of Senior Primary Education lecturer, working across the Primary and Childhood department, on the Undergraduate and PGCE programmes, implementing her knowledge to enhance teaching and learning.  Helen is the Inclusion Lead for the primary department ensuring quality learning support for all students across QTS programmes. Helen's focus on SEND, mental health, wellbeing, inclusion and diversity and accessibility in education is an area she is passionate about, being the Lead of the first Staff Disability and Neurodiversity network group and a member of the Accessibility working group. 

In addition to this, Helen is the Course Lead for the Primary and Childhood Education BA Undergraduate programme for the part time students, supporting their academic and pastoral needs. Helen has strategically planned programmes for modules across the year 2, 3 and 4 cohorts,  analysing improvements in support of the programme for the student experience. 

Helen has completed her PGCert where her research has focussed on resilience in primary aged children. This is currently in the process of being published. 

Helen is currently studying a Masters in SEND with a research focus on SEND and mental health. 

Externally, Helen is a Local authority governor of Little Hoole primary school in Walmer Bridge, Preston. 

Helen's research areas focus on SEND, neurodiversity, mental health, wellbeing, and LGBTQIA in education. Helen is also interested in widening participation, supporting inclusion, diversity and equality.

Helen teaches across all programmes spanning Level 4-level 7 at Edge Hill including the BA (Hons) Primary Education and Primary PGCE. Helen's teaching incorporates primary science, inclusion and diversity, mental health, wellbeing  and resilience in education. 

Helen is also module leader for various modules on the BA (Hons) Primary Education year 1, 2 and 3 undergraduates. 

Helen leads the Staff Disability and Neurodiversity network where her work has impacted across the university.