LAURA GREGORY

I worked in the field of Early Years for 18 years before joining Higher Education. My work was based in nurseries and children's centres in the main and I undertook roles including Early Years Pedagogue, Senior Children's Development and Learning Co-ordinator and Early Years Professional Co-ordinator. My work took me right from working with young children and their families directly to eventually taking on the role of Early Education Lead for a Local Authority where I had responsibility for overseeing quality assurance in early years services for the borough as well as working strategically with other partners. 

I had previously worked within Higher Education as an Assessor, Mentor and Visiting Lecturer and I am now a Senior Lecturer in Early Years Education and Programme Lead for our FdA Early Years Education and Leadership, BA (Hons) Early Years Education and BA (Hons) Early Years Leadership.

I am a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and I am also a member of the National Advisory Group for Stronger Practice Hubs. 

I have taught across all programmes within our Early Years Education Department. My current teaching is mainly on the FdA Early Years Education and Leadership and BA (Hons) Early Years Education and BA (Hons) Early Years Leadership. I am also Programme Lead for these 3 programmes.

My research interests include consultation with young children and enabling early years environments. 

I am also currently leading on a collaboration with the National Children's Bureau to offer our students the opportunity to be trained in the 'Making it REAL' (Raising Early Acheivement in Literacy) approach as part of their undergraduate pathway. Supporting research will involve reflecting on the impact this will have on graduate's confidence and competence in supporting the home learning environment as well as possible impact on employability.