RICHARD HARLEY

Richard has over 25 years of teaching and leadership experience in primary education. Working in eight contrasting schools in the north west of England, he has been based in Manchester, Cheshire, Bolton and Halton, spending 10 years as a primary headteacher. Having taught pupils from the EYFS to Year 6, he has a good knowledge of the full primary curriculum. Richard has a passion for both English and music and has led both curriculum areas in a number of schools. As a Specialist Leader of Education (SLE), he has supported colleagues in other schools to improve the quality of teaching and learning and to raise standards in primary writing and reading. He also has experience of whole school leadership in mathematics, computing, geography, assessment, safeguarding, Pupil Premium, Looked After Children, behaviour and collective worship.

Now working as a Senior Lecturer in Primary Education at Edge Hill University, Richard has a passion for equality, diversity and inclusion. His current role includes the leadership of the EDI strand curriculum and he works with trainee teachers on the BA (QTS) and Primary PGCE programmes. His inclusion and social justice work enables him to work with trainees in centre-based lectures and seminars. He works within the primary English and music teams. He is also a Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) and placement Link Tutor.

Research interests include:

• Primary music
• Primary English
• Equality and equity in primary education
• Disadvantage and Pupil Premium
• Career changing and mature students