Strategy Groups
Policy, Lobbying and Advocacy
Hear from Vice Chairs Dr. Helen Simmons and Emma Twigg as they explains the role, purpose and future aspirations of the policy, lobbying and advocacy strategy group.
Mission Statement
A holistic approach to providing critical perspectives on, and a forum for, the advancement of appropriate early childhood policies, initiatives, and legislation.
Full Statement
The Policy, Lobbying and Advocacy Strategy Group work together to advocate for the standing of Early Childhood Studies as a social science subject discipline nationally and internationally within universities, schools, and colleges. We aim to develop ECSDN advocacy strategies for ECSDN members (including students, alumni, stakeholders). The Strategy Group meets regularly to discuss innovative strategies that support the promotion of Early Childhood Studies as an academic discipline with interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary working at its centre. The Strategy Group works with the Chairs and Vice Chairs to develop liaison with other Early Childhood organisations on broader campaigns and lobbying issues. We engage with and respond to policy with an aim to promote the recognition that Early Childhood Studies students are equipped with outstanding knowledge and experience, with expertise that are essential in advocating for the health, well-being and education of all children and their families.
Vice Chairs
Dr Karen Boardman
Co-Vice Chair
With over 40 years of experience as a practitioner, teacher, and researcher, Karen is a dedicated advocate for Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) who specialises in literacy, early reading, and the development of children under three. Her extensive career has spanned roles from NNEB in nursery settings to Senior Leader in schools, and she currently teaches across undergraduate, PGCE, and MA programmes. A prominent voice in the field, she has served as Chair of TACTYC and as a board member for the Early Years Hub, while maintaining memberships with BERA, EECERA, and holding status as a Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching and a Senior Fellow of the HEA. Beyond her teaching and leadership, she actively contributes to the international ECEC community by presenting at global conferences on early reading and advocating for policy, pedagogy, inclusion, and play.
Dr Jenny Robson
​
Dr Jenny Robson is a Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood in the School of Education and Communities at the University of East London. She joined the University of East London in 2015 after working in children’s services in England in both the public and voluntary sector. Jenny's research has two strands. The first focuses on values education in early childhood and issues of equality and social justice for young children and their families; specifically, the ways in which these issues are addressed in early childhood policy, pedagogy, and practice. Her most recent research examines the implications of the securitisation of early childhood spaces by the UK government's Counter Terrorism strategy. The second strand focuses on pedagogies that promote participation and justice for students within Higher Education in the discipline of early childhood studies.easy.
Dr Charlotte Jones
​
Dr Charlotte Jones is an Associate Professor and the Course Director for Early Childhood, Social Studies programmes and Part Time Degrees at the Centre for Lifelong Learning, University of Warwick. Charlotte’s experience of working with children under the age of five years inspired her to complete a BA (Hons) degree in Early Childhood Studies here at the University of Warwick. During this time, Charlotte also worked within a forest school in Norway. Charlotte then pursued her PhD in Education focusing on policy-to-practice contexts relating to gender within early childhood work and associated notions of practitioner identity. Charlotte is particularly passionate about arts-based research and therefore draws upon her own practices as an artist in order to explore early childhood. In terms of practice and teaching activities, Charlotte has a particular passion for supporting the wellbeing of the early childhood practitioner, also exploring notions of student/practitioner voice, identity, and intuition. She is delighted to be part of the Policy, Lobbying and National Advocacy Group which provide her with the opportunity to combine her interests and passions in this area!
Dr Nyree Nicholson
​
Dr Nyree Nicholson teaches on the Foundation, Honours and Master’s Degrees across the Professional Studies early childhood, childhood and youth and education pathways at Lincoln Bishop University. Nyree’s doctorate research explored supporting two-year-old children with speech, language and communication needs and is interested in how policy and early years practice are connected.
Deborah Nye​
Deborah Nye is a Senior Lecturer in the Childhood department at Nottingham Trent University's Clifton campus, where she teaches across various undergraduate programs. Her extensive career began in practice, progressing from a nursery practitioner to a Children’s Centre leader and childminder, before transitioning into higher education with previous lectureships at Coventry University. Alongside her teaching, Deborah is pursuing a PhD through a collaborative program between CREC and the University of Wolverhampton, focusing on the life stories and environmental scaffolding of children with dyslexia.
Meredith Hare​
Meredith serves as a Course Leader and Senior Lecturer for the BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies program at Nottingham Trent University, where she also contributes as a part-time PhD researcher. Her background includes 11 years as a Curriculum Manager in an FE College, managing vocational and higher education provision, leading staff, and mentoring PGCE students. Since joining NTU in 2018, she played a key role in developing the Early Childhood Studies degree, which launched in 2021 and integrates theory with practice through embedded placements aligned with Graduate Practitioner Competencies (GPCs).
Olivia Boulter
With over 20 years of experience in the education sector, Olivia is a qualified early years, primary, and advisory teacher who is passionate about ensuring every child receives the best start in life through child-centred education. Her expertise encompasses working with children, families, and early years settings, specifically within the 0-8 age range. Currently, Olivia serves as the Course Director for the FdA Early Years and Education programme at ARU and also teaches on the BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies degree.