Student Publications: February 2020
We are proud to offer you a Showcase of ECS Students Work submitted for publication in our February 2020 Call for Papers
To access the research articles, click on the related 'Read Now' button

Hannah Dray:
What could influence a child's ability to thrive in a diverse society?
"My name is Hannah Dray, I am 21 years old and a second year student at The Norland College. Before I came to Norland, I worked as a private nanny in London. Around my studies, I continue to work in London, Bath and travel all over the world. I am fortunate to have had a realm of experience and opportunity with children of varying needs, abilities and interests. I really enjoy studying at Norland and find working with children truly is the most rewarding and special vocation."

Jennifer Stanley:
Working with children in poverty: A guide for new Early Years Practitioners
"I am currently a final year Early Childhood Studies student at the University of Wolverhampton, who is starting teacher training next year. I live and work in a deprived area, so am conscious of the impact that poverty can have on educational attainment and opportunities. I am also aware that young people from deprived backgrounds are often underestimated. Producing this assignment for my Rights, Responsibilities and Advocacy module allowed me to consider further the impact that poverty can have on young people and their schooling, and how we, as educated practitioners, can help them to achieve their full potential."

Katie Azad:
Should early childhood practitioners be prioritising children’s creativity?
"My name is Katie Azad, 22 years old, and I am currently a 2nd year undergraduate student studying Early Childhood (Professional Practice) at the University of Worcester. Before coming to university, I studied a level 3 diploma in both Health and Social Care and Childcare and Education which gave me the inspiration to work within early years. Alongside university, I work part-time in a primary school as a teaching assistant and have gained a vast interest in working with children who have special educational needs and challenging behaviour."

Katie Durrant:
The Impact of War, Conflict and Political Violence on Children and their Families
"My name is Katie. I live in Billingshurst and while studying at the University of Chichester, I also work in a day nursery with children aged two to five years old. I am a Key Person to eight children as well as the setting’s Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO). While doing the level 3 qualification, my enthusiasm for working with children sparked. Currently I am completing the level 5 of my study, and I am looking forward next year to achieve the full BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies degree."

Laura Stinson:
Parents involvement in their children's learning
"My name is Laura Stinson, a mum of two young children, working as a practitioner in a primary school in Liverpool. I am in the second year of my degree in Integrated Working with Children and Families in the Early Years with The University of Hertfordshire/Pen Green. This degree has strengthened my interest in the relationship between home and school and how shared expertise between families and practitioners influences the outcomes children achieve. It has inspired the relationships I develop with families and promoted a greater partnership approach to supporting children’s learning and development both at home and in school."

Lauren Emery:
What does Neuroscience offer ECEC practitioners' in supporting children with emotion regulation?
Lauren is in her third year studying Early Childhood Studies and is an active member of the Bath Spa community. She is the Senior Academic Representation for the School of Education liaising with staff and students to resolve school-wide issues and leading the student reps to work together on projects. Lauren has been working in early childhood settings since 2015 and has been a qualified Nursery Nurse since October 2017. Since beginning her degree, she has been working at an outstanding nursery within the Bath community. Lauren had a paper published as part of the TACTYC reflections paper series January 2020 discussing the internal conflicts on being a practitioner and student concerning the relationship between play, pedagogy and politics.

Lydia Dykes:
Raising understanding of Islamophobia in Early Years settings
"I am currently studying at the University of Chester for my degree in Early Childhood Studies. I have always been interested in how young children learn and develop and this degree has allowed me to gain a holistic perspective of child development. Alongside my studies I work in a nursery, and my degree has been invaluable in developing my confidence and skills in this role. I am passionate about equality and acceptance of all genders, races, religions and sexualities, and believe the best way to tackle discrimination in our society is to promote respect and challenge stereotypes in early childhood."

Marie Ray-Trotter:
A reflection on the use of songs in the teaching of English as a foreign language to young learners
"My name is Marie Ray-Trotter and I am currently finishing my PGCE at Oxford Brookes having graduated with a 1st class degree in Early Childhood Studies in 2019. Spending some of my childhood in the Caribbean provided me with an opportunity to compare my upbringing with those of others, giving me a diverse, international outlook on education. My voluntary work in a number of countries including Romania and The Gambia has further fuelled my curiosities, and I myself now aspire to transform those lives of early learners throughout my future teaching career… wherever in the world that may be!"

Nia Rebecca Williams:
Examining the marginalisation and stigma encountered by LGB parents and young children
"I am a level 6 student studying Early Childhood Studies at the University of Chester. I have 3 years’ experience working with young children and their families within a day Nursery setting. I have an interest in researching the development of young children and the social implications that may determine a child’s future."