Student Publications: June 2020
We are proud to offer you a Showcase of ECS Students Work submitted for publication in our June 2020 Call for Papers
To access the research articles, click on the related 'Read Now' button
Aurora Lastrico Costa:
Reflection on an aspect of practice/ the role of the student practitioner
"My name is Aurora Costa and I have just finished my first year studying for my degree in Early Years Development and Learning at Norland College, I am also currently a qualified Level 4 Childcare practitioner. To achieve this, I have worked in a range of settings, primary schools, nurseries and preschools. I am incredibly lucky to have worked for many families, within my Norland placements and within my own time working both in the UK and abroad. I find working with children incredibly rewarding and I am motivated to become the best early years practitioner I can be."
Faizah Mulla:
Working together with children and families in the community
"My name is Faizah Mulla. I accomplished my study at London Metropolitan University, achieving a First Class with Honours. Whilst Studying, I worked in a Children Centre within the stay and play room, supporting children and families within the community. Studying Early Childhood Studies whilst working strengthened my knowledge in supporting families within the community through applying my knowledge into practice. Not only this, my degree has been an invaluable experience in developing my confidence and skills in my role at work. It inspired me to research on how we can improve to support these families further."
Jeanette Sykes:
Nature Deficit Disorder; What do four-year olds think about nature?
"I’m a 47 year old mother of three, grandmother of three, and a nursery practitioner. I left school at 15 without qualifications. I was determine to lead with example and to be a role model to my children, so I went evening classes to obtain the required GCSE Maths and English, and a L3 CACHE qualification in order to work with children. This year I graduated with the first which made me to continue with my studies"
Kym Goddard:
Exploring Reception Children’s Epistemic Insight (EI): A Small-Scale Case Study
"I worked in early years education whilst studying part-time for my Childhood and Youth BA with the Open University. I then gained Early Years Teacher Status with an Early Years PGCE at Canterbury Christ Church University. Whilst studying here I secured a Primary School Direct placement for this academic year, which I have just completed along with my Primary PGCE enhancement, and am excited to be starting my NQT year in September!
I am passionate about supporting children's emotional, mental and physical health and promoting the importance of Early Years practice and pedagogy throughout children's education."
Niamh Walby:
Using observations and interviews to investigate whether children’s communication and social communication through play differed within the indoor and outdoor environment
"Becoming a Norland nanny has always been a dream of mine from a very young age. I love being apart of a child’s journey and seeing them grow. I decided to research communication in play because I have always been fascinated watching children’s personalities come to life when they have the freedom to play. I also find it interesting how children understand one another without necessarily using words to communicate with. I therefore wanted to combine both and play and communication within 1 study and see how the environment plays a role in both children’s play and their communication."
Rachael Summerscales:
Educating from the care perspective: exposing the tensions between maternalism and early education expectations in key person relationships
"I have worked in a strategic improvement role for a local authority for five years supporting and advising educators across early years and primary phases of education. Prior to this I worked in challenging primary schools in leadership roles in deprived communities. My main interests lie within reconceptualising education in order to keep childhood as unique as possible. I am an advocate of challenging the status quo by breaking through the entrenched pedagogies that exist to shine the spotlight on alternative possibilities and perspectives for a better future for our children."
Theodora Ohemeng-Mensah:
Reflection on an aspect of practice / the role of the student:
Building positive relationships in early years settings
"My name is Theodora Ohemeng-Mensah. I am currently a student at London Metropolitan University furthering my education in Early Childhood Studies at degree level. I have completed my first year (Level 4). I am a Mother of three children. Previously, I have studied and achieved a level 3 qualification in Childcare and during this time, I started gaining experience working with young children in a nursery setting. My greatest passion is working with young children and their families. Being a part of a child’s formative years of their development, watching them grow and learn is what motivates me the most."
Tuesday Gayden:
Marriage should be abolished in favour of civil partnerships?
"Hello, my name is Tuesday. I am 22 years old and currently in my final year of my undergraduate degree, BA (Hons) Childhood. Family and Education Studies. Prior to my undergraduate degree, I completed an apprenticeship in Customer Service whereby I realised working with children and families was my passion. Throughout completing my degree, I continued to work within Customer Service alongside volunteering in a local Primary School located in a deprived area. Through gaining valuable experience within the classroom, I am excited to start my PGCE in Primary Education this September this year."