About
Joe has a background in Early Years education and school leadership. He is a Lecturer in the Childhood Department at the University, also contributing to Early Years programmes within Education.
He is at his happiest when engaging students in discussion around experiences of childhood.
His favourite thing about the Childhood courses is the opportunity to bring together different perspectives, including therapeutic ideas, educational pedagogies, sociological and psychological theory.
He believes that effective work with children can change lives and help to change our society too.
Professional
Joe worked for many years as a teacher, primarily in Nursery and Reception classes. He is passionate about the value of play, the importance of learners having ownership of their journey, and the difference that positive, trusting relationships can make to children’s lives.
Joe progressed to work as a SENCo, Deputy Head and then Headteacher within Nursery Schools. He is fascinated with how we can create effective, inclusive cultures within classrooms and schools, ensuring that every individual is valued.
Alongside his work in education, Joe has a long-standing interest in therapeutic ideas. He made use of training in Play Therapy to deliver small group interventions in a Nursery School context.
Joe has delivered a range of Professional Development training for Local Authorities.
Joe is Programme Coordinator for BA(Hons) Childhood: Health and Wellbeing.
Research
Joe’s early research includes exploring the impact of mindfulness practice in the Early Years and investigating the value of the use of short films in Higher Education teaching and learning.
