Heather Wilks

Department of Social Work

Lecturer

Academic qualifications

Psychology Msc, Post Compulsory Education and Training PGCE, Early Childhood Studies BA (Hons), Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement

Email

hwilks@ucb.ac.uk

"It’s a misconception that to work in health and social care you only need ‘common sense’. In reality, it’s a complex area of study involving research, theory, and critical thinking."

I teach on our Health and Social Care course, with a strong focus on psychology, child development, behaviour, mental health and early years education. I have extensive experience in teaching and working with children, which helps me connect theory with real-life practice for my students.

I began my teaching career in secondary schools and sixth form settings, supporting students with behavioural, social, and emotional needs. Along the way, I’ve taught a range of vocational and academic subjects, including Childcare (BTEC level), Health and Social Care (BTEC), Teaching Assistant (CACHE), Workskills (BTEC), and Psychology (BTEC). Before teaching, I worked in a nursery as an Early Years Graduate, which gave me hands-on experience in child development, safeguarding, and school readiness.

My professional experiences mean I’m well-equipped to bring both academic knowledge and real-world practice into the classroom.

I understand the challenges learners can face and I’m used to adapting my teaching so that everyone can engage and succeed. I’m also a former BTEC Standards Verifier and qualified assessor, which enables me to guide students on how to meet assessment standards, while developing the professional skills that employers expect. I also always make sure my lessons link research with current practice.

It’s incredibly rewarding to be able to make a real difference in my students’ lives, particularly those who have faced barriers to education or doubted their own abilities.

It’s a misconception that to work in our industry, you only need “common sense”. In reality, it’s a complex area of study involving research, theory, and critical thinking. There’s no one “right” way to work with people, and professionals need to adapt and reflect constantly.

Outside of work, I enjoy travelling, trying different foods, and broadening my cultural experiences. My ultimate ambition is to set up a holistic forest school for non‑verbal autistic children, to create a calm space to support their wellbeing and learning.