Kirsten Smith

As an ardent advocate for all things early years, I have crafted and honed this passion through eighteen dedicated years in a range of early years settings.

I am currently an early years lecturer at University College Birmingham, where I deliver the Level 2 Early Years Practitioner and Level 3 Early Years Educator courses. I deliver modules through engaging and immersive lectures that facilitate and support learners in a participatory environment to develop their knowledge and teaching skills.

Formerly I have worked across the sector as a self-employed Ofsted registered childminder, family support and safeguarding officer and, most recently, an early years teacher across two local authority maintained nursery schools. I utilise this industry expertise and knowledge alongside students’ own shared experiences on placement to ensure a holistic breadth of understanding in the course content alongside real life experience.

Roles And Responsibilities of the Early Years Practitioner

Health And Safety of Babies and Young Children in The Early Years

Equality, Diversity and Inclusive Practice in Early Years Settings

Safeguarding, Protection and Welfare of Babies and Young Children in Early Years Settings

Understand How to Support Children’s Development

Support Care Routines for Babies and Young Children

Support the Planning and Delivery of Activities, Purposeful Play Opportunities and Educational Programmes

Promote Play in an Early Years Setting

Support Well-Being of Babies and Young Children for Healthy Lifestyles

Support Babies and Young Children to be Physically Active

Support the Needs of Babies and Young Children With Special Educational Needs and Disability

Promote Positive Behaviour in Early Years Settings

Partnership Working in the Early Years

Support The Needs of the Child in Preparing for School

Child Development from Conception to Seven Years

Children’s Health and Well-Being

Providing a Safe Environment for Children

Child Health

Play and Learning

Understanding Children’s Additional Needs

Observation, Assessment and Planning

Supporting Emergent Literacy

Supporting Emergent Mathematics

Preparing for School Readiness

International Perspectives

Reflective Practice for Professional Development

Professional Partnerships in Early Years