Laura's Profile
Job title
Lecturer
Academic qualifications
BA (Hons) Initial Teacher Education specialising in Early Years (with QTS), PGCert HE, OA Dips in Children Psychology/Autism Awareness/CBT/Child Development/Educational Psychology, Fellow
"I’ve worked with children since I was 18 and will always treasure the cards and letters I received from many of them, telling me that I made a difference to their lives. Now, it’s a joy to inspire adults who want to do the same."
My professional path is shaped by a love for learning and a genuine commitment to supporting children and those who work with them. My expertise lies in children’s behaviour, primary and early years assessment, English (especially reading, creative writing, and phonics), mentoring and coaching, and mental health. I teach across the BA Childhood and Education Studies (online), BA Early Childhood Studies, and BA Primary Education Studies courses, and always aim to make sessions lively, practical, and rooted in the realities of working with children.
Before working in higher education, I was a nursery nurse, nanny, and primary school teacher for over a decade, taking on leadership roles in Reception, Modern Foreign Languages, Music, IT, and English. I’m especially proud of helping turn around a school in special measures through my leadership in English and class teaching. I wrote a book (under a pseudonym) about my teaching experiences, titled Is It Half Term Yet? The Secret Diary of an Early Career Teacher. I’ve worked with children since I was 18 and will always treasure the cards and letters I received from many of them, telling me that I made a difference to their lives. Now, it’s a joy to inspire adults who want to do the same.
My work as a certified Lead Moderator for Solihull Local Authority keeps me well-informed, as I need to carry out annual training and stay up-to-date with the latest assessment guidance, which feeds directly into my lectures. I also serve as an external examiner for Leeds Trinity University and led UCB’s first annual conference on poverty and education. I’m a Higher Education Academy (HEA) member and a qualified Mental Health First Aider. Throughout my career, I’ve collected a handful of diplomas - from Autism Awareness and Child Psychology to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Speech and Language in the Early Years, which help me bring a well-rounded perspective to my teaching. I’m also studying for an MA in Children's Literature.
Mentoring trainee teachers and teaching assistants has always been a highlight of my career, and I still love to see people grow into their roles. I’m inspired by the opportunity to help students become empathetic, knowledgeable professionals who will go on to safeguard and motivate children to reach their potential. Working with children is often underestimated, and not everyone is cut out for it, but I think that it’s one of the most challenging and rewarding careers out there.
My students say that I bring plenty of silliness to my classes, which I take as a compliment! I encourage my students to throw themselves into university life - to get involved in clubs, take on responsibilities, and never be afraid to ask for help.
Outside of work, I’m happiest hiking in nature, travelling, and writing stories. I love food, laughter (Taskmaster is my go-to TV series), and I’m also a fan of true crime series. I’ll also happily rewatch episodes of Friends or Gilmore Girls. Finally, people are often surprised to learn that I’m a big WWE fan!