Laura Main

Department of Education

Senior Lecturer

Academic qualifications

Master in Professional Practice and Lifelong Education, BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies, DETS

Email

l.main@ucb.ac.uk

"Thanks to my professional experiences, I’m able to offer my students practical early years insights backed by a strong understanding of qualification assessments and progression."

My work is driven by a deep passion for supporting and engaging with children, which shapes everything I do. I specialise in T Level Education and Early Years, with a particular focus on behaviour management, child development, observation and assessment, and the power of play in learning. I teach on T Level Education and Early Years (Years 1 and 2), Level 2 Technical Occupational Entry for the Early Years Practitioner (Diploma), and Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools Level 2.

I’ve built a varied career in childcare, starting out as an early years practitioner and crèche supervisor, before moving into a private day nursery supporting children under five years old. I later moved into assessing students, mainly for private training providers and as part of apprenticeship programmes, and more recently I’ve focused on teaching.

Thanks to my professional experiences, I’m able to offer my students practical early years insights backed by a strong understanding of qualification assessments and progression. My students often say they appreciate how relevant my classes are for their future careers.

I really enjoy working with my UCB students who all come from different backgrounds, and I’m proud to support them to achieve their goals - both academic and personal. My key piece of advice for new students is to engage fully with every opportunity - ask questions, reflect on your practice, and keep in mind that small, consistent steps lead to long‑term success.

In my spare time, I’m currently studying for my Advanced Teacher Status.