Michelle Windridge

I currently hold the position of Lecturer in Education at University College Birmingham. Prior to this, I was employed as an Assistant Headteacher and EYFS Aspiration Leader within Warwickshire. I have over 20 years of experience teaching across EYFS, KS1 and KS2 however, my passion is the early years. I strongly believe that all children have the right to an outstanding early education. Through continuous professional development, reading up to date research and self-evaluating my own practice I believe that I can inspire others to be the best possible practitioners that they can be, and this is why I love my role at UCB. 

The majority of my leadership experience has been in Staffordshire where I was appointed by the Staffordshire School Improvement Division as a Lead Teacher for the teaching of young children. In this role, I supported and advised teachers from Staffordshire schools in creating exciting and stimulating provision for their nursery, reception and KS1 children.   Alongside this role, I supported the Tame Valley Cooperative Trust Outstanding Teacher Programme by demonstrating ‘outstanding’ lessons for teachers to observe and worked with teachers from other schools within the Trust to support them on their journey to becoming outstanding. 

My teaching and learning is strongly influenced by the key principles of the ‘Reggio Emilia’ approach to education. I recognise that children have rights and, as such, are valued, listened to and given time and space to express themselves. I see children as constructors of knowledge who are encouraged to be ‘researchers’. Children should therefore be provided with opportunities to actively participate, explore, and question things. I am passionate about sharing my approach to education with students, empowering the educators of the future to be role models for the children in their care.

PGCE Primary with Qualified Teacher Status

Primary Education Studies (accelerated)

Early Childhood Studies

PGCert in Academic Practice

School governor (secondary) and Childline councillor