Early Years – Together We Can Do Better

University of Leeds staff and students are making a difference to the futures of children and young people in local communities and around the world

The University’s School of Education is driving research, influencing policy makers, engaging charities, conducting research in schools and collaborating with partners.   

One of the School’s most high-profile collaborations happened in early 2023 – when the University welcomed HRH Princess of Wales, whose work to raise awareness of the importance of Early Years has attracted headlines around the world since she convened a steering group in 2018.

To have real impact in such a significant and multi-faceted area, the School recognises that collaboration is key – across faculties in the University and with partners in the wider community. It is through this collaborative work that real impact can be made – echoing the University’s academic strategy ‘Universal Values, Global Change’ – by taking research and innovation and applying it to make a difference to society.

This collaboration across Leeds impressed during the Princess of Wales’ visit. Sarah McMullen, Associate Director of Research and Policy at the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, said:

“We were really inspired by how Leeds is putting children at the heart of city life, listening to children and trying to make it one of the best places for children to live and learn and grow.

“We feel really fortunate to collaborate with people from all walks of life to help make change happen. One of the things that was so inspiring and energising at the University of Leeds was seeing young people really leaning into this and seeing themselves as part of that future.”

Emma Joynes, a student who met the Princess of Wales during her visit, said:

“Her visit inspired me to be a childhood family support worker as I would really like to make a difference to the 0-5 years age group. The visit really highlighted the importance of how this period shapes the rest of your life and is the building blocks of your entire life. The early years are pivotal.”

The School of Education also collaborates with partners such as Careers Teachers and Red Kite Teacher Training to help its students take advantage of placements, where they can learn more about childcare settings and find the path they are passionate about. For example, students can participate in a placement with the on-campus nursery and partner Bright Beginnings.

Niamh Johnson, a student from the School of Education, said:

“The combination of theory and practice was brilliant because everything I had learnt before in the lecturers and seminars could be put into practice when I was in a classroom setting.”

These placements allow students to make connections between the academic work they do – the theories, concepts and research in their studies – with a practical experience and what works in a real-world setting.

Victoria Lickley, Director of Red Kite Teacher Training, said:

“The partnership between the University of Leeds and Red Kite Teacher Training has wide-ranging impacts at school and community levels.

“Both Red Kite and the University of Leeds are passionate about social justice and the ability of educators to empower individuals and communities – the power of our partnership is our collective ability to make a difference and change lives.”

Dr Lucy Taylor, Lecturer in Education (Primary English) at the University of Leeds School of Education, adds:

“One of the things about working in the city you live in, you can see potentially making a difference to the city in which the university exists.

“Because in our School we train people to become teachers and go into the workforce, we’re quite closely integrated with schools and nurseries and other organisations in the city.

“For me, that’s the thing that really makes a difference as an academic. Of course, my academic work is important… but it’s the fact that I can see that as a University we can have an impact in the community, in the city, and raising aspiration for children and young people around us.”

The impact in Leeds can be seen after graduation where students from the School of Education go on to make a difference to children in a huge range of workplaces, including teaching, policy, research, family support and child protection.

 

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