At this time of year, we like to introduce the team so that you can get to know us a bit better. There have been a few changes since last year….
Professor Jane Payler, Professor of Education (Early Years)
My research and publications, recognised internationally, focus on sociocultural perspectives on young children’s interactive learning processes, inter-professional practice, professional development of the early childhood workforce, and children’s positioning in research. I have researched, taught, examined, published and practised in early years education and care for over twenty-five years in three universities and two colleges. I am a former Chair of TACTYC: Association for Professional Development in Early Years and former Co-Director of the Children’s Research Centre at the OU. I have advised governments in the development of standards for graduate leaders in the early years, EYPS and EYT, contributed to numerous government consultations and developed a wide range of curricula for early childhood from vocational courses through to university doctoral level study.
At present, I am researching the experiences of children and young people with a parent in prison.
Interests outside work: Painting, drawing, reading and walking.
Favourite non-academic books I’ve read this year: Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell and Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens.
Dr Natalie Canning, Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood
My research is centred on children’s play, especially how children are empowered in play. I come from a play work and social work background, supporting children to explore personal, social and emotional development through play. I have published within the field of professional development, children’s play, empowerment and creative spaces and have taught across various EC undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. I am co-convenor of the European EC and Education Special Interest Group in Outdoor Play and on the committee for TACTYC: Association for Professional Development in EY. I am also the co-director of the Children’s Research Centre at the OU.
Thanks Natalie. What do you like to do when you are not working?
My main interest outside of work is horses. Over the years I have been lucky enough to own quite a few. When I was a teenager, I tried out for the British Eventing youth team but now I am a lot older I do lower level competitions! I do a bit of everything, dressage, show jumping and eventing. In the picture I am at Crown Farm in the Cotswolds doing cross country on Romeo. I have just bought a young horse called Albert who is very willing to learn. I think horses are amazing. They are really the only animal that lets you sit on them and allows you to do all sorts of things that must seem very strange to them. They are half a ton of animal, yet they put complete trust in you to guide them around a course of jumps or do complicated movements in a relatively small space in a dressage arena. We put them in vehicles and take them all over the country and usually they have a better wardrobe of rugs and accessories than the average human!
Karen Horsley, Lecturer in Early Childhood
I joined The Open University in 2015 as a Lecturer in Early Childhood. I contributed to the production of the new Early Childhood degree and I am the current Chair of E109. Prior to this I was a Lecturer in Early Childhood Studies (University of East London). I have worked in research and practice in a variety of early years settings. I have written for early childhood publications and presented at the European Early Childhood Education Research Association (EECERA). I am currently undertaking a professional doctorate with young children from migrant backgrounds exploring their ‘funds of knowledge’ through participatory documentary photography.
Thanks Karen – can you tell us some fun facts about you?
Last book: Aunt Severe and the toy thieves (read with my daughter)
Holiday: somewhere with some sun, a nice view and something new to do (I was fortunate to swim with dolphins a few years ago!) Anywhere with time with my family (something funny or crazy usually happens!)
Favourite joke: What did one tree say to the other tree? …. Nothing it’s a tree! (Fav joke from my friend Fletcher aged 3)
John Parry, Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood
I am a Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood and have worked at the Open University since 2010. I have written material for a range of modules for students studying at the OU for both the Early Childhood and Primary qualifications. Before moving into Higher Education, I was a practitioner and teacher who had worked with young children and their families for over 25 years, for much of this time within Portage. The focus of my publications and research has been the inclusion of young children in their local pre-school settings and the early friendships between disabled children and their peers. My most recent work has been with Professor Jonathon Rix developing ‘In the Picture’, an approach to observing young children at play and engaging with their experiences.
Thanks John. Can you tell us….
- The last book you read: ‘Machines Like Me’ Ian McEwan.
- Your favourite joke: Anything that Stewart Lee says.
- Your ideal holiday destination: Ashton Gate.
- What you do in your spare time: Record Collecting, record playing, record cleaning, record organising, record reviewing, record buying…basically anything involving records.
Thanks all! Join us w/b 13th September to meet some more members of the Early Childhood team….