1. summer 2012
Policy Issues in
the Early Years
(Critical Issues in the Early Years)
Professor Denise Hevey recently collaborated with Emeritus Professor,
Early Years, Linda Miller from the Open University in order to edit a
ground-breaking new book on policy issues. What makes this book
different is that many of the original chapters were written by those Research in the School of Education
actively involved in policy- making as key civil servants or government
advisers or heads of major voluntary organisations. The scope of the
book is wide ranging, from the policy implications of brain research and
interventions, to supporting young children and families growing up in
poverty and social disadvantage, to national strategies for curriculum
and regulation and to marketisation or democratisation of services at
national and international levels. The purpose of the book is to raise
awareness of practitioners and professionals in the early years’ sector
of a range of current policy issues, and to help them to become ‘policy ‘A surprisingly accessible and interesting
literate’ drawing on examples from Scotland, Canada and former Soviet read, so if you want to feel more ‘policy
Bloc countries. The opening and closing chapters focus on the current literate’, and need to get ‘clued up’ on
notion of evidence-based policy making, and question whether this current issues affecting early years this
refl ects the reality of how policy is developed and made. It concludes book is the ideal read for you.’
with a reconceptualisation of policy evaluation in terms of testing
- Martine Horvath,
against four enduring principles: -
Early Years Educator
Child centredness - does the policy put young children’s needs at
the centre and value them for who they are now rather than what they
might become?
Democracy - does the policy encourage the active participation of
young children and their carers/ practitioners in taking decisions?
Equality and equity - does the policy value diversity and inclusion
and allow all young children the opportunities and support to develop
to their full potential?
Professionalism - does the policy promote appropriate training,
respect professional judgement and support a culture of
continuous improvement?
Miller, K. And Hevey, D. (2012) Policy Issues in the Early Years.
London: SAGE
‘Whether seen as a market commodity, a means of democratic empowerment,
or the best start for all children, early years’ services reflect national values and
political judgements. Policy making is relevant to all who work in early childhood
care and education, and this book provides excellent insights and support to help
practitioners develop the analytical skills that will make them “policy literate’.
- Dame Gillian Pugh, Chair, National Children’s Bureau
p7 Researcher Profile p8 News & Events p14 PhD News
iNSIDE Sue Ralph, visiting Professor Research updates from Updates from our
supporting Education PhD the School of Education PhD students
students and research bids

2. CONTENTS Australian Special
Education Principals
Association Lecture
3 Research Lecture 7 Researcher Profile 12 Research Publications
4 Research Updates 8 News & Events 14 PhD News
“Lessons from the Past, Visions for the Future”
WELCOME The School of Education and The University of Northampton, in association with the Australian
Special Education Principals Association (ASEPA), was delighted to welcome Baroness Warnock,
Research communities in universities up and down the who presented a lecture entitled “Lessons from the Past, Visions for the Future” at our institution
country are in the final stages of putting in place their on the 21st June 2012. The Baroness was welcomed to the University by the Vice-Chancellor,
submissions to the Research Excellence Framework (REF), Professor Nick Petford, and Fiona Forbes, President ASEPA-Australia.
which is designed to identify world class research activity
and to promote its growth and sustainability.
Within the School of Education, these plans, being led by Professor The visit was arranged subsequent
Richard Rose, provide evidence of the rapid expansion in the subject- to the work undertaken collaboratively
range, international orientation and practical application of the work by the School of Education, ASEPA
undertaken by staff members, students and research associates. and the University of Adelaide. This
Indeed, it is fair to make the point that the research profile of the focussed on the educational needs
School of Education is unrecognisable from that previously submitted of students with special educational
for scrutiny to the predecessor of the REF – the now-defunct Research needs within the newly developing
Assessment Exercise. Australian Curriculum.
The present issue of RiSE captures some of this rich diversity and is The Baroness Warnock is the author
indicative of how far we have come. It evidences the involvement of a much and chair of the Warnock Report.
wider group of researchers within the school, and illustrates the growing This was commissioned in 1974 by
tendency for colleagues to engage in research and consultancy at local, the English government. Its brief
regional, national and international levels. But as with previous issues of was to review educational provision
Follow us the Newsletter, these are merely examples of the kinds of work being for students with special educational
undertaken. Research is now more firmly embedded in the repertoire and needs who were of school age.
www.facebook.com/ expectations of a community of educational professionals who are driven University, in particular about its role the University and the part you
TheUniversityofNorthampton by a commitment to ensuring that their efforts will ‘make a difference’. Delegates reported that this was in special and inclusive education. are playing in special and inclusive
a most enjoyable, informative, Professor Philip Garner indicated education is echoed from our
@SoEUniNorthants interesting and stimulating event. that “I think it was appropriate that country. The contribution the
It was, according to one, “An our partners and colleagues from University has played in research
UniNorthamptonSoE opportunity to listen to one of the the region, who were substantially that is shaping work on the Australian
most significant figures in the represented in the audience, heard Curriculum for students with SEND,
field of policy-making in special these comments – especially from in partnership with our association,
educational needs”. such an eminent public figure.” is significant and ongoing.
ASEPA looks forward to our
It was noted that Lady Warnock said Fiona Forbes added: “The accolades continued partnership.”
some very positive things about the from Baroness Lady Warnock about
2 | CONTENTS www.northampton.ac.uk/education RESEARCH LECTURE | 3

3. Researching Continuing
The University Ambassadors’ Professional Development
in the Early Years
pilot project – an impact study In April last year Professor Denise Hevey was invited to
contribute to a European comparative study of Continuing
BY EMMA SIMS Professional Development (CPD) in the Early Years sector
as the England country expert.
This training included: through the use of focus groups.
12 of the ambassadors joined focus In addition to extensive desk/internet- National Teachers Union, amongst to define Continuing Professional
• teaching and learning strategies groups and were questioned about based research, the project involved others, together with a sample of Development in England because
• behaviour management the training programme and their drawing up a questionnaire for a eight Local Authorities from the the workforce was still in the process
• presentation skills hopes and aspirations for the small sample of key stakeholders East Midlands. Analysis showed of professionalization, and, despite
programme. Following the such as national regulatory bodies no simple consensus around how the successful introduction of Early
• lesson and activity planning
completion of their time in school, and major providers of CPD, to define CPD, but most definitions Years Professional Status there was,
• safeguarding the focus groups will meet again. including Local Authorities and included one or more of the as yet, no standard, mandatory
• child protection It is hoped that these discussions voluntary organisatons. Each was following elements:- requirement for Initial Professional
will reveal the extent to which their invited to provide their own definition Development. The England report
• disclosures • Personal development
expectations were met and give us of CPD and to comment on the was submitted for translation in
• guided reading importance of CPD to individual and advancement; October and an overall report of the
useful insights into the impact of the
programme on the Ambassadors. practitioners and to the sector. • Practice improvement ; EU comparative project has since
The research team includes
Emma Sims, Zhou Yu and two • Organisational/ sector benefits. been produced in German (contact
The school-based mentors for the Responses were received from denise.hevey@northampton.ac.uk
undergraduate students who are projects were interviewed about Ofsted, the General Teaching
The University Ambassadors’ The range of activities identified as for more info). Professor Hevey
on the URB@N scheme. The impact their expectations and hopes for Council, the General Social Care
scheme was developed as part of CPD varied from basic first aid to is waiting to find out whether the
will be assessed through the use of the project prior to the ambassadors Council, the Children’s Workforce
the HE-School Engagement agenda. post-graduate qualifications. The overall project will be turned into
questionnaires, focus groups and being deployed in their schools. Development Council, the National
The idea behind the project is to study concluded that it was difficult a book in English!
semi-structured interviews. At the end of the project the Childminding Association and the
recruit a group of undergraduate
The project is being evaluated mentors will be interviewed for a
students who, after a period of
through both quantitative and second time and the impact of the
training, would be placed in a local
qualitative research. programme assessed through
primary school. They would work
with pupils to: improve reading analysis of their responses.
European Bidding Success
The aim is to assess the
skills; act as role models; spread impact of this project on: Early indications suggest that the
the message about the value of Ambassadors themselves have
education, and to develop and deliver i. The Undergraduate students
appointed to the role of ‘University gained a lot from the programme.
projects designed to motivate and They report how fulfilling they have
inspire young people. Each student Ambassador’ The School of Education has been technology companies are focus, and one of the reasons
found their work with young people
would be paid to contribute 40 hours ii. The Primary schools in which the and many have negotiated to spend successful in winning a competitive partners in the project. for its selection to undertake
of work to local schools and volunteer Ambassadors are placed extra time in their host school. The tender to evaluate the £7million this prestigious work, was that
20 hours of their own time in order to European Framework Programme The School of Education’s it considers each of five elements
The University Ambassadors were full results of the research will be successful evaluation plan, being
complete the training programme. available later this year. If the Science in Society 2010, being which are critical to demonstrating
asked to complete a questionnaire led by Professor Philip Garner
programme is shown to have had a delivered jointly by ECB/ingenious. Quality European Project
30 students were recruited from before their training began and then with inputs from colleagues in the
positive impact, the scheme will be The project aims to orientate young Management: Relevance,
across the 6 University schools. again at the end of the training. School, will assess the management
doubled in size next academic year. people towards STEM careers by Efficiency, Effectiveness,
They were trained by a number The questionnaire is being used to and implementation of the whole
reinforcing links between schools Impact and Sustainability.
of staff both from the School of assess the efficacy of the training project, paying particular attention
and industries through a range of
Education and from the primary in terms of preparing students to to the Work Package activities which The evaluation, which will be
STEM-related education activities.
schools in which they would deliver activities in school. In addition, form a major element in the project tackled in three distinct phases,
Major multi-national science &
ultimately be placed. qualitative data is being collected itself. Northampton’s distinctive will run until January 2014.
4 | RESEARCH UPDATES www.northampton.ac.uk/education RESEARCH UPDATES | 5

4. Early Years Teacher The Independent
Training Students: Learning Tool
Researchers in our Partnership Settings
The University of Northampton Initial Following required ethical protocols,
Professor Janet Moyles
programme. Over the past year,
(ILT) Project
Teacher Training team was delighted the students’ partnership settings the study findings have provided
when some of our BA (Hons) Early were asked if they wanted to take part an evidence base for TACTYC’s
Years Education (QTS) students and several signed up. Our students discussions with government
volunteered as research assistants for then tracked individual children’s regarding the development of the In 2011-12, Anita Devi & the ILT Research team were awarded a research bid. The aim of the
a national study focused on ‘The activities throughout the course of a revised EYFS, due in settings from bid was to develop the in-house bidding and research skills of academics and the focus of the
Early Years Foundation Stage through morning; Professor Moyles described September 2012, as well as the investigation was to explore “ways in which relationships between teachers/other classroom
the Daily Experiences of Children’. the quality of our students’ Nutbrown Review on early education based professionals and children impact on learning”.
The project was commissioned in observations as ‘excellent’. and childcare qualifications. You can
2011 by TACTYC (the Association for read more about this research at
the Professional Development of The study’s outcomes indicated the www.tactyc.org.uk/occasional-
Early Years Educators) and was importance of well trained reception papers.asp
teachers who understand the
Phase 1 Progress to date: For more information contact:
directed by Professor Janet Moyles
relationship between effective play Early on, the ILT Research Team Phase 1 is currently underway with education@northampton.ac.uk
with Maulfry Worthington, both of
and learning: key aims of our BA decided to focus on four key areas: a few schools trailing the tool. Two
whom are highly regarded early
(Hons) Early Years Education (QTS) presentations have been delivered
years’ experts. • Students with special educational on the project; one at the SoE
needs and/or disabilities (SEND) Research Conference 2012 and The ILT research team:
– research has shown developing a second at The Teacher Education
appropriate strategies and support Advancement Network (TEAN)
Vishakha Joshi, Louise Carey and Lisa Blackwood (BA (Hons.) Early Years Education QTS) share their for SEND results in enhanced
experiences of collecting data as student research assistants for ‘The Early Years Foundation Stage through Conference. Feedback has been
provision for all pupils very encouraging with the
the Daily Experiences of Children’ Project, directed by Professor Janet Moyles with Maulfry Worthington
• Physical Education (PE) as a conference organisers sharing that: Anita Devi
specialist subject (practical “Delegates felt this was a fascinating Principle Investigator 1
Why did you volunteer? What did you enjoy about the experience? and theoretical area of learning) research project and a very interesting
‘I couldn’t turn down such an amazing opportunity to be ‘It enabled me to understand the effects practitioners have
able to take part in such an interesting study!’ (Louise) on children’s development and understanding.’ (Vishakha) • Key stage 3 to develop support idea; good underpinning theory and
for option-based subjects rationale embedded in clear educational
‘I felt it would be an experience that would enhance ‘It was an interesting insight into the experience of a child in
my professional development.’ (Lisa) a reception class and I was happy to be contributing to such
philosophy. They look forward to seeing
• Personal Learning & Thinking Skills prototype of ILT and can see lots of uses Andy Smith
eye-opening research.’ (Lisa)
What did you have to do? (PLTS) which can be used cross in schools.” Principle Investigator 2
‘I love to observe children’s independent play; to sit back curricular in the long term.
‘Every five minutes I recorded what the child was doing and and watch them imaginatively create their own worlds with
whether it was adult led or child initiated. I used the format The data will be collated in July and
no interruptions from adults. It helped remind me why I love Amidst a national landscape of
provided which had an example (this made it easier) to Phase 1 of the project completed in
working with children so much.’ (Louise) changing reform and legislation, one
conduct the observations.’ (Vishakha) August 2012.
of the biggest challenges has been
‘Observe two children every five minutes throughout Would you do it again?
engaging schools in the research. Phase 2 has already started with Emma Whewell
a morning, noting my observations.’ (Lisa) ‘I would definitely participate again. The experience
has enabled me to take part in research which can make Many schools agreed on the concept university-wide work on developing a Researcher
Was there anything you found particularly a difference.’ (Vishakha) and liked the idea, but were unable to mobile device app in order to take the
challenging about the experience? ‘Yes! I would welcome more opportunities to be involved participate due to other pressures. ILT into schools. Watch this space for
‘It was quite a challenge to make sure I was including in further research projects as I feel this is a key element future updates.
the most relevant information possible.’ (Louise) of teaching.’ (Lisa)
‘Observing every five minutes was challenging.’ (Lisa) ‘Yes. I really enjoyed the experience and would urge more Prof. John Visser
‘There was not anything that I found particularly early years’ students and professionals to be a part of Consultant
challenging as everything was explained clearly’ (Vishakha) such research.’ (Louise)
6 | RESEARCH UPDATES www.northampton.ac.uk/education RESEARCH UPDATES | 7

5. RESEARCHER PROFILE: American Education
SUE RALPH Research Association
(AERA) Conference news
Sue Ralph joined the University in 2007 as a visiting
Professor after working at the University of Manchester
in the School of Education for 25 years, leading the
– Vancouver, Canada
Master’s programme in Education, Communications
and Technology. During this time she developed a On April 16 2012, Meanu Bajwa-Patel, one of our
PhD students, and Dr Cristina Devecchi, successfully
body of research which included: presented interim findings of Meanu’s doctoral study
to a roundtable audience. The paper, entitled ‘Nowhere
fits: Exploring the issues around parental choice and
school placement for students with a Statement of
Media reporting of assisted suicide and euthanasia; A sample of Special Educational Needs in England’, was well
The history of eugenics from a disability perspective; publications received. Congratulations to Meanu on her achievement.
• Attitudes of PGCE students towards children with The AERA conference is a highly competitive one
speech and language difficulties; Boxall, K. and Ralph, S.M where only around 20% of submissions are chosen
(2010) Research ethics to be included in the programme.
• Victorian images of disability; committees and the benefits
• Comics and cartoons and disability; of involving people with
• The creation of positive images of disability in the media; profound and multiple learning
• The inclusion of disabled people in mainstream advertising disabilities in research.
in the UK and the USA; British Journal of Learning
• Disability and humour.
Disabilities Published online:
26 JUL 2010, DOI: 0.1111/j.1468-
Forthcoming Research Conferences
• University PR materials and disabled students 3156.2010.00645.x
• Methodology; emancipatory research and ethical issues
concerned with students with learning disabilities Farnsworth, V., Davis, P., British Educational Research Association American Educational Research Association
• Ethical issues in image based research Kalambouka, A., Ralph, S., Shi, Conference (BERA) 6th September 2012, (AERA) Conference 27th April – 1st May 2013,
X., and Farrell, P. Students’ www.bera.ac.uk San Francisco, www.aera.net/
• Disability and advertising
production of curricular
• Reflective practice, group dynamics and the identification knowledge: perspectives on European Conference on Educational Research ATINER 15th Annual International Conference on
and management of stress for educational practitioners. empowerment in financial ... for (ECER) 17th – 21st September 2012, Cadiz, Spain Education, 20th – 23rd May 2013, Athens, Greece
how we define the boundaries www.eera-ecer.eu www.atiner.gr/education.htm
She has published extensively in both national and international
journals, spoken at many National and International conferences of financial capability education
... Education, Citizenship and London International Conference on Education 5th International Research Conference of the
and taught in countries which include: Uganda, South Africa,
(LICE-2012) 19th - 22nd November, London, International Association for the Evaluation of
Zambia, India, Pakistan, USA, Canada, Cyprus and Sri Lanka. Social Justice July 2011 vol. 6
www.liceducation.org Educational Achievement 26th – 28th June,
no. 2 153-167 ...
Sue has wide experience as an educator, having worked in secondary Singapore, www.iea.nl/irc-2013.html
schools in the UK and Uganda, youth and community work and three ICET 2013 : International Conference on
Haller, B., Ralph, S.M and Educational Technology, 30th - 31st January, Dubai, International Montessori Congress 31st July - 3rd
universities. She is also a qualified counsellor. She currently edits
Zaks, Z. (2010) Confronting United Arab Emirates, August 2013, Portland, Oregon, United States of
The Journal of Research in Special Educational Needs, (JORSEN).
Obstacles to Inclusion: How the www.waset.org/conferences/2013/dubai/icet/ America, www.montessoricongress.org
Sue enjoys her work at the University of Northampton, where she US news media report on the
supports staff to make research bids and to write and publish papers, neurological disability of autism 2nd Cyprus International Conference on
and, supervises a number of PhD students. She has seen many changes In Confronting Obstacles to Educational Research, 13th – 15th February,
since joining the University and is proud to be associated with the work Inclusion (2010) Edited by Ataturk Teacher Training Academy, Lefkosa,
of the School of Education. Richard Rose: Routledge North Cyprus www.cyicer.org/
8 | RESEARCHER PROFILE www.northampton.ac.uk/education NEWS & EVENTS | 9

6. RESEARCH SEMINARS
and drop-in lunch meetings
International Visitor
Philip Garner reports that
our Centre for Education and
Research will be hosting Javier
Ortuno, who is an Associate
Professor at the University of
La Rioja (Spain), from 22nd July
until September 2012. Javier is
especially interested in children
(secondary age) with behaviour
problems. He is using his stay
to visit a range of settings and
to undertake scholarly activity.
He will be leading a research
seminar here in the School of
Education during his stay and
is happy to engage actively with
anyone who wishes to develop
a greater understanding of the
Spanish education system. Inclusion Seminars seminars, Anita had the Towards Inclusive Learning A research seminar, which
Javier is staying with a local given in Switzerland opportunity to visit a number of Environments in Vocational was a dissemination event,
family, close by the University. international schools to see how Educational Training (VET) presenting the initial work
In March, Anita Devi delivered
the international baccalaureate of this exciting international
a series of seminars at Webster This project is funded by the
(IB) is delivered to students with project, took place in Sulgrave
Widening Access University in Geneva and at the European Community and includes
special educational needs, as on Friday 15th June.
– Seminar Series Zurich International School. partners from universities and
well as discuss further
The focus of the seminars colleges in Finland, Estonia and To find out more about
July 10th opportunities for consultancy
was a whole school approach the Czech Republic. The aim of this project, please go to
and research work in Switzerland.
All in HE: EU funded research to inclusion and supporting the the project is to create a ‘Roadmap www.tileinvet.net
Anita was invited to Switzerland
into validating prior learning needs of children and young for Inclusion’: a versatile tool for
by the not-for-profit organisation
for marginalised groups – people with dual multiple vocational education and training
ASK (All Special Kids).
exceptionality (DME) i.e. those institutions, and further post-16
This seminar was presented who have a special educational college and workplace education
by Anita Devi need and are considered ‘gifted settings which will be available
and talented’. In between the freely on our website in
four languages.
10 | NEWS & EVENTS www.northampton.ac.uk/education NEWS & EVENTS | 11

7. Latest books, articles & conference papers Irish Association of Teachers
in Special Education (IATSE)
Recent Publication on support Recent Publication small scale local studies fit into
for Mathematics Leaders on Mathematics
Specialist Programme
the bigger picture. Management
in Education 26 (2) 82 - 88
The seminar provided a forum for
national and international speakers
who are working with the capability
conference, Dublin, June 2012
Ems Lord has had a research
summary published by CUREE Debbie Morgan has had an article approach in relation to issues of A REPORT BY ZHAO YU (YUMY)
(Centre for the Use of Research published in Mathematics Teaching, disability, special educational
and Evidence in Education), entitled the journal for the Association 3rd TEAN Conference – May 2012 needs and education. The seminar,
‘Let’s work Together - Supporting of Teachers of Mathematics. the first of its kind, was well
Debbie Morgan reported that the
Mathematics Subject Leaders It discusses the approach taken in attended, including by members
theme for this year’s conference
Through Clustering’ the development of Northampton of staff and PhD students from
was “Creating Effective Teachers”.
University’s Mathematics Specialist Northampton. The proceedings
Ems was invited by CUREE to share Dr Caroline Daly, from the Institute
Teacher Programme and her of the seminar were video recorded
the work that she had been doing in of Education (London) delivered
related research regarding the and further publications of the
Lincolnshire to develop support for the opening key note, encouraging
impact of the programme. papers presented will follow. If you
mathematics subject leaders who academics and higher education
would like more information about
were working in rural areas, where Recent Publication institutions to think outside the
the capability approach, or about the
CPD was difficult to access. CUREE on SEN Teachers box in terms of course design,
themes and issues discussed during
put the following statement on their widening participation and
the seminar, please contact Cristina
website with the commissioned Philip Garner (with Fiona Forbes, working collaboratively with a range
(Cristina.devecchi@northampton.
reports: These have been designed from Western Australia) has recently of partners. Debbie Morgan shared
ac.uk) for more information.
with the learning needs of teachers published ‘Disposable assets. Are some of her research and delivered
special education teachers still a snapshot session on ‘Developing Keynote address The strong links between the University and the Irish Association of
in mind, in order to make them Teachers in Special Education (IATSE) were much in evidence when
accessible and hopefully inspire needed in 21st Century Australian Effective Teachers of Mathematics’, at Conference in India
Schools’ in the NISE Bulletin - whilst Anita Devi and Andy Smith Phil, Meanu, Saneeya and Yumy attended the IATSE Conference in
teachers to engage with research In February, Richard Rose Dublin on 7th, 8th and 9th June. This was a practical and informative
and maybe even undertake a Special Needs Education in Japan contributed to a seminar session on
‘The paradox of learning: can good presented a keynote address to experience for all. Phil, Meanu and Saneeya gave presentations about
research project of their own. Recent Journal Publication the Fourth North South Global their research. Their papers were very well received by a mixed audience
relationships between the teacher
Research conducted by Ken Bland, and the student lead to greater Dialogue Conference in India. of researchers and practitioners and are being reviewed for publication
in partnership with Terri Attwood independence of the learner?’ This conference bought together in peer reviewed journals. Delegates exchanged views about their
from Park Junior School Kettering, NGOs, national politicians and experience of researching and teaching both during questions at the
Disability, Capability and researchers to consider work end of each session and at the social reception.
into the deployment of higher level
Education – Research Seminar undertaken in support of the
teaching assistants, has just been Phil commented: “We were made very welcome by members of IATSE,
published in the journal, Cristina Devecchi, in collaboration Millennium Development Goal
on achieving universal primary who were interested to hear about our current research. We also had
Management in Education. with Sue Ralph, the editor of the privilege of attending presentations by experienced practitioners
The full reference for this paper is: JORSEN and visiting Professor education. Richard’s paper
‘Supporting Communities Towards about their work with children with exceptional needs. This was a
at the University of Northampton, most valuable exchange”.
Attwood, T, & Bland, K. (2012) a More Equitable Education System’
and Nidhi Singal from the University
Deployment and impact of was based upon work in which he Meanu reported: “I think it was a very good chance for people to exchange
of Cambridge, organised a seminar
higher level teaching has been involved with colleagues knowledge, and from a teacher’s point of view, I think there were lots of
entitled ‘Disability, capability and
assistants – how do in Southern India since 2000 and sessions about teaching and supporting which I think was really helpful”.
education’ on Friday 16th March.
The seminar, hosted at the Faculty will be available, along with the
PowerPoint presentation, on Saneeya said: “The IATSE Conference was an edifying experience
of Education, University of and very significant in terms of knowledge exchange for me personally.
Cambridge, was sponsored by NILE, our online depository,
soon, and will be published Learning about various facets of educational support for those pupils
Nasen, the Education, Equality with Special Needs in Ireland, and also being able to share my own
and Development research group in the conference report.
research with Irish practitioners meant that I came away from the
in Cambridge, and the University conference with extremely valuable and useful insights”.
of Northampton.
Yumy had the following to say about the experience: “I really enjoyed
being there as both an observer and a learner. The conference was very
useful for me, because I learnt many things about doing research on
teaching and supporting SEN students in the mainstream classes”.
www.northampton.ac.uk/education RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS | 13

8. School of Education Juggling Elephants PhD student
support group
(SoE) Research Student – A Poster Success Story meetings
Conference 2012 BY SANEEYA QURESHI
BY MEANU BAJWA-PATEL
The third annual School of Education One of the many perks of being a The monthly supervisor and
PhD student conference took place PhD Student at The University of PhD student group meetings
over 3rd & 4th May 2012 and, once Northampton includes being able continue to provide a forum for
again, the two-day event was a to participate in a variety of cross- discussion of methodological
thought-provoking and resounding discipline research seminars and matters related to individual
success. The organising committee activities. The Annual Research projects. These meetings are
had grown in number this year, and Poster Competition, organised informal and relaxed but
comprised fellow SoE PhD students by the Graduate School, is one provide opportunities for critical
Benny, Carmel, Nichola, Phil and such event - the aim of which is discussion and reflection around
Saneeya, with additional support for students to create posters that the PhD process. The meetings
from Yumy, Josephine and Pam. explain their research to a mixed SENCO Impact. The subject covered next year will be held on:
Not only was the committee larger audience of non subject-specialists. my PhD work to date around the
this year, but, with their increased Indeed, this ability to critically effectiveness of the SENCO role in
Richard Rose, Wendy Messenger Woods’ work into Young People, primary schools. I am currently in 2012
confidence and experience, this evaluate one’s own work and further
year’s conference was said to have from the University of Worcester, Racism and Crime, and then disseminate findings is one of the second year of my research, 13th September
a more polished feel to it, from the Professor Lani Florian from the progressed with Benny Kuruvilla’s the significant characteristics of and so have considerable primary 18th October
increased use of media to advertise University of Aberdeen, and, Dr. Jane update on his work with learning effective researchers that is also data that I could share with the
Tarr and Dr. Nick Clough, from the mentors in primary schools. There 15th November
and record the event, to the flowers reiterated in the UK Researcher audience, and consequently, the
(kindly donated by Northgate School University of the West of England. were also presentations from Andy Development Framework. more tangible aspects regarding 13th December
Arts College’s Year 12s, supervised The conference was opened on the Smith and Anita Devi, and Eunice the projected impact of my work.
by ex-pupil, Rose Clark). Saneeya first day by our Vice Chancellor, Lumsden updated the conference The competition was a good chance
Nick Petford, highlighting once again on her work on the Early Years to reflect on the esoteric nature of Fortunately, I was able to rise to 2013
created this year’s conference
his commitment to research and the Professional Status, as well as a my project, and how I should not the challenge of presenting to a
website; please do visit our 17th January
funded studentship programme. poster session with staff, MA and lose touch with the ground realities non-specialist audience, and, after
website for next year’s conference, 14th February
The second day of the conference doctoral students. of keeping my work comprehensible a detailed examination by the judges
which is already up and running
was opened by our school’s by those not directly involved with about the intricacies of my research, 14th March
at https://sites.google.com/site/ On the second day, Judy Sayers
Associate Dean, Peter Wells, who the field of Special Education. As an I was awarded the First Prize
soeresearchconference2013/home. 18th April
reminded us all of the importance of presented a brief summary of active researcher, it is easy for me to Certificate and £100 presented by
The conference theme was again research and the search for the truth. her completed doctoral work, get caught up in the jargon and the Vice Chancellor. The next step
‘Researching Learning & Learning and Marie Howley shared some array of acronyms that define the is the Vitae Midlands Hub Regional
Once again the presentations had an of her postdoctoral research All meetings are from 4.30-6pm
to Research’ and it provided arena. Indeed, even more so, since Poster Competition in Coventry
students and staff from the School international twist, with Josephine dilemmas with us. Further the subject of my research has during the Summer. I look forward to
of Education and beyond with a great returning to report on her work with presentations from students been acronymed as well – SENCO the opportunity of multi-disciplinary
opportunity to both present their teachers in Taiwan, and two of our on their research to date were (Special Educational Needs networking with research colleagues
ideas and hear the ideas of others keynote speakers, Dr. Tarr and given by: Nichola Kentzer, Abide Coordinator) and SEN (Special from a vast number of academic
in the formal setting of the Sunley Dr. Clough, describing their work Zenenga, Saneeya Qureshi, Meanu Educational Needs) being terms that institutions in the region.
Conference Centre. Presenters setting up community libraries in Bajwa-Patel and Carmel Capewell. I use in practically every sentence
ranged from PhD students in the Zimbabwe. To support their work, Professor Philip Garner said about
Thank you for your contribution to this when discussing my project!
earliest stages of their research, we also held a very successful book Saneeya’s success; “This is a great
collection, and have been able to year’s conference. Next year’s School This year, I presented a poster titled feather in the cap for School of
conducting pilot studies or
send over 200 books towards their of Education Research Student “Juggling Elephants”: A Study about Education PhD students”.
developing theoretical perspectives,
efforts. On their behalf, thank you Conference will be held on 9th and
to those who were reporting on their
for this support. 10th May 2013. Please put a note in
completed doctorates.
your diary now. See you there!
This year’s conference again had The student presentations began
four keynote speakers: Professor with a fascinating look at Nikki
14 | PHD NEWS www.northampton.ac.uk/education PHD NEWS | 15