Vina Patel
Senior Lecturer, Early Childhood Studies and Working With Children, Young People and Families
Vina has worked with children and their families in the private and public sector. She has developed, led and managed early years teams for a large chain in the private sector.
Biography
I am the UK Course Leader for a Diploma HE in Pre-School Education (Dual Award), based in Guangzhou China. I also teach on Early Childhood Studies and Working with Children, Young People and Families. I have worked in the early childhood sector for over 20 years in a range of roles.
Industry expertise
My PhD research has a focus on exploring how Early Childhood Studies students’ professional identity develops through placement. I have first-hand experience of supporting students on placement as a tutor and as a setting leader. I am interested in workforce development and the professionalisation of the early childhood workforce. My work in the sector had a focus on leading and managing teams.
Industry Connections
I still have connections with many of my colleagues working within Children’s Services, particularly the Team Manager for one locality. They deliver Early Help and cover a range of roles including Partnership Officers, Family Support Workers. Parenting Practitioners, SEND Team and Social Workers to name a few.
Student Successes
I am immensely proud of our past students. Many go on to teaching, but others have moved to a wide range of roles including Nursery Manager, Young People’s Service Manager, Director for a training provider, Female Genital Mutilation Project Team Officer, Home Office Executive Officer, and there are many more! Our degrees allow students to work directly with children and families, or they move on to a wide range of careers which focus on supporting children and families in other ways.