Heather Elliot
Senior Lecturer in Early Years
Qualifications: B.A (Hons) History
(University of Swansea), PGCE (primary) (University of Sussex), M.A
in Education Studies (Leeds University) PGCHE (University of
Hull)
I began my teaching career in E.Sussex before moving to
N.Yorkshire. I have taught across the primary range, but have had
most experience in teaching mixed age, vertically grouped classes
consisting of Reception, Y1 and Y2. This led to an interest in
Early Years at the time when the National Curriculum was first
introduced and an appropriate pedagogy for young children became a
focus for discussion. As a result of that, research for my Masters
focused on the importance of the outdoor environment and how it
affects the physical development of children aged 4, 5 and 6 years.
On completion of a Masters degree in Education Studies I worked
with SureStart in York and gained experience of working with very
young children and their families, appreciating at first hand
some of the difficulties involved (for children and parents)
concerning the transition from home to a school or setting.
In my next role, as lecturer in Early Years Education at the
University of Hull (Scarborough), I taught on Foundation degree
programmes, the BA in Educational Studies, the EYPS programme and
primary teaching whilst retaining a research interest in Play and
the outdoor environment. I have visited Reggio Emilia and Forest
Schools in Denmark and am interested in developing these
alternative approaches to Early Years education in this
country.
Professional Memberships
Higher Education Academy
Contact Details
E: H.Elliott@yorksj.ac.uk
T: 01904 876211
Office Location: TW211