My overarching research interests are forest school, outdoor education, and child language development in the context of early years education. I am currently a doctoral student researching the impact of outdoor sessions (specifically, forest school) upon young children. Completion date: 2023.

I have a first degree in Language and Linguistic Science. Following graduation I completed a PGCE and entered into the primary teaching profession. During my career in mainstream primary schools in the North-East of England I specialised in early years teaching, with a particular interest in outdoor learning. I completed a Masters in Education in 2011 and, following that, began teaching on the North Tyneside School Centered Initial Teacher Training programme. I joined Northumbria University as a Senior Lecturer in 2016 and currently lead the BA (Hons) Primary Education programme. I am currently studying for my PhD, researching the impact of forest school upon young children.