Jayne Hackett

I began my career in the children’s workforce as an early years practitioner in a day nursery. This is where my passion for working with the 0-8 age group was ignited.

My experience within a school based setting across the Early Years Foundation and Key Stage 1 phases equipped me with the skills and knowledge required to establish and manage a community based playgroup which had strong links to a local children’s centre. The group offered the children learning and development opportunities but also provided their families with additional support services.

My transition into higher education began with supporting a local college in co-writing and teaching on a BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies Degree. I also had experience as an assessor on the Early Years Initial Teaching Programme and as a placement co-ordinator, both of which required liaising and securing strong links with industry.

After securing a fulltime lecturing position here at UCB in 2014, I became the Childhood Studies Foundation Degree Programme Manager. I have also managed the Level 4 and 5 Children, Young People and Families Apprenticeships. I currently teach on a range of fulltime and online programmes within the field of childhood and education. I consider being in the classroom and supporting our wonderful learners in achieving their goals an honour and a privilege. 

My enduring passion for teaching and learning was recognised in 2017 when I won the first ever Spotlight in Teaching award and feel immensely grateful that University College Birmingham students took the time to vote for me.

I am a Director on a Multi Academy Trust with a specialism in early years, a qualified Designated Safeguarding Lead. I am excited about the prospect of beginning my doctoral study exploring professional identity and leadership within the early years workforce.  

Although I now teach the next generation of early years professionals my passion for making a difference to the lives of young children still burns as brightly as it did when my career first began.

Children’s voice
Research project (face to face and online) 
Research for enquiry
Creativity and play in the early years
Behaviour and individual differences
Communication and language
The Early Years Framework
Growth, learning and development
Maths and science in the curriculum
Principles of learning
Protecting children and safeguarding
Work in partnership and managing inter-professional teams.
Multi-agency working
Supporting children's wellbeing and resilience

Professional Identity and Leadership within the Early Years Workforce.

Andragogic approaches to supporting student centred learning in Higher Education.   

Young children’s creativity and criticality.

The Voice of the Child.

Director on the Equitas Academies Trust Board

Designated Safeguarding Lead

Member of the Early Childhood Studies Degree Network