Laura Lindsay

As an academic I draw on experience gained through my work as a practitioner in early learning and childcare settings, as well as my role as a lecturer within further education colleges. This combined experience enables me to offer a reflective and insightful perspective on supporting the learning experiences and progression of children, young people and adult learners. My work across these contexts has strengthened my understanding of curriculum design, effective pedagogy and how inclusive supportive approaches can enrich learning. I have also developed a strong ability to build meaningful relationships with learners at different stages while contributing positively to engaging and responsive educational environments.

I began my higher education lecturing journey with UWS in 2021, and I lecture and module co-ordinate across the BA and Graduate Diploma Childhood Practice; BA (Hons) Childhood Studies and GA BA Early Learning and Childcare programmes. I also currently hold the position of Depute Programme Lead on the BA and Graduate Diploma Childhood Practice programme. I was recognised as a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy in 2024, and I have held General Teaching Council for Scotland Further Education Teacher registration since 2023.

I am currently undertaking a Professional Doctorate, focusing on childhood anxiety disorders and how these can be supported within early learning and childcare settings. I also aim to explore the emotional and relational impact on practitioners who support children experiencing anxiety. The overall aim of my research is twofold: to enhance early years practitioners’ and other collaborative professionals’ capacity to understand, identify and support children with anxiety, and to critically examine the ethical, relational and structural contexts that shape this practice.