Clare Holmes

Clare Holmes is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Chester's Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, specializing in Education - Childhood, Education, and Professional Development. She joined the institution in 2019 and holds a BSc (Hons) from the University of Manchester, a PG Cert from Keele University, and is completing an MA Education at the University of Chester. She also earned the National Award for Special Educational Needs Coordination (NASENCO) and AFHEA certification.

Her research focuses on inclusive education practices, particularly addressing social, emotional, and mental health needs in children. She advocates for trauma-informed and attachment-aware approaches in schools and collaborates with Local Authorities and charities on related projects. Teaching responsibilities include undergraduate BA SEND and BA Primary Education Studies courses, as well as postgraduate PG Cert in Attachment, Trauma, and Mental Health, where she also leads the practitioner enquiry module.

Professional experience spans 28 years in secondary education, including roles as SENCO, Designated Teacher for Looked After Children, and Mental Health Lead. She is a Specialist Leader of Education for Emotional and Mental Health and has led multi-agency initiatives to implement evidence-based practices in educational settings.

Awards and recognition include AFHEA status from Advance HE and NASENCO certification.