Debbie Ravenscroft

Dr Debbie Ravenscroft is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Education within the Faculty of Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences and Education at the University of Chester. She serves as Programme Leader for the Early Childhood & Primary Education single honours degree and is the Childhood, Education & Professional Development Safeguarding Lead.

Her educational background includes:

• EdD from University of Chester (2015-2023)
• Master of Arts from De Montfort University (2010-2013)
• BA Childhood Studies from Manchester Metropolitan University, Crewe (2007-2010)
• PGCERT in LifeLong Learning (QTLS) and Advanced Fellowship

Dr Ravenscroft's research focuses on critically underexplored areas of children's emotional experiences, particularly how young children process grief following sibling death and how mothers maintain continuing bonds. Her work bridges childhood bereavement studies with mental health support systems in nursery settings through transitional objects. These research strands address significant gaps in understanding children's emotional worlds, as death and bereavement are rarely discussed with young children and their grief responses are frequently misunderstood by adults.

Her scholarly output demonstrates deepening specialization in trauma-informed approaches to early childhood education, with particular emphasis on practical applications for educators and caregivers working with bereaved children.

Professional recognition includes:

• Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (2014)

Dr Ravenscroft provides comprehensive teaching across multiple programs, supervising undergraduate and postgraduate students while developing curriculum for Early Childhood Studies. She serves as Programme Leader for the Early Childhood & Primary Education degree and teaches specialized content on the MA Early Childhood and PGCERT Attachment, Trauma & Mental Health programs. Her teaching directly integrates her research expertise, particularly in adverse childhood experiences and trauma-informed practice for multidisciplinary student cohorts.

She maintains active professional engagement through the Children's Alliance Early Years Working Group and has contributed to national policy discussions, including presenting the Power of Play Manifesto to 10 Downing Street in April 2024.