Gayle Victoria Blackburn

Gayle Victoria Blackburn is a Senior Lecturer in Childhood Studies at the University of Sunderland since September 2019. Her career spans nearly 20 years in education, transitioning from primary teaching (specializing in Early Years) to further education lecturing. She currently leads the Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner Competencies (ECGPC) route, emphasizing practical skills development through placements. Her teaching spans BA Childhood Studies, BA Childhood and Society Studies (Top-Up), and MA Childhood and Youth Studies.

Research interests include the agentic nature of children's attachments (PhD in progress), difficulties in literacy development, and youth participation. She advocates strongly for children's rights and workforce professionalization in Early Years sectors. Notable contributions include piloting the ECGPC program (2018) and a Nursery World Award-winning graduate outcome (2023).

Professional roles include managing courses/teams in childhood education and promoting hands-on learning. Contact: Reg Vardy Centre, room 303 | 0191 515 3628.