Vina Patel

Dr. Vina Patel is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Early Childhood Studies and Working With Children, Young People and Families at Birmingham City University's School of Health, Education and Life Sciences. With over 20 years of experience in the early childhood sector, she serves as the UK Course Leader for a Diploma HE in Pre-School Education (Dual Award) based in Guangzhou, China.

Her research focuses on professional identity development among Early Childhood Studies students through placement experiences, workforce development, and the professionalization of the early childhood workforce. Leveraging dual expertise as both a placement tutor and former setting leader, Dr. Patel specializes in leadership and management within early years teams across private and public sectors.

Dr. Patel maintains strong industry connections with Children's Services professionals including Team Managers for Early Help, Partnership Officers, Family Support Workers, Parenting Practitioners, SEND Teams, and Social Workers. She celebrates her students' diverse career trajectories into roles such as Nursery Manager, Young People's Service Manager, training provider Director, Female Genital Mutilation Project Team Officer, and Home Office Executive Officer.