Amanda Thomas

Amanda Thomas is a Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Life Sciences and Education at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David. She is actively involved in the Health, Care and Wellbeing Research and Innovation Group and the Pedagogy Research and Innovation Group, reflecting her commitment to interdisciplinary research in early childhood education and development.

Education:

• PhD in Schemas – Exploring children's schemas in the Foundation Phase (Awarded: 10 December 2018)
• PGCE Primary with QTS – Newport University (Awarded: 16 July 1997)
• BSc in Microbiology (2:1 Hons) – Swansea University (Awarded: 1 July 1989)

Amanda Thomas's research focuses on early childhood education, particularly the role of schemas in child development and the Foundation Phase curriculum in Wales. Her work spans interdisciplinary approaches to child development (birth to eight years), curriculum design for non-maintained sectors, and doctoral supervision practices. She emphasizes well-being, pedagogy, and the integration of theory and practice in educational settings.

Her recent publications from 2020 to 2024 demonstrate a strong focus on doctoral supervision, child development, and practical toolkits for educators. These works reveal a consistent engagement with educational policy in Wales, practitioner knowledge, and the theoretical underpinnings of early learning through schemas and loose parts play.

Scientific Awards and Recognition:

• Active External Examiner at Roehampton University, University of Bedfordshire (2020–2024), Sheffield Hallam University, and University of East Anglia (2019–2023), indicating national recognition of her academic expertise.

Amanda Thomas actively supervises doctoral students and contributes to academic discourse through national presentations, such as at the University of Wales Press. She collaborates with scholars like Alyson Lewis and Rhiannon Packer, particularly on supervision and early years pedagogy. While specific grants are not mentioned, her funded outputs (e.g., toolkit for Welsh Government) suggest engagement with public sector research funding. She is a key contributor to the scholarly network in early years education in the UK.

Labs and Research Groups:

• Health, Care and Wellbeing Research and Innovation Group
• Pedagogy Research and Innovation Group