Ashleigh Slavin

Ashleigh Slavin is a Lecturer in Childhood Studies at the University of Sunderland since 2021, progressing to her current role in 2022. She holds a BA (Hons) in Childhood Studies and Care and Early Years Education (2009), PGCE in Disability and Inclusive Education, MA Education, and is currently completing a PhD in Education focused on assessment in higher education. She is an Assessment Innovation and Improvement Champion for the Social Science team.

Her academic work includes teaching modules such as CHS162, CHS382/385, CHS387, and SSCM33/34/35, while supervising dissertations for BA Childhood Studies and MA Childhood and Youth Studies. She leads the Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner Competencies on the MA program and supports similar roles on the BA program.

Research interests center on inclusive practice, SEND, mental health, and higher education assessment. Professional accreditations include Senior Fellowship of Advance HE, Society for Education and Training qualifications, and Association for Infant Mental Health accreditation.

Her career spans nursery nursing, family support work, and teaching in special educational needs. She advocates for holistic, student-centered education and has contributed to policy development in early childhood and disability sectors.