Lynn McNair

Dr. Lynn McNair is a Lecturer in Early Childhood and Froebel at the University of Edinburgh's Moray House School of Education and Sport, where she also serves as Head of Cowgate Under Fives Centre. Her career spans over 30 years in early education, including roles as a Senior Teaching Fellow, Froebel-certified educator, and award-winning author. She holds a PhD from the University of Edinburgh (2016) and has contributed to transformative research on children’s voices in educational transitions, Froebelian pedagogy, and play-based learning.

Education:

• PhD Education, University of Edinburgh (2016)
• MSc Early Childhood Education, University of Strathclyde (2006)
• Froebel in Childhood Education, Roehampton University (2004)

Research focuses on Froebel’s principles, early childhood transitions, and social justice in education. Recent projects include documenting children’s experiences through Froebelian methodologies (Froebel Trust-funded) and exploring transition dynamics internationally. She has published widely on play, pedagogy, and policy, with key contributions to UNESCO initiatives and global early education networks.

• Award: OBE (2009) for services to Early Education
• Key Grant: £450,000 Froebel Trust HUB & SPOKE project (2020-2024)

Supervises multiple PhD students researching topics like children’s agency in decision-making and Gaelic early education. Active in organizing international Froebel conferences and serving on QAA benchmarks panels. Current work emphasizes decolonizing early education frameworks and reimagining child-centered spaces.