Sally Pearse

Professor Sally Pearse is the Strategic Lead for Early Years within the South Yorkshire Futures Programme and Director of the Early Years Community Research Centre at Sheffield Hallam University. With a BA in Sociological Studies (University of Sheffield), MA in Women's Studies, PGCE with QTS, and EdD, her career spans civil service, trade union leadership, and community development. She established an Ofsted-rated 'Outstanding' nursery and pioneered the Community Childcare Forum in Sheffield.

Her research focuses on:

• Relational approaches to family and community partnerships
• Socio-emotional development in early childhood
• Trauma-informed educational practices
• Professional love as pedagogical framework

Publications emphasize quality assessment through parental engagement and civic functions of early years settings. She has secured over £2 million for regional early years services.

Awards and honors:

• National Teaching Fellowship (2018) for collaborative early years work
• Principal Fellowship of Higher Education Academy (2020)

Leadership roles include Chair of South Yorkshire Early Education Branch and governance of Darnall Community Nursery.