Sarah Chicken

Dr. Sarah Chicken serves as Associate Professor of Childhood and Social Justice at the Faculty of Arts, Creative Industries and Education (ACE), University of the West of England. A Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, she combines sociological and educational expertise with 20+ years of experience in higher education sectors across the UK and Asia.

• PhD in Education
• M.Ed in Mathematics Education
• PG Dip Special Educational Needs
• PGCE in Primary Education
• BA (Hons) in Ancient History and Literature

Her research focuses on participatory methodologies, children's rights, and neurodivergent pedagogy through Reggio Emilian frameworks. Current work includes a £700,000 ESRC-funded project on embedding participation rights in Welsh schools, and advisory roles with the National Dyspraxia Foundation. She co-convenes UWE's 'Researching with Children and Young People' research group.

Sarah's awards include Senior Fellowship from the Higher Education Academy. She supervises doctoral students in topics ranging from curriculum decolonization to music therapy experiences. Her publications highlight tensions between policy rhetoric and classroom practice, while advocating for inclusive pedagogies that transform neurodiversity perspectives in education.