Sue Shippen

Sue Shippen is a Senior Lecturer and Programme Lead for Early Childhood Studies at York St John University, within the School of Education, Language and Psychology. She joined the university in 2014 as a visiting lecturer and transitioned to a permanent role in 2016. Her professional background includes leadership in Integrated Services and Children’s Centres in North Yorkshire, where she managed community-based services, strategic partnerships, and multi-agency teams. She holds an NPQICL leadership qualification and currently oversees a team of family workers focusing on early intervention and prevention. Her research explores child-parent-practitioner relationships, child agency, and the application of child voice in family action plans.

Education:

• Childhood Studies Foundation Degree
• Bachelor of Arts in Educational Studies
• Master of Arts in Working with Children and Young People

Her research interests emphasize early childhood policy, formative assessment methods, and mentoring practitioners to support vulnerable children. She also investigates power dynamics in therapeutic and learning relationships.

Advising & Grants:

• Academic tutor for Foundation Degree cohorts
• Leads MA Education programmes and manages a team of family workers

Labs/Teams: Subject Director for Education and Professional Studies, overseeing Foundation Degrees and MA Education programmes.