Viki Veale

Viki Veale is a Senior Lecturer in Early Years and Primary Education at St Mary's University. She leads modules on professional confidence, political engagement, and the Early Years Foundation Stage. Her roles extend beyond academia: she chairs TACTYC, promoting workforce development and research in Early Years, coordinates the Reception Class Teacher Network, and advises Miindfulness on emotional literacy and co-regulation programs. She also co-leads Alliance4Children's Early Years working group, focusing on policy guidance. Additionally, she serves as an external examiner and school governor, ensuring quality assurance in educational provision.

Viki's research prioritizes the Early Years workforce, examining their lived experiences, professional confidence, and the effects of policy on their roles. She explores leadership in primary education, relational pedagogy, child-led learning, and adverse childhood experiences. Her work emphasizes holistic child development, particularly through emotional literacy and health/wellbeing initiatives.

Her conference contributions highlight trends in early years education, with recent focus on mental health advocacy, pandemic impacts on teaching practices, and balancing technology with play-based learning. She frequently collaborates with institutions like Edge Hill University and Canterbury Christchurch University to address these themes.

As an advisor and co-lead, Viki integrates her research into practical programs, supporting schools and professionals through Miindfulness and policy networks. Her expertise bridges academic research and real-world applications, aiming to strengthen educational systems and teacher resilience.