Dr Gemma Ryder

Gemma’s passion for working in early childhood began after completing the NNEB Diploma in Nursery Nursing. She has worked in the private and not-for-profit sectors in England and has visited early childhood and special education providers in Joliet and Chicago, as part of a postgraduate study trip. She has worked in further education as an Early Years Work Placement Coordinator on the CACHE courses in early years and childcare; liaising with a diverse range of early childhood and education settings.

Prior to her role as Senior Lecturer, Gemma worked as an assessor, mentor and Programme Leader on the Early Years Professional Status (EYPS) and Early Years Initial Teacher Training (EYITT) pathways. She has experience as an External Examiner and External Validation Panel Member. She has externally moderated undergraduate assessments, validated new modules and reviewed and revalidated early childhood and education studies foundation and undergraduate degree courses. She has additionally been part of a national Reading Group for the review of the QAA Subject Benchmark Statement for Early Childhood Studies in 2021.

Gemma has continued to develop her skills and expertise in early childhood through the completion of the Early Years Professional Status (EYPS), a Masters in Early Years Professional Practice and a Professional Doctorate in Education (EdD). She holds a CMI Level 5 Award in Management Coaching and Mentoring and is a certified Adult Mental Health First Aider.