Miss Helen Sutherland
Faculties, departments and locations
- Faculty of Health, Science, Social Care and Education
- Department of Education
- School of Education, Midwifery and Social Work
- Kingston Hill
Associate Professor Education
- Email:
- [email protected]
About
I am an Associate Professor in Education and Course Leader for the Postgraduate Certificate in Education: Birth to Five with Early Years Teacher Status at Kingston University London. My academic and professional career is rooted in a commitment to innovation, equity, and reflective practice in Early Years education.
I have extensive experience in teaching, knowledge exchange and research, I have led and contributed to multiple international strategic partnerships, including EU-funded projects across England, Norway, Sweden, and Spain. These initiatives, such as the Education and Teaching in Early Years from International Perspectives (ETEIP) project, have supported professional development, fostered cross-cultural collaboration, facilitating reflective practice, and exchange of pedagogical ideas and strategies amongst Early Years educators.
I have also contributed to national policy development as a member of the writing and Trailblazer group for the DfE and IfATE Early Years Initial Teacher Training (EYITT) Degree Apprenticeships. This role reflects my commitment to shaping inclusive future-ready early years teacher education.
Other consultancy roles included working with organisations such as Hedge Fun(d) and the Linguaphone Group, where I applied creative problem-solving and digital tools to enhance learning outcomes. I have also served as an expert on the Department for Education’s Early Years Covid Recovery Programme, supporting resilience and innovation in Early Years settings within Southwest London.
My research interests focus on toddler wellbeing, particularly supporting practitioners working with disadvantaged children. I am committed to fostering empathy and a questioning mindset in students through the use of critical reflection. I also actively promote internationalisation through collaborative work with the University of Gävle, Sweden, encouraging students to critically engage with alternative educational perspectives.
Qualifications
- MA in Professional Studies in Education (Management and Leadership)
- Post Graduate Certificate in Education (Post Compulsory Education and Training)
- BA (Hons) in Education with Sociology
- Diploma Post Qualifying Studies (CACHE Early Years level 4)
Domains
Over the past 18 years, I have designed, led, and taught across a wide range of postgraduate and undergraduate programmes. My teaching is research-led and informed by international perspectives, drawing on outputs from EU projects such as TODDLER, ToWe, and ETEIP.
I have worked collaboratively across the Faculty of Health, Science, Social Care and Education, contributing to interprofessional programmes including BA Primary, BA Education, and the PGCE Secondary, Primary and Birth to Five. I have also supported Kingston University’s bilateral partnerships with institutions in Belgium, Sweden, Spain, and Austria, enriching student learning and internationalisation.
As Course Leader for the PGCE Birth to Five with Early Years Teacher Status, I have developed an innovative phased curriculum and assessment strategies, including enrichment activities, such as short-term international visits to Sweden, offering students alternative perspectives on Early Years provision.
In my capacity as an External Examiner, I have worked collaboratively with a range of universities and colleges to support the development, refinement and quality assurance of Early Years programmes. Drawing my deep expertise in early years pedagogy and practice, I have contributed to curriculum design quality assurance, and the enhancement of teaching and learning strategies. This role has enabled me to influence early years standards and ensure that programmes are responsive to the evolving needs of the sector.
Course director
Courses taught
I have played a leading role in a range of EU funded projects, leading, and contributing to ethical oversight, data collection, and both impact and financial reporting. Currently, I am evaluating the Reflective Practice Handbook developed through the ETEIP project.
At Kingston University, I led the Evaluation and Scoping Review of the Linguaphone Group’s Pingu’s English Digitalisation Project and supported commissioned research for Hedge Fun(d), trialling the FAB App with alumni.
The below projects have strengthened Kingston’s profile for knowledge exchange and impact benefiting practitioners and students across Europe.
Grants and funding
- ETEIP Project (2019-2021[2022]) Education and Teaching in Early Years from International Perspectives. ERASMUS +, Key Action 2, School Education Strategic Partnership Project. [2019-SE01-KA201-060552] https://internationalearlyyearshub.eu
- ToWe Project (2015-2018) Enhancing the Education and Wellbeing of Disadvantaged Toddlers through the Development of Training and Materials to Support Early Years Practitioners. ERASMUS +, Key Action 2, School Education Strategic Partnership Project. [2015-1-UK01-13431] https://www.toddlerswellbeing.co.uk
- TODDLER Project (2010 - 2013) Towards Opportunities for Disadvantages and Diverse Learners on the Early-childhood Road. Lifelong Learning Programme Comenius, [61609-LLP-I-2010-NO-COMENIUS-CMP]
Qualifications
- MA in Professional Studies in Education (Management and Leadership)
- Principal Investigator - Pingu's English Research - Evaluation and Scoping Review Report (September to December 2023)
- Principal Investigator for ToWe Project
- Lead Investigator for Kingston University for ETEIP Project
- Lead Investigator for Kingston University for TODDLER Project
Specialisms
- Early Years: Birth to Five
- Toddler Wellbeing
I have led on several successful international strategic partnerships, developing pedagogical materials, CPD training and resources for Early Years professionals. These projects have enabled the enhancement of early years practice through collaborative reflection, job shadowing, mobility visits, and international conferences, including the ToWe Project International Conference hosted at Kingston University.
As part of my consultancy with Hedge Fun(d), I designed a birth-to-three framework for parental engagement and co-learning, aligned with Kingston Future Skills attributes of empathy, collaboration, and self-awareness. The project aims to enhance parental understanding and involvement, helping them to respond to their babies’ and toddlers’ voices and expressions, and learning potential.
Qualifications and Professional expertise
- MA in Professional Studies in Education (Management and Leadership)
- Principal Investigator - Pingu's English Research - Evaluation and Scoping Review Report (September to December 2023)
- Lead Investigator for Kingston University - ETEIP Project (2019-2021[2022]) Education and Teaching in Early Years from International Perspectives. ERASMUS +, Key Action 2, School Education Strategic Partnership Project. [2019-SE01-KA201-060552]
- Principal Investigator - ToWe Project (2015-2018) Enhancing the Education and Wellbeing of Disadvantaged Toddlers through the Development of Training and Materials to Support Early Years Practitioners. ERASMUS +, [2015-1-UK01-013431]
- Lead Investigator for Kingston University - TODDLER Project (2010-2013) Towards Opportunities for Disadvantaged and Diverse Learners on the Early-childhood Road. European Union, Lifelong Learning Programme, Comenius, [61609-LLP-I-2010-NO-COMENIUS-CMP]
- Post Graduate Certificate in Education (Post Compulsory Education and Training)
Areas of interest
- Supporting early years practitioners and teachers in developing the wellbeing of disadvantaged toddlers'
- Developing and supporting students' reflective skills
- Developing students' experience of internationalisation
Through my work, I have influenced Early Years provision at local, national, and international levels, supporting practitioners in developing shared pedagogical approaches through reflective practice. I have convened and contributed to conferences and civic networks, and supported policy development through roles with the DfE, UCET and as an External Examiner and Governor.
Qualifications and expertise
- Member of the Trailblazer and Writing Party: DfE and IfATE Early Years Initial Teacher Training (EYITT) Teacher Degree Apprenticeships (2024-25)
- Early Years Expert for the Department for Education Early Years Covid Recovery Programme (1st September 2022 to 31st July 2024)
- External Examiner: University of Brighton for the Post Graduate Certificate in Education Early Years Education with Early Years Teacher Status (1st September 2022 - 30th September 2026)
- Co-opted Governor: Surbiton Hill Nursery School (14th October 2021 to present)
- Lead Investigator, Kingston University: ETEIP Project (2019-2021 [2022]) Education and Teaching in Early Years from International Perspectives. ERASMUS +, Key Action 2, School Education Strategic Partnership Project. [2019-SE01-KA201-060552]
- Consultancy for: Linguaphone Group on Pingu's English Digitisation Project - Pingu's English Stage 1 Evaluation and Scoping Review Report (12th September 2023 - 19th December 2023)
- Consultancy for: Hedge Fun(d) on Birth to Three APP for Parents (22nd March 2021 to 22nd May 2022) https://fabapp.co.uk/
- Consultancy on: international good practice in early years for Blanquerna (Univesitat Ramon Llull) on Early Years Jesuit Project (21st June 2021 to 8th December 2021)
- Principal Investigator: ToWe Project (2015-2018) Enhancing the Education and Wellbeing of Disadvantaged Toddlers through the Development of Training and Materials to Support Early Years Practitioners. ERASMUS +, [2015-1-UK01-013431]
- Lead Investigator for Kingston University: TODDLER Project (2010-2013) Towards Opportunities for Disadvantaged and Diverse Learners on the Early-childhood Road. European Union, Lifelong Learning Programme, Comenius, [61609-LLP-I-2010-NO-COMENIUS-CMP]
Professional and scholarly affiliations
- The Higher Education Academy: Senior Fellow
- Comenius Association: Member
- Early Years Initial Teacher Training (EYITT) Harmonisation Group
- Kingston University: Early Years Special Interest Group
I contribute to the leadership of the School of Education, Midwifery and Social Work, and the Department of Education through a range of strategic and academic roles, including:
- Course Leader – PGCE Birth to Five with Early Years Teacher Status
- Module Leader – BA Primary – Child Development and Inclusive Practice
- Admissions Tutor – Department of Education
- Appeals and Complaints Investigator - School of Education, Midwifery and Social Work
- Principal Investigator – ToWe Project and Pingu English Digitalisation Project
- Kingston Lead – TODDLER Project and the ETEIP Project
Through these roles, I help ensure Kingston University’s programmes are ambitious, inclusive, and compliant with PSRB requirements. My leadership supporting student success and enhances career opportunities, through personalised, sector-informed provision.
Qualifications and expertise
- MA in Professional Studies in Education (Management and Leadership)
- Lead Investigator for the ToWe Project, EU ERASMUS+ Key Action 2 Strategic Partnership
University responsibilities
- Course Leader for the PGCE Birth to Five with Early Years Teacher Status
- Admissions Tutor for the Department of Education
- Stage 1 Appeals Investigator for the Department of Education
- Module Leader for the PGCE Birth to Five, Primary and Secondary - Reflective Teacher Module
- Module Leader for the BA Primary Year 1 - Child Development and Inclusive Practice
Public and Civic roles
- Governor for Surbiton Hill Nursery School (14th October 2021 to present)
- External Examiner: University of Brighton for the Post Graduate Certificate in Education Early Years Education with Early Years Teacher Status (1st September 2022 - 30th September 2026)
- Advisory Board for North East Kingston Children's Centres – Achieving for Children Community Interest Company - Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames Children's Services from 3rd December 2013 - 16th January 2019.
- External Examiner for Teesside University - Kirklees College from 1st November 2013 - 31st December 2018 for the Foundation Degree in Childhood Studies, Foundation Degree in Teaching Assistants, and the BA (Hons) in Childhood Studies (0-8 years).
Publications
Supporting toddlers' wellbeing: reflections on the impact of the Toddler Wellbeing (ToWe) Project
Sutherland, Helen, 2019, TACTYC Reflections : 2019 Reflections, Published
Shared experience: new materials offer guidance for those working with diverse and disadvantaged toddlers.
Sutherland, Helen and Styman, Jan, 2013, Nursery World (112), 4331pp 30-31, Published
Towards Opportunities for Disadvantaged and Diverse Learners on the Early-childhood Road (TODDLER) Project.
Sutherland, Helen and Styman, Jan, 2012, Generations (21)pp 36-38, Published
Supporting toddlers' wellbeing in early years settings: strategies and tools for practitioners and teachers
(2018). [Published]
More than just a Post-it! Making accurate and productive use of assessment
Sutherland, Helen and Maxey, Angie (2014). In: Johnson, Jessica, (eds.), Maidenhead, U.K.:pp 92-115 [Published]
The TODDLER Project work and outcomes (Towards Opportunities for Disadvantaged and Diverse Learners on the Early-childhood Road)
Sutherland, Helen and Styman, Jan (2014). [Published]
A 'grow model‘ for work-based learning.
Sutherland, Helen and Dallal, Jo (2008). In: Rawlings, Anne, (eds.), Maidenhead, U.K.:pp 40-60 [Published]
Supporting toddlers' wellbeing
Sutherland, Helen(2025). [Published]
Toddler Wellbeing Project (ToWe): enhancing the education and wellbeing of disadvantaged toddlers through the development of training and materials
Sutherland, Helen(2024). [Published]
Being a reflective early years educator
Sutherland, Helen and Jackson, Claire(2022). [Published]
Overview of the Project and State of the Art: Information on the educational systems in England, Norway, Spain and Sweden
Sutherland, Helen and Jackson, Claire(2022). [Published]
Education and Teaching in Early Years from International Perspectives (ETEIP) Project - Being a Reflective Early Years Educator (EYE) Manual for Mobility Visits
Sutherland, Helen and Jackson, Claire(2022). [Published]
Inspection framework for the foundation stage
Sutherland, Helen and Quinlan, Shiv(2019). [Published]
Summary to date on the case study impact report.
Sutherland, Helen, Lazarides, Rachel and Turmo, Silvia(2018). [Published]
Case study impact report of the ToWe Project (Toddler Wellbeing)
Sutherland, Helen and Rosell, Yngve(2018). [Published]
About the ToWe Project
Sutherland, Helen(2018). [Published]
Manual material for wellbeing
Sutherland, Helen, Mukadam, Yasmin, Hjert├©, Liv and Lazarides, Rachel(2018). [Published]
'Toddler' project 2010
Sutherland, Helen(2018). [Published]
Supporting toddler's wellbeing
Mukadam, Yasmin and Sutherland, Helen(2017). [Published]
Enhancing the education and wellbeing of disadvantaged toddlers through the development of training and materials to support early years practitioners
Sutherland, Helen, Rothle, Monika and Geis, Angels(2017). [Published]
How can students develop reflective learning and practice during a short visit to view another country's educational system?
Sutherland, Helen and Kimhag, Kia(2015). [Published]
Results from the International Toddler Project
Sutherland, Helen(2014). [Published]
The TODDLER Project work and outcomes (Towards Opportunities for Disadvantaged and Diverse Learners on the Early-childhood Road)
Sutherland, Helen and Styman, Jan(2014). [Published]
Promoting the wellbeing of toddlers within the European Union.
Sutherland, Helen and Styman, Jan(2013). [Published]
TODDLERs in Europe
R├Âthle, Monika, Morkeseth, Elisabeth Ianke, Sutherland, Helen and Styman, Jan(2013). [Published]
Promoting the wellbeing of toddlers within Europe.
Sutherland, Helen and Styman, Jan(2012). [Published]
Designing and developing the curriculum, assessment, and programme for the Reflective Teacher Module (PGCE, QI7000)
Sutherland, Helen (2022). [Submitted]
Early Years Initial Teacher Training (EYITT) Enrichment Activity: A 2-day Intense International Educational Visit to Sweden
Sutherland, Helen and Kimhag, Kia (2022). [Submitted]
TODDLER Project (2010-2013) Towards Opportunities for Disadvantaged and Diverse Learners on the Early-childhood Road. European Union, Lifelong Learning Programme, Comenius.
Sutherland, Helen and Styman, Jan (2022). [Submitted]
Designing and developing the curriculum, assessment and programme for the Early Years Initial Teacher Training (EYITT) as the Course/Route Leader
Sutherland, Helen and Maisey, Daryl (2022). [Submitted]
Toddler Wellbeing (ToWe) Project: Enhancing the Education and Wellbeing of Disadvantaged Toddlers through the Development of Training and Materials to Support Early Years Practitioners
Sutherland, Helen, Mukadam, Yasmin, Flores, Carme, Geis, Angels, Rothle, Monika and Rosell, Yngve (2022). [Submitted]
Gallery of work
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Poster providing an Overview of the ToWe Project
This poster is an information poster providing an overview of the ToWe Project. It was presented at the ToWe Project's International Workshop/Conference on the 16th March 2018 https://www.toddlerswellbeing.co.uk/
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Poster about the ToWe Project - Supporting Toddlers Wellbeing
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Information Leaflet on the ToWe Project part 1
This leaflet provides information about the partners, aim of the project, project content and materials, events and training. https://www.toddlerswellbeing.co.uk/
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Information Leaflet on the ToWe Project part 2
This leaflet provides information about the partners, aim of the project, project content and materials, events and training. https://www.toddlerswellbeing.co.uk/
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Book Review on Supporting Toddlers' Wellbeing in Early Years Settings: Strategies and Tools for Practitioners and Teachers
Neil Henty reviews Supporting Toddlers' Wellbeing in Early Years Settings: Strategies and Tools for Practitioners and Teachers in the Early Years Educator June 2018.
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ToWe Project supporting strategy by Setting Partner
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ToWe Project International Conference
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Team at ToWe Project International Conference
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ToWe team
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Travelling to settings on a double decker bus
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TODDLER Project
TODDLER Project poster on the Intellectual Output lead by Kingston University.
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ETEIP Project Team
Initial meeting in Madrid at La Salle Centro Universitario in November 2019.
Videos of my work
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Escola Bressil Mas Balmannya
Impact of the ToWe Project on Provision and Practice at Escola Bressil Mas Balmannya
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ToWe Project Job Shadowing Experience reported on Costa Brava Television
Early Years Practitioners and Teachers from England, Norway and Spain share their experience of the ToWe Project Job Shadowing Event in Barcelona, Spain
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Petita Escola
Impact of the ToWe Project on Provision and Practice at Petita Escola