Mrs Claire Mckellow
Faculties, departments and locations
- Faculty of Health, Science, Social Care and Education
- Department of Midwifery
- School of Education, Midwifery and Social Work
- Kingston Hill
Head of Department / Associate Professor in Midwifery
- Email:
- [email protected]
About
I am an Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Midwifery at Kingston University London, where I lead the development and delivery of high-quality midwifery education that prepares future practitioners to meet the evolving needs of healthcare. I joined the university in 2016 as a Senior Lecturer (and alumna), bringing with me extensive clinical and leadership experience from the NHS. I have Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA), recognition for my sustained leadership in teaching, curriculum development, and the professional development of colleagues.
As Head of the Midwifery Department at a TEF Gold-rated institution, I champion innovative pedagogical approaches and foster a culture of excellence, inclusion, and continuous improvement across our midwifery programmes. Central to this is the integration of Kingston University’s Future Skills framework, ensuring our graduates are equipped with the attributes most valued by employers in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape. I lead on strategic planning and operational delivery, working in close collaboration with senior leaders, academic teams, and external partners to ensure our programmes remain innovative, inclusive, and responsive to the changing needs of students and the wider education sector.
Currently, I am undertaking a Doctor of Education with a specialist interest in gamification techniques in midwifery education an area that reflects Kingston University’s commitment to innovation and progressive models of learning. My research explores how game-based strategies can enhance student engagement, critical thinking, and clinical decision-making—aligning with Kingston University’s Future Skills agenda and its award-winning Town House Strategy.
Linking both my clinical and academic experience as a HEI-based Professional Midwifery Advocate (PMA), I am committed to supporting both students and staff through mentorship, advocacy, and professional development. I am an active member of the PMA Steering Group, contributing to the development of a National Operational Strategy for the implementation of the A-EQUIP model. I also participate in the PMA South England network, facilitating national conversations around learning, teaching, and emerging themes in clinical practice and education.
In addition to my academic and leadership roles, I have been honoured to serve as an expert reviewer for the Donna Ockenden Nottingham review—an opportunity that reflects my ongoing commitment to improving maternity services and promoting safe, evidence-based care.
Qualifications
- SEDA Award; Introduction to Learning & Teaching
- Professional Midwifery Advocate (Bridging Course)
- Midwives Examination of the Newborn
- BSc(Hons), Midwifery, Kingston University
- Mentorship for Contemporary Practice
- MA, Health Studies, Brighton University
- BSc (Hons), Adult Nursing, Kingston University
- Undertaking Doctorate of Education
Domains
As a previous Course Leader for the Pre-registration Midwifery programmes at Kingston University, I have had the privilege of overseeing the development and delivery of high-quality education that prepares future midwives to meet the evolving needs of healthcare.
Author
- Mckellow, C. (2024) Maternal Cardiovascular Wellbeing – Understanding Physiological Adaptations and Abnormal Deviations. The Practising Midwife. March 2024
- Mckellow, C. (2021) Can the use of gamification enhance experience and deepen knowledge in midwifery education? MIDIRS Midwifery Digest 31:2. 2021
- Mckellow, C (2016) Peer Review: Evidence or Enthusiasm? Why yields from UK new-born screening programmes for congenital hypothyroid are increasing. MIDIRS. June 2016. Volume 26 (2)
Peer Reviewer and Author for various skills guides for Clinicalskills.net.
Co Author
- Marshal, J, Mckellow, C & Muleya, P. (2019) Mentorship, preceptorship and coaching in Midwifery education and practice Chapter in Myles professional Studies for Education and Practice, Elsevier Publishing. UK.
Qualifications
- Professional Midwifery Advocate & Restorative Clinical Supervision
- Complex Midwifery Care
- Bodies and Birth: Anatomy & Physiology
Course director
I am currently undertaking a Doctorate of Education. I have a specialist interest in gamification techniques in Midwifery education. I will also be working with department research leads to expand our research outputs.
I have completed the RISE academy at KU to enhance my research leadership. I am using this development opportunity to reflect on my personal vision for expanding my career into research, deeper understanding of research leadership qualities and strategically leading research at local/national/international levels.
Qualifications
- Gamification Techniques
- Clinical Midwifery
Professional Midwifery Advocate (PMA) Steering group Membership - developing a National Operational Strategy to include development of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for monitoring and evaluation implementation of the A-EQUIP model and PMA training. Additionally, membership at Professional Midwifery Advocate (PMA) South England Network - Participation and contribution to professional national learning and teaching.
Expert Reviewer for Donna Ockenden Nottingham review.
Publications
- Mckellow, C & Ferraby, J (2024) PMA Role infographic with NHS England and UCLan,
- Mckellow, C. (2019) Professional Midwifery Advocates in the university setting; preparing students for newly qualified life. The Practising Midwife. Nov 2019.
- Capito, C, Keegan, C, Lachanudis, L, Mckellow, C. & Tyler (2022) Professional midwifery advocates: delivering restorative clinical supervision. Nursing Times Vol 118 Issue 2. Feb (2022) – My Contribution was how restorative Clinical supervision has been designed within the PMA training programme and the innovation to move these techniques online.
Qualifications and expertise
- Professional Midwifery Advocate
- Emergency Midwifery care
- Systematic Examination of the Newborn
- Anatomy and Physiology
Professional and scholarly affiliations
- NHS England
- Nursing and Midwifery Council
- Donna Ockenden review
As Head of the Department of Midwifery at Kingston University, I provide strategic and academic leadership to ensure the delivery of high-quality, future-focused education. I lead a dedicated team in fostering a culture of excellence, inclusion, and innovation, while aligning our programmes with national priorities, NMC standards and Kingston University’s Future Skills agenda.
Publications
Transforming midwifery education 3. Professional midwifery advocates in the university setting: preparing student midwives for newly qualified life
McKellow, Claire, 2019, Practising Midwife (22), 10pp 19-23, Published