University of Northampton helps celebrate the best of the Early Childhood profession

Careers in Early Childhood that have just started or are established and distinguished have been celebrated at University of Northampton (UON).

The Early Childhood Studies Degrees Network (ECSDN) Awards ceremony was held last Friday (23 January) at the University’s Waterside Campus.

The evening – hosted by author Michael Rosen – celebrated excellence in Early Childhood Studies across Higher Education and practice, honouring outstanding students, educators, researchers, and advocates who are shaping the future of the Early Childhood sector.

One of the professionals celebrated on the night was University of Northampton’s Emeritus Professor Eunice Lumsden.

Professor Lumsden’s career has encompassed research, policy development, and supporting the professional evolution and recognition of the Early Years sector, as well as its students and graduates.

In 2019, she was named one of the Women of the Year and now edits, with UON colleague Dr Helen Simmons as deputy editor, the influential International Journal of Birth and Parent Education.

Eunice (pictured below) says: “There are no words adequate to capture how it feels receiving an award for doing the job you love, from the community you are a part of.

“Early Childhood Studies and the ECSDN have been integral parts of my academic journey, and I am indebted to those I have worked alongside, including students and colleagues who have continually supported me in applying my learning in practice.”

You can find out more about Eunice’s career in this podcast.

UON nominees included graduates Precious Rogers (Graduate of the Year), Anabela Da Silva (Placement Provider of the Year) and Christina Aframoah, who won the ‘gong’ for Outstanding Early Childhood Practitioner of the Year.

Christina’s focus during her studies and beyond has been supporting practitioners to help children regulate their emotional wellbeing. Joining the University as a mature student, she has been prolific with research and is currently finalising a series of eight books and resources designed to help practitioners and parents implement an SOS (Stop, Observe, Shift) Framework.

Christina graduated in November last year with a First-Class degree in Early Childhood Studies. She says: “I’m still over the moon to have won the award. I was so overwhelmed on the night that I didn’t say anything! Honestly, I am still pinching myself.

“To be recognised as the National Outstanding Early Childhood Practitioner is a dream come true. More than that, it feels like a validation of the passion I’ve poured into my studies – everything has been about and will always be about children and giving them the best during the crucial first five years of their lives.

“My inspiration comes from my mum, Anna Essel, who was a primary school teacher up until the 1990’s. Sadly, she passed away in September last year, but she was hugely supportive during my degree. She was the one who would encourage me to take a rest during my studies and then come back to the task at hand. I carry her spirit, her strength, and her prayers in everything that I do.

“Northampton wasn’t just a university for me. I loved the University. I had heard stories about UON when I was at college and read about the lecturers, how helpful and passionate they are – that’s why I enrolled, and I was not disappointed.

“I put a lot of hard work into my studies and career, but my mum is the main person I dedicate my award to. There are so many others who have also helped me along the way, and I didn’t thank them during the awards ceremony, including my wonderful family, my supportive lecturers, the ECSDN that helped empower me and the many other teams at UON. The entire University community helped me find my voice to ensure children can develop theirs, something I know my mother would be so proud of.”

Find out more about Early Childhood Studies and other Childhood, Youth and Families courses at University of Northampton.