Diana Chaplin BEd Hons, QTS, MA, MA Cantab

Diana Chaplin is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Education at the University of Greenwich.

After graduating from Cambridge University in 2000, she began working in education teaching primary school children of all ages from 5-11. She worked in Greece teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) and also in a special school environment in the UK supporting children with multiple and profound learning difficulties. Her valuable experience of inclusive education enabled a lecturer post for BA Hons Childhood Studies, Mid-Kent college.

In 2007, Diana began lecturing at the University of Greenwich working on a range of programmes including the BA Hons Education Studies and BA Hons Childhood and Youth Studies, assisting in the writing, validation and delivery of BA Hons Early Years, as well as twice leading on the re-validation panel for the Foundation degree in Early Years. By 2010, she completed two Masters degrees; a distinction in Enabling Learning, her dissertation about the use of dance movement therapy as an education intervention; as well as achieving professional registration as a Dance Movement Psychotherapist.

Her lecturing areas include: Understanding Creativity in Early Years Contexts; The Young Mathematician; Education in Early Years; Early Childhood Education; Early Years Development; Curriculum and Assessment; Child Development & Learning.

In 2011, she was nominated to become one of the first Education Enterprise Associates, organising launch events including conferences such as Education Partners in Practice (2012), Natural Learning and Environments (2012) and the University of Greenwich Early Years Network quarterly seminars: 'Inspiring Innovation in Early Years Education' (2013), and more recently, 'Bringing learning to Life' (2015). These seminars combine Continued Professional Development (CPD) with networking and action research to promote professional dialogue and publication among its members.

Diana is an assessor and mentor on the Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS) programme and an undergraduate research supervisor for final year practitioner research projects. In addition, Diana provides personal tutoring to undergraduate students.

In 2014 Diana was invited to become the Faculty Champion of Social Enterprise, engaging students via the Social Enterprise in Education and Health network (launched at the House of Commons), as well as on the annual Social Enterprise Festival, hosted by the university. She was also asked to be the Faculty Champion for Staff Engagement in the same year.

Diana is founder of the Early Years CPD Network Inspiring Innovations in Early Education Series (2013) and Bringing Learning to Life series (2015).

Posts held previously:

• 2004-07, Lecturer on Foundation Degree Childhood Studies, Mid Kent College
  Also, a teacher coach and course leader for City & Guilds Certificate in Teaching & Learning, and a Link tutor for Canterbury Christ Church University at the same time
• 2003-04, Year 2 Class Teacher, Abbey Court Community Special School
  Also, Subject Leader for Art