Samantha McMahon

Director of Student Support and Retention with responsibility for the student experience through effective management of the School's Academic Integrity and Fitness to Practice Processes and to work with the Progress Tutors to improve retention and progression of students. I joined the University in 2004 and my first task was to design and implement the Sector Endorsed Foundation Degree in Early Years. This role and course were absolutely key to the current suite of successful early years programmes we offer, not only at Huddersfield but with partners in Oldham, Barnsley and Wakefield. To build this suite of programmes has required me to work closely with a number of external agencies including CWDC, Local Authorities, FE Colleges, Schools, early years settings and an expanding team of tutors.I have been instrumental in growing the course from the first cohort of 25 students to more than 500 students and providing opportunities for many non-traditional students to access Higher Education. Testimony from the Local Authorities and many settings shows that these students are also practitioners who make a significant and positive difference to lives of children. I still teach many modules on these courses and retain lead responsibility for the course to ensure quality and equality across the provision.

Prior to joining the University I taught for ten years in a range of settings including Primary School, Pre-School and FE College.

• Professionalisation of the Early Years workforce
• Children’s physical development
• Leadership in early childhood education and care