Dr Donna Gaywood
Early Education Associate
Donna has had a long unconventional career as an educator. She has worked in schools, for charities, local authorities, in PVIs, and established two companies. Her work has mainly been with children and their families who are facing challenging circumstances. Donna has developed a specialism of working with refugee and migrant children and also supporting very young children with social emotional and mental health needs. Donna works part-time as a senior lecturer for Children, Young People and Families, at the University of Gloucester, and still works as a consultant working alongside parents and settings to ensure children can access early years provision.
Areas of expertise​
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Refugee and migrant children
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Welcoming pedagogy
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Supporting children’s wellbeing and their social, emotional and mental health
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Inclusive practice which includes understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES)
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Trauma-informed practice
Sample courses
- Supporting young children who face significant life challenges
- Prioritising children’s mental health and wellbeing
- Creating an inclusive learning environment
- Supporting refugee children in Early Childhood Education and Care
- Effective support for children who speak English as an additional language
Supporting young children who face significant life challenges – delivered by Donna Gaywood
Aims and objectives – Delegates will have opportunities to:
- To reflect on their role as an early educator.
- To consider the impact of significant challenges on the lives of very young children.
- To think about how to support children with SEND or SEMH needs.
- To understand trauma responses and their role in supporting children.
Prioritising children’s mental health and wellbeing – delivered by Donna Gaywood
Aims and objectives – Delegates will have opportunities to:
- think about children’s mental health
- examine how to create a positive learning environment where children can thrive
- consider the link between adult and child mental health and wellbeing
- explore some possible pitfalls
- work out ways to intervene early.
Creating an inclusive learning environment – delivered by Donna Gaywood
Aims and objectives – Delegates will have opportunities to:
- reflect on their current learning environment and offer practical ideas to make it more accessible for all children.
Areas covered will include:
- Children’s current presenting needs: speech and language delay, social, emotional, and mental health needs, and physical development
- Developing inclusive practices as routine
- Whole setting approach
- An emotionally safe environment
- Maintaining a healthy perspective: growing staff and children’s confidence.
Supporting refugee children in Early Childhood Education and Care – delivered by Donna Gaywood
Aims and objectives – Delegates will have opportunities to:
- Understand correct terms associated with forced migration
- Think about the importance of pedagogy for refugee children
- Consider professional positionality and the impact on practice
- Reflect about the hidden curriculum
- Explore practical welcoming practices
Effective support for children who speak English as an additional language – delivered by Donna Gaywood
Aims and objectives – Delegates will have opportunities to:
- Reflect on their current practice
- Consider attitudes and think about a celebratory approach
- Identify the skills children need
- Consider practical ways to develop a positive language environment.
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