Tara Ball

I completed a Joint Hons degree in Education and Music at Roehampton university before completing my PGCE primary. Prior to working in higher education, I began my career in early years/ primary education where I have experience of working across the entire early years/primary age range in both mixed and single age groups and teaching all subjects. My interest in personal, social and emotional development stems from my experience working in early years and schools where I assisted in setting up nurture and community groups to support young children and their families. I was also appointed as Early Years Co-Ordinator with responsibility for planning, assessment and delivery of the Early Years curriculum.

I joined the Institute of Education at Staffordshire university in October 2014. I currently lead the BA Hons Education and BA Hons Education (Early Years) full time extended top up and teach on all modules including Literacy and Numeracy, The Reflective Practitioner, Doing Education Differently as well as supervise undergraduate research projects. I also teach on the full time BA Early Childhood Studies course.

On a personal note I have grade 8 (Associated Board Royal School of Music) in clarinet, piano, flute and theory and have supported students from grade 1 to A level music performance. Outside of education my interests include listening to music and going to various festivals/gigs and walking my dogs.