I originally joined Staffordshire University in 2013 as a part-time Lecturer and since then, have worked on all Undergraduate Education Awards part and full-time routes. As an advocate of creative and digital teaching I was awarded the Teaching Excellence Fellow. I am also accredited with Microsoft Certified Educator status and MIE Expert status and this is embedded in how I support and facilitate the education of students.
Prior to my role in higher education, I had been working within the field of early years for over a decade in varying capacities and I have held numerous senior and management roles, developing both the business acumen and practical expertise essential for the sector. I had the pleasure of contributing to and leading a team of highly talented staff in achieving and maintaining Outstanding Ofsted judgements since 2004. I also delivered bespoke training and consultancy for Early Years Settings and further education and private post-compulsory Education settings.
A further specialty of mine is practice pertaining to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. I have experience of working with a range of individuals and teams in differing education and early childhood services. I have experience of working with children with a variety of complex needs and observing the advances children make as a result of a team around them is incredibly fulfilling. I am keen to support others in becoming an asset to the lives of children and learners.
Professional memberships and activities
Senior Fellow of the HEA
DigiLearn Certified Member
MIE Expert
Academic qualifications
Present - PhD Candidate expected completion 2024
2017 - PGcHPE
2014 - MA in Education
2011 - BA(Hons) Early Childhood Studies (Top –Up) Degree
2009 - Foundation Degree in Early Years
Expertise
Care and Education of Children Aged 0-8.
Contemporary Early Years Practice
Equality, Diversity and SEND
Educational Technology in Early Years and Higher Education
Research interests
I am a hybrid researcher whereby my research interests crosscut psychology and education. I am currently exploring thinking (higher order and executive functioning) in two-year-old children and their smile and laughter response.
I am also an Innovator for the Staffordshire Centre of Learning and Pedagogic Practice with two projects currently running:
- Staffordshire University Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert Coaching Programme
- Developing a hybrid pedagogic practice toolkit.
My other research interests include:
- Tech and tactile approach to teaching in Higher Education
- STEAM and computational thinking in Early Years
Grants
Two grants from the Staffordshire Centre of Learning and Pedagogic Practice.
Teaching
Teaching experience includes the following:
BA (Hons) Education Studies
BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies, full/part/fast-track routes
Guest lecturer PGCE, PGCHPE, MA
BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies with Early Years Teacher status
PGCE in EYTS
BA (Hons) Primary Education
I have developed and conducted continuing professional development training experiences for early years practitioners in the locality, and the Staffordshire University Multi-Academy Trust.
- I have been awarded a Teaching Excellence Fellowship for my approach that combines tactile and technology enhanced learning to respond to individual learners needs, make session’s memorable and enjoyable.
- PVI nurseries and schools-based nurseries, reception classes and wrap around care/educational clubs facilitating the delivery of EYFS, National Curriculum and phonics.
- Post compulsory education settings.
Publications
A selection of publications, events and conferences recently featured at:
- Brown-Cornwall, F. (2022) ‘Student and Lecturer Reflections on Merging the Physical and Digital Classroom with a Tech and Tactile Approach’, IPiHE, Vol.4 (3)
- Brown-Cornwall, F. Coombe-Boxall, M. (2022) ‘SUMEC: Building the Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert Programme into HE Staff Development’, IPiHE, Vol. 4 (3)
- Brown-Cornwall,F. Coombe-Boxall, M. (2022) ‘SUMEC’, UCISA Conference, 28th April
- Upcoming Book Chapter: Planning and Organising for Learning and Positive Behaviour
- Brown-Cornwall, F. (2022) STEAM in the EYFS, BSME Webinar
- Cornwall, F., Coombe-Boxall, M. (2021) What is SUMEC? SUMEC Showcase, June, Staffordshire University
- Cornwall, F. (2021) Fran’s Favourite Four Activities Powered by Microsoft, SUMEC Showcase, June, Staffordshire University
- Cornwall, F. (2021) Myth Busting part 2 and Tech and Tactile Approach, School of LSE Blended Learning Conference, May, Staffordshire University
- Cornwall, F. (2021) DigiLearn Sector: A ‘Tech and Tactile’ approach to teaching – pandemic update!, [online]
- Cornwall, F., Coombe-Boxall, M. (2021) MIEExpert Update, UClan DigiLearn Conference, March, University of Central Lancashire
- Cornwall, F. (2021) Smile and Laughter Response in Two-Year Old Children, SEFDEY Conference, March, Staffordshire University
- Cornwall, F (2020) Tech and Tactile Approach to Teaching in HE, UClan DigiLearn Conference, September, University of Central Lancashire
- Cornwall, F. (2020) Higher Order Thinking and The Smile and Laughter Response, ECSDN Research Conference, January, Sheffield Hallam
- Cornwall, F. (2019) It Is of Its Time: Computational Thinking in Early Years, DIGITLEY Pre-Conference, March, Manchester Conference Centre