Fay Cavagin

I have built a diverse career across early years, special educational needs, further education and higher education, with experience spanning teaching, student support, curriculum leadership and academic research.

After graduating from the University of Sunderland in 2011, I began my career working as a playworker before progressing into roles as an early years educator and in teaching support. I have also worked within behavioural support and as a teacher in a school for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), developing a particular interest in inclusive education and supporting children with diverse needs.

My career has since expanded into further and higher education, where I have held a range of leadership roles. As a curriculum leader, I was responsible for further and higher education programmes across childcare, education, science and health. I have also led English and Maths provision and taught Functional Skills Numeracy to adults in community settings.

I joined the University of Sunderland in 2021 and am currently the Programme Leader for the BA (Hons) Childhood and Society Studies (Top-Up) programme. I am passionate about creating engaging and inclusive learning experiences and supporting students to reach their potential.

I completed a Master's degree in Special Educational Needs and Inclusive Education in 2013 and am currently undertaking a doctorate exploring student's experiences of higher education. My research interests include inclusion, belonging, student experience and educational equity.

Alongside my academic work, I am also the author of the children's picture book I'll Get You Home, published in 2021, which explores themes of inclusion, kindness and belonging.