Dr Natalie Canning

Dr Natalie Canning is a co-director of the Children’s Research Centre at the OU, part of the Early Childhood team and works as an area lead for Childhood and youth on the professional doctorate programme. Her background is in social work using playwork philosophies and practice to support young children experiencing emotional and socio-economic challenges.  This influences her approach to teaching and research which include professional development of Early Childhood professionals in relation to quality practice; self-motivated learning and children’s play, curiosity and creativity.  Her publications on children’s empowerment are significant in recognising how children are empowered through child-initiated, social play and the implications of empowerment for future learning and development.

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