Dr Shaddai Tembo is a lecturer in early childhood studies (UK and China) at Bath Spa University and an associate lecturer at the Open University. He is a trustee for the Fatherhood Institute and formerly Early Education. Shaddai is an independent speaker and consultant through Critical Early Years.
Professional History and Research Background
Shaddai completed his PhD in 2022 on the subject of subjectivities in early years practice at UWS. Shaddai received an MSc with Merit in Social Science Research Methods (Sociology) from the University of Bristol. His undergraduate degree is a First Class BA (Hons) Education: Early Years from Bath Spa University.
Shaddai is also a trustee for the Fatherhood Institute, the UK’s leading independent think tank on fatherhood., and part of the steering group for the MITEY campaign which aims to celebrate, support and increase the numbers of, men working in early childhood education in the UK. Between, 2018-2022, Shaddai was formerly a trustee for Early Education, a national charity supporting early years practitioners with training, resources and professional networks, and campaigning for quality education for the youngest children.
Shaddai’s experience working in the early years is varied, most recently he was part of the family support team within a children’s centre in central Bristol. He has worked as an early years practitioner in a range of PVI nurseries.
In Collaboration with TTS
As host of the TTS Talking Early Years Podcast series: Inclusive Practice in the Early Years, Shaddai aims to raise awareness of the importance of representation across the sector, both in the pedagogy, language and approaches being used, as well as representation of the staff who work in the sector. Shaddai will be joined by a number of guests to discuss topics such as gender in children’s play, the importance of inclusive practice and neurodiversity and ASN.