Meet the team

Pollyanna Whitehead BA (Hons), MA, Norland Diploma - Early Career Lecturer

Pollyanna studied at Norland from 2013 until 2016, graduating with a First Class BA (Hons) in Early Years Development and Learning, along with the Norland Diploma. She later obtained an MA in Social and Public Policy from the University of York.

Pollyanna has worked as a nanny in a variety of different roles, including both shared care and sole charge. In her nanny career, she developed her practice as an enthusiastic and empathetic caregiver. She worked in big, busy families and quickly learned how to juggle the differing needs of each child at the same time.

Alongside nannying, Pollyanna has worked in family support roles. She coordinated play and engagement activities for children visiting a family member in prison. She also managed a family support project that provided one-to-one befriending support to low income and vulnerable parents.

Throughout her academic study and working career, Pollyanna has developed a keen interest in using theory-based practice to improve outcomes for vulnerable children. In particular, she is keen to further research the role that early years practitioners can play in supporting and empowering parents.