Verity Campbell-Barr is a Lecturer in Early Childhood Studies at the Plymouth Institute of Education, Plymouth University. Her research interests include the mixed economy of childcare and early years education provision, experiences of working in early childhood occupations, the role of childcare in supporting employment and the welfare to work agenda, and understandings of quality childcare and early years education from multiple perspectives.

Janet Georgeson is a Research Fellow in Early Education Development at the Plymouth Institute of Education, Plymouth University. Her role involves developing and conducting independent research projects and collaborating with colleagues in the development of research within the School of Education, and she has a particular interest in research methods. She is currently researching  the professionalisation of the early years workforce, and early cognitive development, including the role of parents, practitioners and other care-givers.

Chelle Davison is Head of Department, Undergraduate ITE, in the Faculty of Education, Arts & Business at the University of Cumbria. The Department has over 450 trainees studying early years, primary, secondary and SEN initial teacher education. It is working towards Early Years Teacher Status for the 2015 cohorts and Chelle will be offering her own expertise both to the new applicants for 2014 and those from 2015 onwards through master classes and public lectures. In addition Chelle has made significant contribution to a range of policy documents and government reviews, and is a devoted supporter of the professionalisation of the Early Years workforce.