Search Results

Discover how to get involved with RECAP's work for parents in Chelmsford, UK. Learn how you can participate and support education initiatives. Get Involved as a Parent At RECAP, parents are at the heart of everything we do. Our mission is to make research and evidence accessible, practical, and relevant to family life — and that starts with listening to you. By getting involved, you’ll help shape how research is shared, make sure it reflects real family experiences, and connect with a community that values trusted information and shared understanding. 💬 Join the RECAP Parent Panel Our Parent Panel brings together parents and caregivers from a wide range of backgrounds to share insights, experiences, and honest feedback. As a panel member, you can: Take part in short surveys or online discussions about family life and parenting topics Review upcoming RECAP content to ensure it feels relevant and accessible Help shape future projects, resources, and events Be part of a community influencing how research reaches families You don’t need to be an expert — just a parent or caregiver with lived experience and a willingness to share your thoughts. 🎙 Share Your Story We know that behind every piece of research are real people and real stories. If you have personal experiences or reflections connected to topics we cover — from education and wellbeing to relationships and health — we’d love to help you share them. You can contribute by: Taking part in a podcast episode or video feature Writing or co-authoring a short parent perspective piece Joining a panel discussion with researchers or practitioners Your story could help others feel seen, supported, and informed. 🧠 Attend a Webinar or Event We regularly host free and low-cost webinars on topics that matter most to families — from mental health and learning to digital wellbeing and parenting confidence. By taking part, you’ll: Hear directly from researchers and practitioners Gain practical, evidence-based tips for family life Be part of a community of curious, reflective parents 💡 Ready to Get Involved? Whether you’d like to join the Parent Panel, share your story, or simply find out more about how RECAP works with families — we’d love to hear from you. ✨ Let’s chat about how you can take part! Book a free 30-minute call with our team to explore how your experiences can help shape RECAP’s work. 👉 Book your free chat here Or simply complete the form below Together, we can build stronger connections between research and real family life and make sure parents’ voices are at the centre of it all. Contact Like what you see? Get in touch to learn more. First Name Last Name Email Message Send Thanks for submitting!

Discover Carla Beard's advisory board role at Recap. Learn about her contributions to the Education Research Center in Chelmsford, UK. Carla Beard Director, Koala Digital Development & Growth Panel Carla is the Director (or as she likes to say, the Head Zookeeper) at Koala Digital, a digital marketing agency based in Colchester. She leads a close-knit team of ten creatives who specialise in website design, SEO and promotional marketing. With over 15 years of experience, Carla works with a diverse mix of clients, from sole traders and local businesses to larger brands like the Daily Express and Deliveroo. Carla is passionate about building strong relationships, creating people-first digital strategies and helping businesses stand out online with practical, results-focused marketing. As a parent to two children aged 3 and 7, Carla understands the overwhelm that can come with trying to find trustworthy parenting advice online. After many late-night Google searches and experiencing the confusion of conflicting information, she was inspired by a conversation with Lucie and her passion for RECAP’s mission. Carla is excited to be part of the advisory board and support a resource that makes parenting advice more accessible and reassuring. In her spare time, she enjoys family adventures, being outdoors, paddleboarding, and photography.

Discover Sarah Sudea's expertise as an advisory board member at our Education Research Center in Chelmsford, UK. Learn more about Sarah Sudea. Sarah Sudea Founder, Finding the Flex Research Panel Sarah Sudea is a former secondary school teacher, mum to three daughters and founder of Finding the Flex: a social enterprise aiming to widen access to flexischooling for UK school children. Finding the Flex was borne from her first hand experience of the benefits of a more flexible approach to education and her frustration that flexischooling is already an available option, life changing for some children, but routinely misunderstood and overlooked by local authorities and school leaders. Finding the Flex now helps local authorities and schools offer flexischooling, so every child can thrive in education. Sarah is keen to support RECAP's endeavours to raise awareness of educational options that are often little known about. She brings her experience as a teacher, parent and family coach, specialising in school attendance difficulties.

Discover Emma Eager's role as an advisory board member at our Education Research Center in Chelmsford, UK. Learn about her advisory board expertise. Emma Eager Co-Founder & Director, The Autism Wellbeing Project Development & Growth Panel Emma Eager is the co-founder and director of The Autism Wellbeing Project CIC, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting the wellbeing of autistic adults across Halton, Warrington, and beyond. A neurodivergent individual and proud parent carer to two neurodivergent teenagers, Emma brings both lived and professional experience to her work, having personally navigated the complexities of SEND systems, EHCPs, and the broader challenges faced by neurodivergent families. Emma’s background is in education, where she served as a primary school leader at a top 100 Ofsted Outstanding school, with a particular focus on SEND inclusion and leadership. She is also a qualified integrative counsellor and now leads The Autism Wellbeing Project, where her passion lies in creating spaces where autistic individuals feel seen, heard, and supported. Her work has earned national recognition, including awards such as UK Inclusive Employer of the Year and Outstanding Therapist of the Year, alongside several finalist placements. However, Emma considers her greatest achievement to be raising her two incredible children. Emma is a passionate advocate for inclusive systems and accessible support, combining deep insight with compassion and a readiness to challenge the status quo. She joins the RECAP advisory board to contribute her experience and to help drive positive, meaningful change. Outside of work, she enjoys paddleboarding, running, reading, and walking her two dogs, Kiki and Lulu.

Discover Dr. Amanda Gummer's expertise as an advisory board member. Learn how her insights benefit our Education Research Center in Chelmsford, UK. Dr Amanda Gummer Research psychologist and CEO, FUNdamentally Children Research Panel 2011-2014 University Name This is your Education description. Concisely describe your degree and any other highlights of your studies. Make sure to include relevant skills, accomplishments, and milestones gained. Don’t forget to adjust the timeframe in the subtitle. 2007-2010 University Name This is your Education description. Concisely describe your degree and any other highlights of your studies. Make sure to include relevant skills, accomplishments, and milestones gained. Don’t forget to adjust the timeframe in the subtitle. Dr Amanda Gummer is a research psychologist and leading authority on children’s play, parenting, and child development. She is the founder and CEO of Fundamentally Children, home of Dr Gummer’s Good Play Guide, and serves as the independent chair of the Association of Play Industries. Amanda also holds non-executive and advisory roles across several mission-led organisations, including Families in Focus CIC. With a PhD in neuropsychology and over two decades of experience working with children and families, Amanda is widely recognised as the UK’s go-to expert on play. Her book Play has been internationally published, and she is a trusted ambassador for the Toy Association’s Genius of Play initiative. Amanda has developed major accreditation frameworks for the toy industry, including the STEAM and MESH Toy programs, and is the UK Chapter Chair of Women in Toys, a global network supporting women in the toy and entertainment sectors. She continues to contribute to academic research, present at international conferences, and influence public policy, having shared her Balanced Play Model at the European Parliament in 2019. A regular media contributor, Amanda is dedicated to championing play as a vital component of child development worldwide.

Discover Dr Kay Aaronricks' bio and advisory board role at our Education Research Center in Chelmsford, UK. Learn about Dr Kay Aaronricks now! Dr Kay Aaronricks Head of School, Anglia Ruskin University Research Panel Dr Kay Aaronricks is an early childhood education specialist with a strong focus on the professional identity and development of the early years workforce, particularly home-based childminders. Currently Head of the School of Education at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), Kay has progressed from undergraduate student to senior leadership, reflecting her deep commitment to practitioner-led learning and inclusive education. Kay’s early career included roles in private nurseries and as an Ofsted-rated Outstanding Accredited Childminder. Her lived experience in home-based settings underpins her research and advocacy for a sector often overlooked in policy and professional discourse. She has worked extensively with childminders to develop professional learning communities, deliver CPD, and lead action research that amplifies their voices and experiences. A Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, Kay holds a Doctorate in Education and several early years qualifications from ARU. She has taught and led programmes including Early Childhood Studies and Early Years Initial Teacher Training, combining academic knowledge with real-world insight. Kay is the lead researcher on Nourishing Our Future (NOF), a pioneering project investigating the food environment in private, voluntary, and independent (PVI) early years settings across Essex. Commissioned by Essex County Council Public Health, NOF is one of the first studies of its kind in the UK, NOF highlighting the dedication of early years practitioners to children’s nutrition and food education, while also revealing significant challenges around healthy meal provision for under-fives. Kay brings a wealth of expertise in early childhood care, professional development, and research-led practice to any advisory role, with a passion for supporting a sustainable, respected, and well-resourced early years sector.

Discover Eve Calderbank's bio and insights as a RECAP advisory board member at our Education Research Center in Chelmsford, UK. Learn more now! Eve Calderbank Sector Growth & Skills Lead, Essex County Council Development & Growth Panel Eve Calderbank brings a rich and varied background to the RECAP advisory board, combining experience in finance, local government, and community-building. After earning a media degree, Eve retrained as an accountant and worked in financial analysis for several years. Following her return from maternity leave, she transitioned into a role at Essex County Council, where she now supports local businesses through commissioning programmes and initiatives aimed at strengthening the local economy. aMotivated by her own experiences as a working mother, Eve founded a thriving community for women in business. Through social media and in-person networking events across Essex, she has created a space for connection, support, and empowerment—an achievement she considers the most rewarding of her career. Eve is passionate about creating inclusive and supportive environments, both professionally and personally. She was drawn to RECAP through her connection with Lucie, whose shared values and dedication to empowering others deeply resonated with her. Joining the advisory board allows Eve to contribute her skills in finance, community engagement, and strategic development to a mission she strongly believes in. Outside of her professional life, Eve enjoys running, playing netball, and spending time with her two young children, Molly and Teddy, as well as her friends and extended family.

Meet the RECAP Advisory Board and discover the experts driving education research in Chelmsford, UK. Learn more about our Advisory Board. Meet the RECAP Advisory Board The RECAP Ltd Advisory Board is made up of a diverse group of professionals who bring together expert knowledge, strategic insight, and lived experience as parents. The board is structured around two key panels: the Research Panel and the Development & Growth Panel. The Research Panel is made up of experts in education, child development, and parenting. With strong academic and research backgrounds, alongside personal experience as parents, these members ensure RECAP’s work is evidence-based, ethically sound, and grounded in real-life family experiences. The Development & Growth Panel brings together professionals with expertise in business, marketing, finance, partnerships, technology, and equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI). All members are also parents, and they combine their professional skills with lived experience to offer strategic guidance that supports RECAP’s growth, sustainability, and impact. Together, the advisory board ensures RECAP remains rigorous, relevant, and responsive—bridging research and real life to support families in meaningful and practical ways. Dr Amanda Gummer Research psychologist & CEO, FUNdamentally Children Read more about this member Sarah Sudea Founder, Finding the Flex Read more about this member Dr Kay Aaronricks Head of School, Anglia Ruskin University Read more about this member David Bell Founder & CEO, SIMBOC Read more about this member Eve Calderbank Sector Growth & Skills Lead, Essex County Council Read more about this member Mark Alefounder Business Advisor, Lets Do Business Group Read more about this member Emma Eager Co-Founder & Director, The Autism Wellbeing Project Read more about this member Carla Beard Director, Koala Digital Read more about this member

Learn about Mark Alefounder's role on the RECAP advisory board at our Education Research Center in Chelmsford, UK. Discover his contributions now! Mark Alefounder Business Advisor, Lets Do Business Group Development & Growth Panel Mark Alefounder is a seasoned business advisor with a strong track record in helping organisations grow, scale, and thrive. With extensive experience across sectors including financial services, technology, and logistics, Mark has worked with startups, high-net-worth individuals, and global brands such as Boeing and JCB. His expertise spans business development, sales strategy, and performance management. Throughout his career, Mark has led award-winning teams, launched new ventures, and implemented systems that have delivered measurable impact-such as increasing lead conversion by over 70% and helping businesses scale by up to 500%. He has also secured strategic partnerships generating over £250 million in business. Currently serving as Business Advisory Manager at Let’s Do Business Group, Mark supports a wide range of enterprises with funding, strategy, and sustainable growth. He brings a practical, people-focused approach and is passionate about helping mission-driven organisations achieve their potential. Mark joined the RECAP advisory board to contribute his expertise in strategic development and business growth. He is deeply aligned with RECAP’s mission to make research accessible and actionable for families and professionals. Based in Colchester, Mark enjoys photography, motorcycle racing, long walks, and time with his grandchildren - ideally over a good curry.

Discover how researchers can collaborate with RECAP at our Chelmsford, UK Education Research Center. Contact us to get involved today. At RECAP, we believe research should reach beyond journals and conference halls — it should make a difference in everyday family life. Our mission is to connect parents, educators, and practitioners with trusted, evidence-based information in ways that are accessible, engaging, and practical. If you’re a researcher, educator, or practitioner passionate about sharing knowledge that supports families, there are several ways you can contribute to RECAP’s growing community. 🔬 Share Your Research Bring your work to life by sharing it in a clear, engaging format for parents and caregivers. We help translate academic findings into short articles, infographics, or Q&As that highlight real-world relevance. Whether your research is newly published or still in progress, RECAP offers a platform to make it accessible and impactful. Ways to contribute: Submit a summary or short article about your research Collaborate with our editorial team to create family-friendly content Share key insights, tips, or resources drawn from your work 🎙 Join the RECAP Podcast Our podcast features conversations with researchers, educators, and parents exploring what evidence means in practice. If you have research or insights that could spark meaningful discussion, we’d love to hear from you. You could: Be a guest on the podcast to discuss your research or experience Co-host a special episode on a specific theme Suggest a topic or nominate a guest whose work deserves to be heard 💬 Host a Webinar or Talk Help bridge the gap between research and real life by leading an online session for parents, teachers, or fellow researchers. Webinars and talks can focus on a single study, an area of expertise, or practical applications of research evidence. We offer: Guidance on creating engaging, evidence-based sessions Technical and promotional support Opportunities to connect with a wide, family-focused audience 🤝 Collaborate with Us RECAP is always open to partnerships and collaborative projects — from research translation initiatives to co-hosted events or joint funding bids that promote knowledge exchange and public engagement. If you have an idea that aligns with our mission, let’s explore it together. 💡 Ready to Contribute? We welcome contributions from across disciplines — education, psychology, health, sociology, early years, and beyond. ✨ Let’s chat about how you can get involved! Book a free 30-minute call with our team to explore how your research, expertise, or story could feature on RECAP. 👉 Book your free chat here Or simply fill in the form below. Together, we can make research more accessible, relatable, and useful for families everywhere. Contact Like what you see? Get in touch to learn more. First Name Last Name Email Message Send Thanks for submitting!

Discover David Bell's bio and insights as a RECAP advisory board member. Learn about his contributions to the Education Research Center. David Bell Founder & CEO, SIMBOC Development & Growth Panel David Bell is a multi-award-winning company director, entrepreneur, and executive advisor with over 25 years of experience in business, technology, and communications. Starting his entrepreneurial journey at just 17, David co-founded APC Solutions, a global wireless communications provider, and later founded Simboc Limited, a consultancy supporting organisations with tailored business and technology strategies. He is also the founder of The Speaker Expert, helping professionals master public speaking, and co-founder of ChatBox Productions, an award-winning media platform promoting conversation in business and public spaces. David holds leadership roles across several ventures, including as UK Sales & Marketing Director at Symbiosys IT. A sought-after keynote speaker, mentor, and STEM ambassador, David is passionate about inspiring others and supporting enterprise. He holds fellowships with Anglia Ruskin University, the Institute of Enterprise and Entrepreneurs (FIoEE), the Chartered Institute of Marketing (FCIM), the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA), and the Chartered Management Institute (FCMI), where he is also a Chartered Manager (CMgr). Based in Essex, David brings energy, warmth, and a deep commitment to helping people and organisations thrive.

Explore effective strategies for Inclusion in the Classroom. Learn from Chelmsford's leading Education Research Center on inclusive education. Inclusion in the Classroom What does it really mean to feel included at school and what gets in the way? This resource simplifies a rich study that explored how secondary school students and teachers experience inclusion during lessons. It looked at what helps young people feel like they belong, what makes them feel left out, and how teachers navigate the challenges of creating inclusive classrooms. Through interviews, reflections, and discussions using real classroom photos, the study uncovered the emotional, relational, and practical layers of inclusion, showing that it’s complex, changeable, and deeply personal. 💬 You'll find out what inclusion looks like in real classrooms, why it’s not just about special educational needs, and how relationships and emotions play a crucial role. 📌 Whether you're an educator, parent, or policymaker, this resource offers thoughtful takeaways and practical steps to help you support more inclusive learning environments for all students. 🔗 Want to explore the full research? Comparing young people with and without SEND and teaching staff’s experiences of ‘inclusions’ in English secondary school classrooms.