Mrs Sarah Stead

I completed my Diploma HE & Children's Nurse education and training at Hertfordshire University in 1997, as part of Project 2000 Nursing. My employment history includes working at the Evelina Children's Hospital, whilst working completing BSc Child Health with the RCNi & the University of Manchester. I left London to undertake general Paediatric Nursing in a district general hospital in Kent, and whilst there I progressed into practice education development. I forged links with CCCU within this time, and worked as a visiting lecturer on an ad hoc basis.

I then returned to London, and was based within PICU for 10 years in Lewisham and the Evelina hospitals. Continuing to teach and ready to pursue this as a career within HEI, I took up a part-time position at CCCU and started to work part-time in the community for a pharmaceutical company, administering infusions to children within their homes. During this time, I completed my PGCLT, and in 2014, completed my MSc Interprofessional Practice at CCCU and became a full-time member of staff.

With 15 years' experience in higher education, I have a wide experience of different learning and teaching approaches and assessment methods, informed by 20 years of clinical practice experience in acute care (various specialties), HDU, PICU and the community. I work closely with and deputise for the Course Directors, have been involved in Programme re-approvals, and I am an Investigating Officer for Faculty fitness to practise cases.

I have been a developmental tester/critical reader for the Open University for their Communication & Relationships in Health & Social Care diploma course. I joined the Covid vaccination programme in January 2020 in returning to NHS employment alongside my role as a Senior Lecturer. Myself and my immediate family members were participants of the Office for National Statistics Covid 19 research study supporting ongoing research into the virus, with this study finishing in 2023. I am now a participant of the ONS health insights research.

I strive to promote and enhance education in Children’s Nursing, and have specific interests in the role of the Academic Assessor in the clinical practice setting and in student support, with a growing interest in alternative teaching, learning and assessment methods and the use of technology. I was part of a team whom undertook research on virtual practice learning, and how virtual learning enhances knowledge and understanding alongside practice placements.

I am an external examiner at another university, as a critical reader and quality monitor for a pre-registration course.