Dr Tanya Richardson, Senior Lecturer in Education (Childhood, Youth and Families) has received a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) to help implement the findings of her PhD, working with a leading UK provider of early years care and education.
Knowledge Transfer Partnerships are a UK scheme to help businesses of all sizes develop using the knowledge and expertise of universities. There are around 800 active KTPs across the country, with up to 75% of the costs covered by Innovate UK.
Dr Richardson’s PhD explored the role of environments in young children’s speech and language development. If children are behind with their speech and language when they start school, this can impact their future education and other life chances.
Dr Richardson says:
“I’m delighted to receive the Knowledge Transfer Partnership support. When I completed my PhD, I was determined my findings would not gather dust on a shelf and would be used to enhance young children’s speech and language development as widely as possible. It has been a long time getting to this point, but now I feel closer to making my academic dream a reality.
“My PhD focused on four nursery settings but needed wider implementation to more accurately see how the audit tool is working. I couldn’t have got to this stage without the support of the University’s Knowledge Exchange and Enterprise team – who have been with me every step of the way – and Childbase Partnership. We are looking to present a final report and recommendations later in 2026.”
Read more here.
