Introduction of myself and my interests

Hello there!

My name is Thomas Whittingham. I was born in 1996 in Stoke-on-Trent, England. From a young age, I had a keen interest in music. This passion developed into musical education. From that, education as a whole. I am currently proposing my own research for publication. I am a student at The University of Derby studying Early Childhood Studies BA(hows).

The University of Derby currently holds around 34,000 students. It offers unparalleled opportunities to gain professional work experience alongside studies. They have invested around £100 million over the past five years in some of the best university facilities in the UK to ensure students get the hands-on practical skills and experience employers are looking for (The University of Derby, 2014).

Early Childhood Studies BA (hons) offers students to develop an understanding of early childhood from birth to eight years, exploring how children develop, learn and think. There is also an emphasis on exploring the importance of identifying and meeting children’s needs, enabling the student/practitioner to make a real difference to their lives (The University of Derby, 2015).

Some shocking childhood statistics:

Global mortality rate for under fives: 4.5%

Poor Tanzanians that are registered at birth: 4%

Rural households in Niger that have access to improved drinking water: 39%

Urban households in Niger that have access to improved drinking water: 100%

(Holt, 2014)

UNICEF:

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, or UNCRC, is the basis of all of Unicef’s work. It is the most complete statement of children’s rights ever produced and is the most widely-ratified international human rights treaty in history (Unicef, 2016).

Holt, K. (2014) THE STATE OF THE WORLD’S CHILDREN 2014 IN NUMBERS revealing disparities, advancing children’s rights EVERY CHILD COUNTS. Available at: https://www.unicef.org/gambia/SOWC_report_2014.pdf (Accessed: 15 November 2016).

Unicef (2016) The United Nations convention on the rights of the child - Unicef UK. Available at: https://www.unicef.org.uk/what-we-do/un-convention-child-rights/?gclid=CjwKEAiAgavBBRCA7ZbggrLSkUcSJACWDexABa910JBy0P4NlSWD-qlVH87B5i7cSEM2gD26a3unqhoCGtrw_wcB&sissr=1 (Accessed: 15 November 2016).

The University of Derby (2014) Distinctly derby - university of derby. Available at: http://www.derby.ac.uk/about/distinctly-derby/ (Accessed: 15 November 2016).

The University of Derby (2015) BA (Hons) early childhood studies - university of derby. Available at: http://www.derby.ac.uk/childhood-studies-courses/early-childhood-studies-ba-hons./ (Accessed: 15 November 2016).