I have led and been involved in several research projects that have been aimed at gaining a better insight and understanding into different aspects teaching, learning and education.

As a lead researcher at the Education Research Centre, University of Brighton and through the ESRC funded 4 year project - SPRinG, I worked with colleagues and teachers to develop the Working With Others approach, which I now exclusively deliver under license from the university.

I am an External Examiner and supervisor for PhD and EdD students both nationally and internationally.

My earlier research as a post-graduate and doctoral student focused on children's meaning making and identity.  Fascinated by the stories and lives of hundreds of children and young people from all kinds of backgrounds, traditions, faiths and cultures I learnt just how significant our relationships are for learning, understanding and living.  This inspired me to search for a better understanding of how we engage with children and young people, both generally and in education.

My subsequent work and research with children and teachers has translated these ideas to the practicalities of how to support children in their meaning making, what we can do and say to support children in building positive relationships and equipping them with the skills and understanding that enables them socially, emotionally and physically for life.  

Grounded in my early research and interests I co-founded The International Journal of Children's Spirituality and have been co-editor of this quarterly peer reviewed journal for over 15 years since its inception.          

The success of the journal led to the co-founding of the annual International Conference on Children's Spirituality and in 2006 we established the Association for Children’s Spirituality.

As an academic I have contributed to 12 books and 14 articles and given over 30 invited presentations. I continue to support initial teacher training and early years training through workshops, lectures and research seminars.  

If you would like to learn more, or to discuss the possibility of supervision for a PhD, please call me on 07817 363193 or e-mail cathy@cathyota.com