QUALIFICATIONS
- B.A. in Psychology and Social Relations, Harvard University
- M.A. in Developmental Psychology, Harvard University
- Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology, Harvard University
RESEARCH
Kathy Sylva’s research interests include:
- Early childhood curriculum and assessment
- The ‘effectiveness’ of education in the pre-school and primary phases
- The contribution of parents to children’s learning
- Children’s Centres and Family Hubs
- Supporting parents in behaviour management and learning
- Reading Recovery and other literacy interventions
Kathy has conducted large-scale studies on the effects of early education and care on children’s development and has led several RCTs to evaluate parenting interventions. She has been specialist adviser to Parliamentary Select Committees and currently advises Ofsted, the Early Intervention Foundation, and the Education Endowment Foundation.
AWARDS AND DISTINCTIONS
Kathy is a Fellow of the British Academy, the Academy of Social Sciences, the British Psychological Society, and recipient of the British Educational Research Association’s Nisbett Award in 2014. She received an OBE for services to children and families in 2008 and has honorary doctorates from the Open University, Oxford Brookes, and the University of Gothenburg.
CURRENT RESEARCH PROJECTS
- PI on ‘Early Years Covid 19 Recovery – Mentors and Experts Programme’ in collaboration with Ecorys, funded by the Department for Education
- CI on ‘Coaching Early Conversations, Interaction and Language’ With Ariel Lindorff (PI) Sutton Trust
