Prf Jackie Musgrave

Professional biography

I am Professor of Early Childhood Education and Health at The Open University.

As an Associate Head of School since July 2021, I am part of the Senior Management Team with responsibility for Learning and Teaching in the School of Education, Childhood, Youth and Sport (ECYS) in the Faculty of Wellbeing, Education and Language Studies. 

I am a Principal Fellow of AdvanceHE

I completed my MA  in Early Childhood Education (and was awarded the Rutland Academic Prize for my dissertaion in January 2010). I was awarded a Doctor of Education from the University of Sheffield in 2014.

My research explores issues relating to the health of babies and children at the intersection of health and education, reflecting my previous professional experience as a general and paediatric nurse. 

I started teaching in Further Education in 1996 and gained extensive experience as course leader for the Foundation Degree in Early Years, developing a sound understanding of pedagogical approaches to including students in their learning as part of the widening participation agenda. 

I had an enjoyable five years working at the University of Worcester, as course leader for the BA (Hons) Early Childhood Professional Practice degree, where I developed my knowledge and experience of academic leadership as Assistant Head of Centre for Children and Families.

I joined the OU in 2017, as Programme Lead for the Early Childhood degree, then I took on leadership of Education Studies (Primary) degree in 2018 until I was appointed Associate Head of School

Research interests

My doctoral and post-doctoral research brings together my interests in early childhood education and child health. My previous and current research foregrounds how early years practitioners support the health of young children in early years settings, this research has culminated in two sole-authored books published by Supporting Children's Health and Wellbeing (Sage 2017) and Health and wellbeing for Babies and Children: contemporary issues (Routledge 2022).

My current research examines the role of practitioners in promoting babies and young children's health. The research findings have resulted in the co-creation with practitioners of a free resource - Early Childhood Health Promotion: A Toolkit for Early Childhood Education and Care Practitioners - the Toolkit supports and guides practitioners to identify, implement and evaluate a health promoting intervention in their setting. The Toolkit has been used in several universities to teach students about child health. The Toolkit can be downloaded from here Open Research Online

My research is inspired by practitioners and their expereince in caring and educating babies and young children.  I welcome opportunities to supervise doctoral students in areas relating to early childhood education and care, especially health-related research.

Teaching interests

Besides my deep interest in teaching matters relating to children's health and wellbeing, I am interested in teaching contemporary issues in early childhood education, such as professionalism, practice-based learning and research methods, my scholarship research reflects her commitment to finding ways to support students in developing the skills of academic integrity.

Impact and engagement

I am a member of the All Party Parliamentary Group on a Fit and Healthy Childhood, and I have received several invitaitons to present at APPG meetings. APPG on a Fit and Healthy Childhood – Meeting Notes – The All-Party Parliamentary Group on a Fit and Healthy Childhood (fhcappg.org.uk)

I have had the opportunity to present at numerous conferences and meetings, and I am happy to respond to invitations where I can make a contribution to knowledge.  

External collaborations

I was vice-chair of  the Early Childhood Studies Degree Network (ECSDN), a national organisation and led on Research and Knowledge Strategy from 2017-2025, since stepping down from this post, I continue to fully support the work of the ECSDN.

In January 2026, I was honoured to receive a lifetime achievement award from the ECSDN.

In 2021, led the working group on physical development for the highly successful Birth to Five Matters Guidance. Guidance produced 'by the sector for the sector' to support practitioners in practice.  In 2026, I led a similar froup in the review of the content.

I was invited by Busy Bees to evaluate their 'Bee Curious' curriculum.

International links

I was invited to deliver a keynote presentation in 2018 at the International Conference on Education Quality (ICEQ) hosted by the Ibn Zohr University in Agadir, Morocco.I continued my connection with ICEQ as part of their organissing committee until 2024.