The Northampton connection. Infant mental health strides the East Midlands to El Salvador

The University of Northampton’s (UON) teaching of a sometimes overlooked but vital area of human development has attracted a student from the other side of the world.

The first 1,001 days of our development are seen increasingly as the most important of our lives, but infant mental health is sometimes an overlooked area.

To address the need for professionals to have more confidence, knowledge and skills in this area, the University runs a dedicated course, the Postgraduate Certificate in Advanced Practice in Infant Mental Health and Wellbeing.

Peggy is based in El Salvador and has been attending lectures about one of our newest Childhood, Youth and Families courses here in the UK as a distance student.

Peggy Chalie overseas.

Peggy picks up her story: ”I have been a teacher for nearly 20 years and have taught in the UK, Mexico, Argentina, Spain, and now El Salvador. You could say I’m a teacher with a professional ‘wander lust’!

“An international teaching friend recommended the school here in El Salvador and I fancied a change of scene. The opportunity to fine-tune my Spanish and teach bilingual children was too good to miss. I’ve been here for two years and it has been a great experience. The community, pupusas and beaches are top notch, too!

“The topic of infant mental health was of personal interest to me and the psychology aspect of child development  of the course has helped me gain a deeper understanding of attachment theory and the workings of the brain. As a primary school teacher with a specific interest in childhood behaviour, this was fascinating for me and truly insightful.

“The course gives practitioners, from a wide range of professional areas, a depth of knowledge to better support the child and family, whilst also raising the importance of an interdisciplinary team with the appropriate access intervention and/or support plans. The emphasis here being on the first 1,001 days and family hubs.

“I’m halfway through the course now, and it’s been a fantastic experience; meeting and collaborating with new colleagues and the accessibility of the online delivery have all been superb. The tutors have been so helpful in giving guidance. Having not studied for several years, this was particularly key. I’ll probably have to sign up to study something else, as I will miss it when it’s completed!”