Her research interests are in patterns of language development and the ways in which oral language skills impact on children's learning, interaction, and attainments. A central theme in her research has been the application of evidence-based research to support children’s learning through interventions, enhanced language learning environments and professional development. She has published in a wide range of journals and written books and book chapters on language development and language difficulties. She was the previous editor of the British Journal of Educational Psychology, associate editor for JSLHR and Learning and Instruction. She was a co-director of the Better Communication Research Programme, UK. She is currently PI on a Nuffield funded research programme examining universal language support for nursery aged children in areas of social disadvantage and Co-I for the Education and Cognition stream for UKRI- GCRF Action against stunting hub. She has served on two RAE panels and government committees. Previously she was deputy chair of the BPS research board, treasurer and chair of the BPS developmental psychology section. In 2023 she was awarded the 'Outstanding Contribution to Developmental Psychology' by the BPS Developmental Psychology section.