Samuel Child was born in 1887 at Leeds, the son of bricklayer Benjamin Child. He was a student at the City of Leeds Training College. In 1909 his school practice was at Belle Vue Council School. As well as his Board of Education Certificate he held a diploma in School Hygiene from the Royal Sanitary Institute. From 1910 to 1913 he was Assistant Master at Garforth Council School. In 1913 at Lovell Road Council School and later that year moving to Woodhouse Street Council School until 1921. During WW1 he did Military Service.
Formed by the amalgamation of the City of Leeds College of Education (formerly the City of Leeds Training College) and Carnegie of Physical Education. In 1976 the College became part of Leeds Polytechnic.
Following recommendations made in the Robbins Report (1963) the City of Leeds Training College was renamed the City of Leeds College of Education.