After studying law at Bristol University, Sally became involved in early years services following the birth of her 3 children. Through her work as a childminder and preschool leader, she was able top identify gaps in provision and to tailor the local services to suit the needs of rural families, including wraparound care and parent-toddler groups. During this time Sally gained early years qualifications before working as an early years trainer and then for the Pre-School Learning Alliance. In 1997, Sally joined Hertfordshire County Council and now, as Head of Childcare and Early Years, uses her frontline experience to ensure the local authority continues to meet its duties under the Childcare Act 2006.

From her first childminding role through to the third sector and then into local government, Sally has seen firsthand the importance of universal and preventative early years services to children and families across Hertfordshire. She continues to look at the role early years plays in early intervention and improving outcomes for all children and how through strong partnerships and community networks, early years practitioners can build capacity, trust and cross-service respect.