Sarah Lightfoot began her teaching career in 1989 working as an Early Years teacher in diverse settings in the northwest of England, and subsequently, as a deputy head teacher in Hertfordshire and EY consultant in Bedfordshire. Passionate about the professional development of those who educate our youngest children, Sarah's EdD focus was the creation of a programme of support designed to enable educators to exercise leadership in their professional roles. She currently teaches on the Open University's BA in Early Childhood and the University of Hertfordshire’s MA Education in the Early Years. Sarah's research interests involve action-research and creative approaches to exploring professional identities and student voice.