As an Operations Director for a small group of PVI early years settings, I bring a wealth of experience and expertise in the field of early childhood education. Currently pursuing my PhD, my research focuses on studying leadership in early years through a shadowing methodology, aimed at challenging existing perceptions and driving innovation in the field. I aim to, and am deeply passionate about creating an empowering environment for practitioners to advocate for themselves and actively participate in policy-making processes, to help professionalise the sector.