Ute Ward has been involved in the Early Years sector for the past 19 years as a parent, volunteer, play group assistant and play group leader. Recognising the vital role parents play in a child’s life she moved to working more directly with adults first as a development officer and tutor for the Pre-school Learning Alliance and then for 4 years as Community Involvement Co-ordinator in a Sure Start Local Programme. In November 2007 Ute became manager of a phase 2 Children’s Centre and is now also developing a phase 3 Children’s Centre.