I came in to the childcare sector later in life having had a career as an architectural photographer for about 20 years. When my children started attending after school care I joined the parent committee and was tasked with updating all the policies and procedures and that was when I discovered SOSCN. It was a lifeline in helping me manoeuvre my way through the endless policies and legislation. A few years later I changed career and worked my way up to become Manager of the service in 2002. A few years after that, having attended all the SOSCN training and events I could find I was asked to join the SOSCN Board and was very happy to do so in an attempt to give back to the organisation all that I had gleaned over the years. I am still learning!

I have worked in play and childcare services for over 20 years, most recently focusing on outdoor play and children's connection to nature. I joined the board of SOSCN because we are entering a period of change and opportunity in School Age Childcare in Scotland I am excited to play a role in that. I want to support the organisation and its members to respond to the change and enable children and young people across Scotland to be able to access a service which meets their hopes and dreams.

I am a lecturer in Childhood Practice at the University of Glasgow. Prior to joining the University, I worked as a Policy Manager for the Scottish Government, spending time in the Early Learning and Childcare, and Mental Health Directorates developing and delivering government policy commitments. I have considerable experience delivering professional learning services to early years, education, and out-of-school care practitioners with a specific focus on high-quality practice, family support and leadership. Earlier in my career, working across a variety of early years and school age childcare services, I supported the development and management of projects to deliver improved outcomes for children and families. Current research interests include high quality school age childcare, mentoring, screen education, and early-career leadership development. I am delighted to be able to take an active role on the board of SOSCN. The role of school age childcare as part of our national infrastructure has long been underestimated and I am keen to support SOSCN’s work in ensuring the voices of children, parents and practitioners are promoted, the professionalism of leaders and practitioners recognised, and that SOSCN as the key representative body is front and centre leading the development of the sector.

I started with North Ayrshire Council in 2006 as a relief playworker whilst I was a student studying social sciences. I progressed through to children's services officer looking after breakfast clubs and out of school cares, completing my SVQ Level 4 in Playwork. I then moved over to the private sector continuing to work in school age childcare. During this time I continued to work with North Ayrshire within youth services, running youth groups and supporting opportunities for young people aged between 12 and 19 years.

I have continued to work in NAC in various different roles supporting communities and families, whilst at all times being a playworker at heart. I am currently in the role of Childcare Development Officer (School aged and rural) where I support school aged childcare providers though our local network and work to support the sustainability of the sector. I am also currently a chairing panel member with Children's Hearing Scotland, a voluntary role I have been in for the past 10 years. This can be a challenging role however also rewarding knowing that I help make decisions in the best interests of the children that I meet.