Sue Robb made Government's best start in life champion
Sue Robb made Government's best start in life champion
Early childhood pedagogy expert Sue Robb, who was involved with the introduction of the EYFS in 2008, has been appointed as the Government’s Best Start in Life Champion.
Unveiled in July 2025, the Best Start in Life Strategy sets out the Government’s long-term plan to improve outcomes for children from pregnancy through to the end of reception, with a focus on family support, early education and childcare, and raising quality across the system.
As the champion, Robb will provide expert advice and challenge to ministers and officials and help strengthen collaboration between Government and the early years, education, health and voluntary sectors.
Robb has held senior early years roles in the UK, including at Action for Children, the professional development programme at National Strategies and 4Children, and most recently she led pedagogy and practice at Goodstart Early Learning, Australia’s largest early learning provider with more than 650 centres nationwide.
Sue Robb said:
‘’I’m delighted to be taking on this role and to support the Government’s ambition to improve the quality of experiences for our youngest children and their families, particularly those facing the greatest disadvantage.
The Best Start in Life strategy is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to raise the profile of early childhood, recognise the vital work of the workforce, and strengthen support for families and early development, including the crucial reception year. I’m really looking forward to working with colleagues across early years, education and health to help turn this ambition into delivery.’’
Early Education Minister Olivia Bailey MP commented:
‘’I’m really pleased to be welcoming Sue Robb into this role. She brings huge experience, deep sector credibility and a relentless focus on quality, which will be invaluable as we take the Best Start in Life strategy forward.
We are clear-eyed about the scale of what the strategy sets out to do. Sue’s insight, challenge and strong relationships across early years, education and health will be critical as we move from ambition into delivery and work to give every child the best possible start in life.’’
Further reading:
The Government’s Giving every child the best start in life strategy