Susie Owen is Director of Early Years at the Department for Education. Susie has worked on early years and childcare policy since 2016, including as SRO for the recent childcare expansion. In her current role, she oversees the delivery of the Best Start in Life Strategy, including the Best Start Family Hub expansion to all Local Authorities and the work to improve teaching practice in reception. Alongside this role, Susie is a Trustee with Ivy Learning Trust and as also worked in various roles in the Cabinet Office, most recently as Director in the COVID-19 Taskforce.