After graduating in 1990 with an honours degree in Quantity Surveying, Sue started her career working for John Laing Construction. After achieving chartered surveyor status in 1992, Sue made a radical career change and joined the Fast Stream management development programme of the Civil Service! Based in the Department for Education, Sue had a variety of postings but from 1996 specialised in early years and childcare. This meant providing policy advice to Government Ministers and support to local authorities and national organisations on a wide range of related policies, including the creation of free nursery education for three and four year olds and Sure Start. ”.