Lucy Lewin is the founder of the nursery Little Angels (Uppingham) Ltd and the founder and CEO of The Profitable Nursery Academy (PNA). She is also an associate trainer for the National Day Nursery Association (NDNA) and a Local Government Association Peer Review Team Member.

Working in early years can be exhilarating, rewarding, inspiring and can put a smile on your face every day. But working in childcare can also feel isolating and challenging, especially if you work on your own. Asking for help is not admitting you cannot cope, are not able or even strong enough to run your business – in fact asking for help is a powerful step forward and shows high levels of cognition.

Now more than ever having a strong partnership with parents is vital. Knowing them well will allow you to have difficult conversations – something which Covid is still making happen all too often.