#StandUpForEarlyYears: 'my staff deserve recognition'

Elaine Mercer, manager of St Alban's Pre School in Macclesfield, says, 'We remained open for two weeks at the start of lockdown; then closed until 1 June when we opened for vulnerable children and keyworkers, and then for other children. My wonderful staff have had no coffee breaks or lunch breaks and continue to smile.

'I have read a bedtime story every night to our children on social media and my colleagues have posted activities to keep our families going.They have worked hours that they have not been paid for too. It would be lovely for them to be recognised in your #StandUpForEarlyYears campaign.

We made a banner for our local Sainsbury's, and sent the picture above to our families.

• Read more about our #StandUpForEaryYears campaign