NDNA Chief Executive ‘Highly Commended’ at First Ever UK Director of the Year Awards

Oct. 8, 2010 - PRLog -- NDNA Chief Executive ‘Highly Commended’ at First Ever UK Director of the Year Awards

National Day Nurseries Association, Head Office, 6 October 2010 – National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) today announced that its Chief Executive Purnima Tanuku was ‘highly commended’ by judges at the prestigious Institute of Directors (IoD) Director the Year Awards.

Purnima was one of six finalists in the running for the title of Public/Third Sector Director of the Year Award, and was given the accolade of being ‘Highly Commended’ at a special awards ceremony on 1 October. This follows her success after winning the Voluntary and Charitable Sector Award in the IoD Director of the Year Awards for the Yorkshire and Humber region. The awards were presented by Michael Portillo and Sir Alan Sugar also made an appearance to name the winner of the Young Director of the Year Award.

Judges gave the special mention in recognition of how Purnima has worked to highlight and promote the critical importance of childcare to families and the economy, including through the development of NDNA’s National Early Years Enterprise Centre and in lobbying political parties in all three nations.

Sarah Carr, Chair of the NDNA Board says: “Childcare and early learning is crucial to the lives of thousands of children and families, and it is vital we all look at how we can celebrate the role of childcare and the vital importance of investing and supporting the sector. In the run up to the Comprehensive Spending Review it is critical that NDNA and its members maintain the highest possible profile and this ‘highly commended’ accolade is one way NDNA is doing this. Purnima was up against some very tough competition and we are thrilled that the hard work of Purnima and the NDNA team has been recognised in this way. Awards such as these help to put our sector on the map, and highlight how nurseries are critical to this success of the economy and in supporting families. On behalf of the board of trustees, I would like to send our warmest congratulations to Purnima.”

Purnima Tanuku, Chief Executive of NDNA comments: “It is crucial that this sector shouts about its worth and how nurseries are delivering improved outcomes for children and families. It was fantastic to be ‘highly commended’ by judges, and to receive this recognition in front of prominent business figures and leaders. This would not have been possible without the support of NDNA’s members, trustees and our hardworking staff and I would like to thank them all for their continued dedication and support.”

- Ends -



Notes to editors:  



For more information, to arrange interviews or photographs please contact Hayley Wilson, Senior Press and Policy Officer on T: 01484 40 70 66 E: hayley.wilson@ndna.org.uk M: 07718 803 652



Purnima is available for interviews or profile pieces, please contact Hayley for further information.



National Day Nurseries Association is a national charity representing children’s nurseries across the UK, giving them information, training and support, so they can provide the best possible care to young children. NDNA is the voice of the sector, an integral part of the lives of nearly one million children and their families.

# # #

National Day Nurseries Association is a national charity representing children’s nurseries across the UK, giving them information, training and support, so they can provide the best possible care to young children.