Sarah Steel former NDNA Chair of Trustees honoured with OBE
Sarah Steel, who ran Old Station Nurseries and was NDNA’s Chair of Trustees until earlier this year, has been given an OBE for services to early education in the King’s Birthday Honours List.
Sarah has been a long-time NDNA member and trustee alongside her career which started in a single site family-run nursery. She founded the Old Station Nursery group in 2002 which now has 78 settings across the UK.
Purnima Tanuku CBE, Executive Chair of National Day Nurseries Association said: “We are delighted to see Sarah honoured in this way for all her hard work and dedication in promoting and supporting children’s early education. As a longstanding member of NDNA’s policy advisory board and Chair of Trustees for four years, she has been a driving force in our work to ensure all children thrive through access to high quality early education and care.
“During her time as Chair of Trustees, Sarah steered NDNA through some very challenging years for the sector, including the Covid pandemic, the cost of living crisis and many changes in government policies as funded childcare has expanded across the UK.
“Sarah has been a tireless campaigner and advocate for the sector as well as being committed to excellence in her own nurseries. We are proud to continue to work alongside her and this honour is thoroughly well deserved.”
Sarah Steel stepped down as Chair of Trustees early in 2025 when, Jane Haywood MBE, was voted into the Chair role. Sarah still sits on NDNA’s policy advisory board.
The Old Station Nursery announced the OBE on its website, with this quote from Sarah:
“I am incredibly proud and deeply humbled to be awarded an OBE in the King’s Birthday Honours. I’m especially grateful to the NDNA for nominating me—this recognition truly reflects the dedication of so many amazing people I’ve had the privilege to work alongside over the years. I feel immensely lucky to be part of such a passionate and impactful sector, and to be able to help shape the lives of children and families across the country.
“I’ll be away visiting family when the honours are announced, but I’ll be celebrating proudly! Thank you to everyone who has supported me on this journey—it really means the world.”
An NDNA member since 2013, Christina Franks of Acorns Nursery and Forest School in West Sussex has been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours List. Christina has been honoured with an MBE for services to early years education and childcare.
Also recognised are NDNA members Sarah Anne Catherine Burt, manager of Young Sussex Nursery in West Sussex and Angela Helen Mountain, founder and director of Sunshine Community Nursery, Little Rascals Private Day Nurseries, and Giggles Day Nurseries in Leeds. Sarah has been awarded a BEM for services to early years education and Angela has been honoured with an MBE for services to early years education.
Commenting on these awards Purnima said: “We are delighted to see our long standing NDNA members honoured for all their good work within the sector, supporting and promoting children’s early education and childcare. These honours rightly recognise all the work Christina, Sarah and Angela have done for children in their nurseries and wider communities and they are thoroughly well deserved.”
Speaking about receiving the award, Sarah Burt said:“I’m deeply honoured – and to be honest, a little overwhelmed – to receive this award. I’ve always seen early years as the foundation of everything that follows, and it means a lot to know that’s been recognised. Our nursery is a big part of the community. I’ve now got parents who used to attend as children bringing their own children to us, which is such a joy. I think what makes Young Sussex special is the heart we all put into it. It’s not just a job – it’s a part of my life.”
On receiving her award, Angela said: “I am honoured to receive an MBE for my work in early years. This recognition is not just for me, but for the incredible team I’ve had the privilege to work with, the supportive parents, and—most importantly—the wonderful children who have made this journey so rewarding.”
When asked to comment on her award Christina said: “I feel extremely grateful to have been recognised for doing a job that I adore. During the 25 plus years I have worked in Early years I never dreamt of being awarded with an MBE – It was a huge surprise!
“The joy I receive from my job and from playing a role in children’s care and early learning journey is unmeasurable. I have had the privilege of working with so many amazing children and their families.
“Sadly, I feel like Early years practitioners and teachers do not always get the recognition they deserve – so this feels very special indeed.”
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