Farewell Purnima
After more than two decades leading NDNA, we waved goodbye to Purnima Tanuku CBE at the end of March 2026. In that time she has guided NDNA through many challenges, including funded childcare policies, debates about ratios and the Covid pandemic.
In 2005 when she first arrived, NDNA had around 2,000 members but we now support more than 7,000 across the UK and a few hundred overseas.
Purnima told Nursery News: “I can scarcely believe that my time at NDNA has come to an end after so many years. I have dedicated a significant part of my working life to supporting the people who care for and educate our children, something I am very proud to be a part of. I know NDNA will continue to thrive under Tim’s leadership so the team can continue to support you and be your voice.
“I look forward to seeing some of you at our conference in Liverpool in June, please say goodbye to me if you are attending.”
Tim McLachlan took over as CEO in January 2025 while Purnima took on the ambassadorial role of executive chair.
He said: “It’s been vital for the sector that while the leadership of NDNA has transitioned that we have continued to be the secure, constant support for our members in these times of great change. I see NDNA as a lighthouse, as a steadfast light guiding you through the waves and weather of change and challenge. A change in lighthouse keeper does not diminish the strength or reliability of the NDNA light.
“Our strategy for the next three years is to build on the remarkable legacy Purnima leaves. We want to reach more nurseries across the UK and beyond; to engage more members in our developing membership offer, products, services and training; and to protect them from challenges arising from national and local government policy and threats to their sustainability.
“We will put all our efforts into ensuring we continue to shine a bright light of support doing all we can for you, our members and the wider sector, with what you need to continue your amazing work.”
Here are some of the many comments we received about Purnima’s news:
“After many years as a childcare provider I am sad to say farewell to the leader of our sector that has spent two decades of unwavering dedication, vision, and advocacy, and who has shaped the childcare sector over the last few years in profound and lasting ways.
“Purnima’s commitment to championing high‑quality early years’ provision in Wales – supporting the workforce, and ensuring that children and families are placed at the heart of every decision across our region has left a lasting legacy.
“Her leadership has inspired countless professionals, strengthened our sector’s voice, not least at the heart of the Welsh Government, and has helped create a more forward‑thinking future for childcare in Wales.
“The impact of her work will continue to be felt for many years to come of that I am sure
“I, and our Network members thank you for your tireless service, your integrity, and your belief in what this sector can achieve. We wish you every happiness and fulfilment in the next chapter of your journey.”
Jacqueline Ryan, Wrexham Network Chair
“I had the immense honour of working with Purnima during my time as a trustee with NDNA. From the moment she joined the association, she was a breath of fresh air. Her leadership took NDNA from strength to strength, and it was genuinely exciting to be part of that journey.
“Purnima brings an incredible energy, zest, and depth of knowledge about childcare and the sector. Her passion and vision have played a huge role in shaping NDNA into the respected national and international organisation it is today. She has an exceptional ability to inspire those around her, while always keeping children and the profession at the heart of everything she does.
“One of my favourite memories is simply the privilege of being part of the team she led. The experiences she created, and the opportunities she gave to so many of us, will stay with me for life.
“As Purnima retires, it is clear she will be a very hard act to follow. She will be missed enormously, both professionally and personally. NDNA and everyone who has worked alongside her, is richer for her leadership, and her legacy will be felt for many years to come.”
Tina Jones MBE, former National Trustee for Wales
“Dear Purnima, congratulations on your retirement from NDNA.
“It has been a real privilege working with you over the years. Your advice, insight and steady guidance have meant a great deal, not only to the day nursery community but personally to me as well. Your long service and commitment have made a lasting difference, and that impact will continue to be felt for years to come I’m sure.
“I will always value the many conversations we shared, especially those coffee chats at the Wales Member Conferences. They are such fond memories and a reminder of how generous you have always been with your time and wisdom.
“Wishing you every happiness in this new chapter. I am sure you will thrive in your new trustee role and, knowing you, keep wonderfully busy.
“With very best wishes for the future.”
Nikola Masters, National Trustee for Wales
“When you need to steer a ship, then it is vital to have the right person to do it. NDNA certainly got that right when they chose Purnima.
“Not only did she show she had the credentials, but then over the last twenty years her commitment, passion and love for children shone through in everything she has done for the sector. The NDNA “ship” has experienced both calm and rough waters, but with Purnima at the helm, members sailed on knowing that she, with a dedicated staff team, experienced Board and hard working networks would win through.
“Working along side her during my time on the Board enabled me to see how true leadership should be. Listening to others, discussing with empathy, acting with clarity and certainty. All with patience and a huge sense of humour.
“Thank you, Purnima, between us we ensured Scotland Membership conferences were enjoyed albeit not always knowing if you would have to disappear to give some kind of interview. You have been an amazing role model, a voice for the sector and, for Malcolm and I, a warm friend.
“Enjoy what the future holds for you.”
Ann McEwan, Former National Trustee for Scotland Ann McEwan
“I met Purnima over 20 years ago when the Scottish Independent Nurseries Association approached NDNA to join forces and work together. From that point onwards Purnima has worked tirelessly to support the Scottish members and ensure their voices are heard.
“On a personal level I have learned so much from Purnima about lobbying, leadership and networking and grown in confidence as an owner, manager and network chair. The one thing about Purnima is that, despite many challenges, she always remains professional.
“We have also enjoyed many get togethers and she is a fantastic person to be around who is fun and a good friend. I wish her well in her new venture, she will be greatly missed.”
Susan Hill, National Trustee for Scotland
“I’ve had the privilege of working with Purnima for 20 plus years. She brought many specific strengths and challenges to the sector.
“She has unrivalled knowledge of political process and how to best influence it. She brought expertise in the charity sector to NDNA and built the robust discipline necessary for its long-term development. Her networking skills are unmatched in early years.
“Her knowledge of grant funding and her conviction and persuasion secured the HQ for the organisation. She built an senior leadership team with huge talent and commitment. She is a brilliant mentor of staff teams.
“Her demeanour and professional approach gained NDNA a place at the top table. We were taken seriously by politicians, civil servants and regulators alike. She completely understood the PVI sector and defended businesses and their right to make decisions.
“Her dedication and incredible energy and enthusiasm have benefited the whole of early years. Her warmth, sense of humour and huge personality are enjoyed by all she works with. Her loyalty, dedication and total commitment to NDNA over the last 20 years has been the making of it. Personally, her friendship is a real lifelong treasure. Thank you Purnima.”
Sarah Carr, former Chair of Trustees Nicole Politis
“My most treasured memory of Purnima is how kind and thoughtful she was to her local authority chairs. She was always saying thank you, checking in on us and ensuring we got the thanks we deserved.
“More than that when my husband was diagnosed with cancer, Purnima personally called me and chatted with me about my husband and offered her support in anyway I needed. I will never forget that call, it meant such a lot to me.”
Nicole Politis, Portico Nurseries
“I first started working with Purnima over 15 years ago, when I joined the Policy Advisory Board, but she has been a constant figure at many sector events since then. Purnima is so well-informed about the sector and during Covid she was vital in updating us all several times a week, in what was a very fast changing situation.
“It has always been a real pleasure to see her diminutive but influential figure in a crowd and we will all miss her very much.”
Sarah Steel, former Chair of Trustees
“Dear Purnima,
“I wanted to take this moment to send my thanks and warmest wishes as you conclude your remarkable tenure at the National Day Nurseries Association.
“It has been lovely meeting with you during my time as Early Years Minister. What has stood out for me is your tireless advocacy for children’s development and rights, and your commitment to NDNA’s members and ensuring the earliest years are recognised as the foundation they truly are. Your leadership has helped raise national awareness of just how crucial those first years can be, and hundreds of thousands of children have benefitted from the improved quality of care and learning that your work made possible.
“The Department has welcomed the continued partnership with NDNA on the Maths Champions programme in particular. Thank you for your leadership and championing of this work, which is supporting nurseries and early years professionals to deliver the best possible outcomes for children.
“As you move forward into new roles within early years and education, I hope you feel proud of the legacy you leave behind. With warmest thanks and very best wishes.”
Olivia Bailey MP, Minister for Early Education and Minister for Equalities
“Dear Purnima Tanuku CBE,
“We wanted to write to you as you step into the next chapter of your remarkable career, to offer our sincere thanks and appreciation for your outstanding contribution to early years and nursery education over more than two decades.
“Over the past 20 years, your leadership and commitment have had a profound and lasting impact on the early education and care sector. Through your work at the National Day Nurseries Association, you have been a powerful and consistent advocate for children, families, and the professionals who work tirelessly to give children the very best start in life. Your focus on quality, children’s development and learning, and the importance of the early years has helped to shape the national conversation and strengthen practice across the sector.
“We also want to thank you for the way you have engaged with and supported Ofsted over many years. Your interaction with us has always been thoughtful, constructive and rooted in a shared commitment to improving outcomes for children. The support, insight and challenge you have provided have been greatly valued and have helped us better understand the realities facing providers and practitioners on the ground, all of which culminated in our recent inspection toolkit.
“Your legacy is evident not only in the organisations and programmes you have helped to build, but in the confidence, professionalism and ambition of the sector itself. Congratulations again on your much deserved CBE from the New Year’s Honour list. You have consistently championed children’s rights and the critical importance of high‑quality early education, and that influence will, we are sure, endure at NDNA with the appointment of Tim: we wish Tim well too and look forward to working with him going forward.
“As you move on to new and exciting opportunities, we hope you feel immense pride in all that you have achieved. On behalf of Ofsted, and personally, we would all like to thank you for your dedication, your leadership, and the generous support you have given us over the years.
“We wish you every success and fulfilment in the future, and we hope you remain closely connected to the work of improving education and care for children and young people.”
Sir Martyn Oliver, His Majesty’s Chief Inspector, Ofsted
Yvette Stanley, National Director, Regulation and Social care, Ofsted
Lee Owston, National Director, Education, Ofsted
Jayne Coward, Deputy Director, Early Years Regulatory Policy and Practice, Ofsted
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