MBEs for two NDNA members
Long-standing NDNA trustee Hazel Moody and founder and director of Bee in the Woods in Brighton, Lucy Owen-Collins, have been given an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in the King’s Birthday Honours List.
Hazel of Advantage Day Nursery in Surbiton joined NDNA in 2004 and has been a trustee since 2007.
NDNA’s Chief Executive Tim McLachlan, said: “We are delighted that Hazel’s enormous dedication and hard work over the many years has been recognised and rewarded. Hazel has been a stalwart of NDNA for 22 years and a trustee since 2007 and has put her heart and soul into supporting children’s early education.
“Who could forget when she hosted the visit at her nursery of Boris Johnson and David Cameron in 2015 and they painted their hands blue? She has always gone the extra mile.
“We would also like to congratulate Lucy Owen-Collins from Bee in the Woods in Brighton who has also been given an OBE for services to early years education. It’s great to see our members honoured in this way for their tireless work.”
Pictured above at our awards in June 2026 in Liverpool, Hazel said: “I am delighted to have been included for an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours list.
“Since starting my career in childcare at the age of 16 I have strived to make a difference for all children, ensuring an inclusive environment, meeting the needs of each child whilst supporting their parents on their first educational journey and preparing them for school. For me it has not been a job, but a lifelong passion that the child is at the centre of everything we do.
“Being awarded this honour has recognised the hard work of Advantage Day Nursery and it has been an absolute privilege to lead the team, being recognised in the early years sector for the vision we created within the community.”
Bee in the Woods is a social enterprise nursery in the woods which showcases the importance of nature for young children.
Lucy, Director and Head of Adventures said: “For me, this award is recognition that what we are doing at Bee in the Woods is valued and important. We started with a simple vision: to create the kind of childhood experience that we would want for our own children—one filled with play, nature, community and meaningful relationships. To see that vision recognised nationally is incredibly special.
“I also hope it shines a light on the wider early years sector and the many passionate educators and small nursery owners who work tirelessly to create places where children and families can thrive. At its heart, this award is a reminder that investing in young children matters, and that the work happening in early years settings every day has a lasting impact on lives and communities.”
Professor Eunice Lumsden who has advised the Department for Education on early years qualifications and workforce standards and has worked with NDNA received an OBE. She led the development of Early Childhood Graduate Competencies for the Early Childhood Studies Degree Network, which allow graduates to count in adult-to-child ratios at Level 3.
- UK
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