Laura Henry-Allain, well-known trainer, author and creator of the children’s picturebook series Jo-Jo and GranGran, which has been turned into a CBeebies TV series, has been awarded an MBE for services to Education in the New Year Honours List.
Ms Henry-Allain has spent more than 30 years working in early years, providing professional advice across the sector nationally and internationally.
She is vice president of Early Education, a national charity that supports early years educators with training, resources and professional networks and campaigns for quality education for the youngest children.
She is also an ambassador for the Jermain Defoe Foundation, which supports homeless, vulnerable and abused children in St Lucia, Dominica and the UK.
She said, ‘I am absolutely delighted to be honoured with an MBE. I was shocked and emotional when I heard the news. I left school at 16 and worked as a clerk typist before starting a college course in early years education when I was 19. I knew then that I had found my passion.
'Since then I have dedicated my whole career to working with children, parents and those who work with them. I have gone on to complete more qualifications in education and management and being awarded this MBE, for Services to Education, is simply remarkable. I dedicate my MBE to my cousin, Junior, who recently lost his battle with cancer.’
Childminding
Childminder Jane Comeau has been awarded an MBE
Former Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years (PACEY) chair, Jane Comeau, has also been awarded an MBE for her services to education.
As a long serving PACEY volunteer and childminder for over 25 years she has always championed the early years and childcare sector. She became PACEY chair in 2014 and supported other trustees and helped them understand the challenges and joys of being a childminder.
Ms Comeau, who reached the end of her term in October 2020, commented, ‘I am absolutely delighted to receive this award and would like to thank PACEY for nominating me. I have been passionate about supporting childminding and the early years sector as a whole throughout my career in a wide and varied way. I have had many highlights over the years, but to have my voluntary work recognised in this way is indeed a great honour.’
Liz Bayram, PACEY chief executive said, ‘PACEY is lucky to have so many generous volunteers who champion the role of childcare every day.
'Recognising the dedication of our volunteers is really important and we always like to find ways to say thank you. After nominating Jane for an Honour, we are thrilled to see her be awarded with an MBE for her services to education. Jane has dedicated her life for over 25 years to the early years, part of which was spent on the PACEY board as well as PACEY Chair until this year.
'Throughout her ongoing career she has offered support, knowledge and advice to us and the sector whenever it has been needed. We wholeheartedly congratulate her on this well-deserved honours.’
Other New Year Honours' recipients include:
MBE
Sasi Srinivasan, an early years manager for Brent Council in north London, has been made MBE for services to education.
Jacqueline Mary Bell, owner and manager at Jaybees Nursery, Lochmaben in Scotland, for services to education and to charity
Nicola Black, head of Parkhead Community Nursery, for services to Pre-School Education and to the community in Glasgow
Maria Keaveney-Jessiman, principal of Eveline Nursery Chain and Eveline Day School, London, for services to education.
Jean Shirley Smart, director of Collin Care Group and head of Mayfield Nursery, Glasgow, for services to Pre-School Education and to Charity
Jo-Ann Elizabeth Prichard Pringle, programme adviser, Childcare Works Leeds, for services to Children and Families
Andrew David Briggs, volunteer, NSPCC. For services to Children (London, Greater London)
Medallists of the Order of the British Empire
Brigid Doyle, head of childcare, Queen's University Belfast, for services to Higher Education
Knighthoods
Peter Thomas Wanless CB chief executive officer, NSPCC, for services to Children, Young People and the Charitable Sector
Commanders of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
Anthony Edward Tudor Browne, children's author and illustrator, for services to Literature
Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Paul Boyce, director of children's services, Wirral Metropolitan Borough Council, for services to Children in Merseyside
Christine Ann Hill, headteacher, Westminster School, Rowley Regis, for services to Children and Young People with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
Jayne Mary Vertkin, head of Early Help, Westminster City Council, for services to Children in London