Nicola Fleury, winner of Nursery World’s 2021 Outstanding Contribution Award, was awarded an MBE for services to early years education in Salford, Manchester.
During lockdown, Fleury, who launched the first of five Kidzrus nurseries in 2010, recognised that many families in the Salford area were struggling.
She contacted a local supermarket which helped donate food and, with help from her family, personally began distributing food parcels to parents in the community and hampers to residents at local care homes.
Theresa Ellerby (pictured right), who owns The Children’s House Nursery with her twin sister Sylvia Tiffney MBE, has been awarded an MBE for services to children in north east Lincolnshire. The honour recognises the voluntary work she has undertaken within the sector and her pioneering role in bringing Montessori education to the area.
She said, ‘I am overwhelmed and feel very privileged to receive an MBE. Early childhood is such an important phase of life both in its own right and for children’s futures. In particular Montessori education offers a deep respect to young children and I have been grateful to learn about this approach and share it with others in Lincolnshire and beyond.’
Awarded OBE's
Another nursery owner, Georgina Hood, who founded Paint Pots Montessori Schools in 1988 at the age of 21 and is the school’s principal, has been awarded an OBE for services to early years education and to the community in London.
Mohammed Younis of Star Day Nurseries in Peterborough has also been awarded an OBE for services to early years education and to the community in Peterborough.
Other recipients of the King’s Birthday Honours List 2023 for their role in education and childcare include:
- Hempsall’s founder member, Barbara Wilson, programme director, has been recognised in the King’s first birthday honours with a an MBE.
- BookTrust chief executive Diana Gerald has been awarded an MBE in recognition of her services to reading and children’s literature.