Sarah Steel named new NDNA chair

Ms Steel succeeds Sarah Carr, who has been an NDNA board member and chair of trustees since 2001. She will take up the position from 23 November.

Sarah Steel, who has been a member of NDNA’s National Policy Committee since 2011, established the Old Station Nursery group in 2002. In 2019, the group was acquired by French operator La Maison Bleue. It now operates 36 settings.

Speaking about the announcement, Ms Steel said, ‘I am delighted and incredibly proud to be taking on the position of chair of NDNA at such a crucial time for children, families and providers in the early years sector.

‘Sarah Carr has done an amazing job to build a great team at the organisation who have been crucial in standing up for the sector and providing the support and training opportunities that the early years needs.

'Coming from the sector I am acutely aware of the challenges everyone is facing. Whether you’re a small family run nursery or a larger group, we will be in your corner and fighting for the things you need. I’m incredibly excited to be taking on this opportunity.'

Outgoing chair of Trustees, Sarah Carr commented, ‘NDNA and the whole early years sector looked very different when I joined. I’m really proud of the journey we’ve been on that has seen us grow into a strong organisation for all our members - across the UK and around the globe. 

‘I will always be part of NDNA and I feel privileged to have worked with a lot of great people along the way.’

NDNA’s chief executive Purnima Tanuku added, ‘We’re delighted to have Sarah Steel as the new Chair. She is an exceptional business leader in the childcare sector with an understanding of the pressures our members face day in, day out.

‘Sarah Carr has provided excellent direction to NDNA over the years and we are all incredibly grateful to her for her work, commitment and dedication to the needs of our members.’