The most influential people in childcare and early year’s education gathered at a glittering Awards Night on the 29th May held on the 31st floor of the Barclays HQ in Canary Wharf.
Organised by NMT Magazine with support from Barclays and six commercial partners, the purpose of the awards evening was to discover, recognise and reward the people who are most influential within the whole childcare sector. As well as recognising the 20 most influential people, awards were given to five childcare professionals who have proved the most inspirational to colleagues, children and parents.
Rosemary Murphy OBE, owner and Managing Director of Portland Nurseries Ltd was awarded on the evening. Rosemary was not only recognised for her outstanding dedication to her four nurseries Harlequin, Holly Bank, Oakwood House and Portland House, but for the tireless work she put in to build a proper sector representation for the early years during her time as Chief Executive with national charity the ‘National Day Nurseries Association’.
Judge’s on the evening commented that “Rosemary was a major influence in the sector over many years and built up the excellent reputation and membership of the National Day Nursery Association. She fought hard for equality, access and for the sector to have a significant voice. Rosemary’s passion and commitment helped shape the future of the NDNA and ensured the children’s voices are heard.”
A colleague of Rosemary's commented that she is “Beyond question the person who has done more than any other to influence the outcomes for our sector over the course of so many years. At the time of the focus on the children’s centres, she raised and invested over £8million in a project to build 6 state of the art nursery facilities in the most deprived parts of the country. She is a visionary, a brilliant voice in the public arena and a leader who commanded huge respect in the ever changing face of politics and aspirations for our sector. Rosemary pursued this cause on our behalf at a time when the association had neither the resources, nor the staff, to ensure she was properly rewarded for her efforts. The results speak for themselves.”
Neil Leitch, Chief Executive of the Pre-School Learning Alliance, was voted the most influential person in childcare in 2014. And they voted Purnima Tanuku, Chief Executive, National Day Nurseries Association and June O’Sullivan, Chief Executive Officer, London Early Years Foundation as Runners-Up.
Dr Richard Hawkins, Editor-in-Chief, NMT said the event was a huge success. ’ We are very proud of the childcare sector and the many outstanding people who work within it offering superb care to such important members of our communities.’
2014 NMT CHILDCARE POWER 20 – 5 MOST INSPIRATIONAL PEOPLE
