She’s been named as the most influential figure in childcare.
Purnima Tanuku, chief executive of the Huddersfield-based National Day Nurseries Association (NDNDA) received the accolade at a glittering awards night at the headquarters of Barclays Bank in Canary Wharf, London.
The awards, organised by Nursery Management Today magazine with support from Barclays and six commercial partners, were held to recognise and reward the 20 people judged to be the most influential in the childcare sector. Awards also went to five childcare professionals, regardless of post, who have proved inspirational to colleagues, children and parents.
As chief executive of the Bradley-based NDNA, Purnima works with its board on strategy and represents NDNA’s 15,000-plus members with Government, MPs and local authorities as well as sharing the views of nurseries in the national media.
Since joining NDNA, she has focused on developing the charity’s infrastructure to support and represent the membership across the UK and was instrumental in the development of NDNA’s National Early Years Enterprise Centre. Purnima has a wealth of experience at senior executive level working with public, private and charitable organisations.
Purnima, who has also trained in Indian dance, was awarded the OBE in 2011 for services to families and holds an Institute of Directors Voluntary and Charitable Sector Award for Yorkshire and Humber region. She was also highly commended at the institute’s first ever UK Director of the Year Awards in 2010.
