This section gives you an introduction to available spokespeople at NDNA and how they support our members.
Purnima Tanuku, Chief Executive of National Day Nurseries Association
Purnima, in conjunction with the Board, is responsible for the strategic direction of NDNA. Purnima represents members with Government, MPs and local authorities, as well as sharing the views of nurseries in the 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.
Claire Schofield, Director of Membership, Policy and Communications
Claire leads on the support services for members, and the representation of NDNA with the Government, key organisations and the media. Claire is responsible for ensuring that NDNA feeds in the views of members to Government and stakeholder organisations such as the Department for Education (DfE). Claire supports Purnima in meetings with key MPs and parliamentarians across England, Scotland and Wales and also works with the press office in responding to the media about childcare developments and issues.
Stella Ziolkowski, Director of Quality and Workforce Development
Stella heads up the workforce development and training provision at NDNA and works to ensure that all accredited and non-accredited training meets the needs of members. Stella has been instrumental in the growth of NDNA’s quality assurance programme, relaunched as e-Quality Counts in 2008. Stella represents the views of members on workforce development issues and has a strong history in supporting adults to achieve learning and development goals.
Patricia Hanson, Director of Strategic Partnerships and Development
Patricia is responsible for NDNA’s regional and national team which works to support members with specific issues on a local level. Patricia works to promote partnership for the childcare sector at a national, regional and local level. She has been key in the launch of training and support for both members and local authorities to enable better partnerships. Patricia has an extensive background in grant-giving and capacity building roles.
