Jun 16, 2025
We are delighted to announce that Sarah Steel, Founder of The Old Station Nursery, has been awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the King’s Birthday Honours 2025, in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the Early Years sector.
Sarah’s award recognises her lifelong dedication to improving the lives of young children and their families through high-quality early education. She has served as Chair of Trustees at the National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) and was the driving force behind the growth and ethos of The Old Station Nursery, which she founded in 2002. Under her leadership, the group expanded across the UK while maintaining a deep commitment to nurturing environments, strong community connections, and personalised care for every child.
On being awarded an OBE, Sarah Steel said:
I am incredibly proud and deeply humbled to be awarded an OBE in the King’s Birthday Honours. I’m especially grateful to the NDNA for nominating me—this recognition truly reflects the dedication of so many amazing people I’ve had the privilege to work alongside over the years. I feel immensely lucky to be part of such a passionate and impactful sector, and to be able to help shape the lives of children and families across the country. I’ll be away visiting family when the honours are announced, but I’ll be celebrating proudly! Thank you to everyone who has supported me on this journey—it really means the world.
I am incredibly proud and deeply humbled to be awarded an OBE in the King’s Birthday Honours. I’m especially grateful to the NDNA for nominating me—this recognition truly reflects the dedication of so many amazing people I’ve had the privilege to work alongside over the years. I feel immensely lucky to be part of such a passionate and impactful sector, and to be able to help shape the lives of children and families across the country.
I’ll be away visiting family when the honours are announced, but I’ll be celebrating proudly! Thank you to everyone who has supported me on this journey—it really means the world.
This honour is a celebration not only of Sarah’s leadership and vision, but also of the values she champions: community, contribution, and connection. Her influence continues to shape the Early Years sector, and we are incredibly proud to see her work recognised at the highest level.