Norfolk's Barbara Wilson MBE in King Charles III's honours list

Barbara Wilson, 62, from North Walsham, has been saluted for her more than 20 years of service to education and early years provision nationwide.

“I’m very proud and grateful to have received the recognition - it’s very humbling,” Miss Wilson said.

Barbara Wison of Trunch, who has been made an MBE. (Image: Denise Bradley)

“There are a lot of people more deserving than I am, so I’m delighted.

“I’ve worked in the early years and childcare sector for over 20 years, so I’m really pleased.

“I’m 62 now, so to receive recognition after all these years is wonderful.”

Miss Wilson is programme advisor at Childcare Works, which aims for the delivery of high-quality, accessible, flexible and affordable childcare for two, three, and four-year-old children.

Barbara Wison of Trunch, who has been made an MBE. (Image: Denise Bradley)

She is a national expert in childcare sufficiency assessment and overseas research, reporting on a variety of early years projects.

She has designed, led and implemented an extensive range of research projects and activities, and has led on childcare sufficiency for several regional government offices.

Miss Wilson steered the implementation of 30 hours of free childcare entitlement for three to four-year-olds of working families – a contract awarded to Childcare Works by the government's Department for Education - as well as the 15 hours of early learning for the least advantaged two-year-olds.

Barbara Wison of Trunch, who has been made an MBE. (Image: Denise Bradley)

She has led the difficult process of managing change across multiple areas to improve access to quality childcare for the least advantaged families across the country.

She has worked with local authorities to enable them to provide new and challenging programmes which hundreds of thousands of families benefit from each week.

Working closely with the Department for Education, Miss Wilson has helped to shape the future of education and childcare.