Leitch has been made an ‘Officer of the Order of the British Empire’ (OBE) for his almost two decades of service to the early years through his involvement in the Early Years Alliance.
Following a successful career in finance, during which he became a leading voice on financial regulation, he was asked to volunteer his expertise to what was then the Pre-School Learning Alliance. He went on to become its director of communications and later, its CEO.
A tireless campaigner and champion of the early years sector, Leitch has fought for fairer early years funding, raising awareness around mental health and wellbeing of the early years workforce through the Alliance’s Minds Matter report.
He also spearheaded the successful Rewind on Ratios campaign, which saw the reversal of the coalition government plans to relax adult-to-child ratios in early years settings.
He has also given evidence to multiple government enquiries and advised on early education policy around the world, most notably in Asia.
Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, he has repeatedly called on the government to provide fair funding and the same commitment to safety and wellbeing in early years settings that has been given to schools.
He continues to fight for adequate support to see early years settings through a difficult winter, and for the government to commit much-needed resources to the early years as part of the education recovery strategy.
Leitch was recognised with a Lifetime Achievement Award by Nursery World in 2021.
He said, ‘I am honoured and humbled to have been included on this year's New Year Honours list.
‘Having been lucky enough to spend nearly two decades championing the early years, I can say without hesitation that I have never been prouder to be part of this exceptional sector.
‘I know first-hand that the dedication, professionalism and commitment of those working in the early years is second to none – and so I am just grateful to have the opportunity to continue doing all I can to ensure that our fantastic workforce gets the recognition that they deserve for the incredible work they do every day.’
Other awards for services to education include Russell Hobby who was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE).
Currently CEO of Teach First, he was previously general secretary of the teaching union the National Association of Head Teachers for several years.
Primary and nursery school head teachers and governors were also recognised for their services to education.
Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBEs) were awarded to Dr Vivienne Catherine Lennox, chair of governors, Suffield Park Infant and Nursery School, Norfolk, and Amanda Smith (Austin), executive head teacher, Fernwood Primary and Nursery School, Nottingham.
