Tina Bruce, visiting professor of Early Childhood Studies at Roehampton University, and regular contributor to Nursery World, was honoured for her services to early years education. Ms Bruce has been the early years pedagogue for over 100 local authorities, schools and centres across the UK and has written and edited 29 books. She co-founded the Centre for Early Childhood Studies at Roehampton University in 1986.
Ms Bruce said, 'It's very exciting and I didn't expect it at all. It's a very nice surprise. I think what's really important is the combination of the dissemination of good practice and encouraging people to enjoy working with children.'
In other early years honours, the OBE was awarded to Kathleen Mary Gooding, formerly senior early years inspector at Wolverhampton Local Authority, and to Judith Ann Shelley, former head teacher of Rawmarsh Nursery and Children's Centre, Rotherham.
Patricia Ellen Wallson, former head teacher of the Columbia Market Nursery School and vice-chairwoman of Little Oaks Children's Centre in Tower Hamlets, London, was awarded the MBE.
Ms Wallson said, 'I'm honoured and delighted to receive this award, having always enjoyed supporting young children and their families in laying the foundations for learning.'
Duncan Fisher, chief executive of the Fatherhood Institute, was appointed OBE for services to children.
