Tim McLachlan

Tim McLachlan is Chief Executive of the National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA), the national membership organisation representing children’s nurseries and early years providers across the UK. Since taking up the role in 2025, he has become a leading voice for the early years sector, helping to shape and influence national policy on childcare funding, SEND provision, workforce sustainability and the long-term future of early education. Through engagement with government, regulators, parliamentarians and the media, Tim champions the interests of nursery providers and works to ensure high-quality, sustainable early years provision for children and families across the UK. Tim’s career as a leader in the voluntary sector spans more than 25 years, developing national charities across allergy, education and social care. Prior to joining NDNA, he led the Institute of Food Science and Technology, the internationally respected professional membership body supporting food professionals through