A regional director from Prestwich has been named on a list of women business leaders to watch in 2022.

Danielle Hamer, a regional director at early years education provider Bright Horizons, is one of 70 businesswomen to feature on the very first Business Women in Education (BWiE) Women to Watch list 2022.

The list celebrates women who are driving change, breaking glass ceilings and supporting their peers in education.

Danielle, 48, who has worked in childcare for more than 25 years, called the recognition an incredible honour.

She said: “It is an incredible honour to receive this recognition. I am proud to lead such an amazing team.

“We all look to make sure every day that the Early Years for a child are the best they can possibly be.

"Wellbeing is at heart of our approach to our care and our curriculum.

“We help children flourish today, so they are ready and prepared for tomorrow.

"I am fully committed to ensuring that skilled and well-supported practitioners are key to the quality of our Early Years services.”

Danielle Hamer is a mum of three boys and began her childcare career in 1995 when she started after achieving a National Nursery Examination Board qualification in a small nursery working in the baby room.

She managed her first nursery by the time she was 25 years old and progressed to a regional director in 2017.

Today, Danielle is responsible for the daily operations at 35 Bright Horizons nurseries across the North West.

She looks to ensure high quality care and education for children and support to Nursery Managers in achieving optimal performance at their individual nursery settings.

Education regulator Ofsted has graded 50 per cent of the nurseries in her region as "outstanding" with the rest graded as "good" as they eagerly await new inspections.

Ros Marshall, managing director UK at Bright Horizons, said: “Danielle truly deserves to be on this list of inspirational women in education.

“Having known her personally for over 15 years I can say with confidence that her passion, love and professionalism always shine through.

“Danielle supports her colleagues every single day in delivering exceptional care and education.

"These formative years between 0 and 5 are crucial in the emotional, social and physical development of all children and the part early years plays to help shape the future of our society is so vital.

“It is wonderful to see high calibre educational leaders like Danielle recognised by wider networks for the phenomenal work that they do.”