A CROYDON mother has been appointed as the UK's national representative to the World Forum Foundation on early care and education.

Laura Henry, managing director of Childcare Consultancy, in Brigstock Road, Thornton Heath, will become the key contact between the foundation and the UK's early years community.

Her role will be to share ideas with other forum members around the world about services for young children.

Mrs Henry, 42, was asked to take on the role because of her extensive work in childcare.

She founded her company, which specialises in early years training, in 2006, and is a former teacher and Ofsted inspector.

She said: "I was really honoured when they picked me. I thought 'but I'm just little old Laura from Croydon.'

"It's a brilliant opportunity and I am excited about learning how other people around the world help children in their early years.

"I think sharing knowledge is the best way to learn."

Her post will run until March 2012 and will include attending a forum in Hawaii in May next year, when 800 childcare professionals will gather to share best practice and ideas.

Selena Fox, international relations coordinator of the World Forum Foundation, said: "Her networking skills, enthusiasm and knowledge of the sector will prove vital in helping us further our mission to promote an on-going global exchange of ideas on the delivery of quality services for young children in diverse settings."