Professor Dr Eva Lloyd OBE Expand Eva is a Professor of Early Childhood at the University of East London’s School of Education and Communities. She is also the Director and co-founder of the International Centre for the Study of the Mixed Economy of Childcare (ICMEC), established in 2007 alongside Professor Helen Penn. Her research and publications focus on early education and childcare policies both nationally and internationally, with a particular emphasis on supporting disadvantaged children. Eva has held honorary positions at the University of Cambridge and Queen’s University Belfast and was a Visiting Professor at the University of Muenster, Germany, in 2017. With extensive experience providing expert policy advice to government departments worldwide, Eva has co-authored numerous government-commissioned studies and evaluations. Her expertise in early years policy offers invaluable insight to Acorn. Having served as a trustee since June 2018 and as Chair of the Board for three years (from 2022 to 2025), we are deeply honoured to now welcome Eva as Acorn’s very first patron. Her continued support marks a significant milestone in our journey and reaffirms our commitment to high-quality, inclusive early years education.