Business Details
36 Years
experience
Eco-Friendly Childcare & Early Education UK
Tops Day Nurseries was founded in 1990 with a vision to revolutionise early years education while prioritising environmental sustainability. Our 33 settings across the South and Southwest of England provide exceptional childcare and education for over 4,000 children, combining innovative teaching methods with a commitment to reducing carbon footprints. We pioneered sustainable practices including reusable nappies, homegrown produce, and solar energy initiatives, passing cost savings to parents. As an Employee-Owned Trust since 2024, we promote ethical ownership and staff investment. Our award-winning catering features no-added sugar menus with sustainably sourced ingredients.Accredited by Ofsted and certified as a B Corp, we offer flexible funding packages, holiday clubs, and enrichment activities like forest schools. With over three decades of experience, our qualified educators deliver play-based learning aligned with the Early Years Foundation Stage, supported by advanced safety measures and biophilic design principles. Our sustainability charter influences daily operations, from eco-friendly resources to tree-planting partnerships, ensuring we nurture both children and the planet they will inherit.
Services
Nursery Care
Holiday Clubs
Early Years Education
Sustainable Catering
Forest School
Details
- Year established: 1990
Highlights and features
- We offer flexible all-inclusive childcare packages with extended hours from 7am-6pm
- Our sustainability initiatives reduce environmental impact while lowering costs for parents
- Award-winning nutrition with no-added sugar and sustainably sourced ingredients
- Employee-owned trust ensures staff investment and continuity of care
- 40+ years combined leadership experience in early years education and sustainability
Associations and certifications
- Ofsted
- B Corp
Services
Nursery Care
Our professionally staffed nurseries provide safe childcare from 9 months to school age across 33 UK locations. With qualified educators and a 1:4 staff-to-child ratio, we deliver play-based learning aligned with national standards. Daily activities include creative arts, physical development through outdoor play, and early literacy. All settings feature secure facilities, nutritious meals, and sustainability education through gardening projects. Parents receive regular digital updates about their child's progress.
Holiday Clubs
Hi5s Holiday Clubs operate at 12 locations, offering childcare for ages 5-14 during school holidays. Our programs combine structured activities with free play, featuring sports coaching, creative workshops, and educational excursions. Sessions run from early morning to evening, accommodating working parents' schedules. All clubs maintain strict Ofsted-registered standards with qualified staff supervising a maximum of 15 children per group. Themed weeks include science experiments, drama workshops, and outdoor adventures.
Early Years Education
We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum through child-led exploration and teacher guided activities. Our curriculum develops communication skills, physical coordination, and mathematical understanding through play. Specialised resources include sensory rooms, construction zones, and technology stations. Regular developmental assessments track progress against eight learning areas. Transition programs prepare children for school with confidence-building activities and familiarisation visits to local primary schools.
Sustainable Catering
Our award-winning catering service provides three balanced meals and snacks daily, featuring organic produce from local suppliers. Menus exclude added sugars and artificial preservatives, incorporating homegrown herbs and vegetables. Certified nutritionists design menus that meet 80% of daily nutritional requirements. Special dietary needs are accommodated with Halal, vegetarian, and allergy-friendly alternatives. Children participate in cooking activities to develop food awareness and healthy eating habits.
Forest School
Forest School sessions develop resilience and environmental awareness through nature-based learning. Qualified instructors lead activities like den-building, plant identification, and fire safety. Small group sizes ensure individualised attention during weekly outdoor sessions. Curriculum links include science through ecosystem studies and physical development via obstacle courses. All equipment meets European safety standards, and sessions proceed in various weather conditions with appropriate clothing.
People
Cheryl Hadland
Founder and Chair
Cheryl established Tops Day Nurseries in 1990 after observing ocean plastic pollution. With over 30 years in early years education, she champions sustainable childcare practices. Under her leadership, the company transitioned to an Employee-Owned Trust in 2024 and achieved B Corp certification. She regularly represents the sector in parliamentary discussions on childcare funding and environmental policies.
Diane Wycherley
Chief Operating Officer
Diane oversees operational excellence across all nursery settings with 25+ years of early years leadership experience. She implements quality assurance programs that maintain Ofsted 'Outstanding' ratings and drives sustainability initiatives. Her expertise in staff development contributed to being named 2023's Most Influential Person in Childcare Operations. Diane ensures consistent service delivery through regular setting inspections and training programs.
Charlotte Percival
People Director
Charlotte manages human resources and staff development programs, focusing on creating a supportive work environment. She led the transition to Employee-Owned Trust benefits and maintains a 90% staff retention rate. Her initiatives include mental health first aid training and career progression pathways, contributing to being named 'Team of the Year' by NDNA in 2023.
Andrew Dearsley
Chief Financial Officer
Andrew manages financial strategy and sustainable business growth with particular focus on fair funding models. He developed transparent pricing structures that combine affordability with quality care standards. His advocacy for improved government funding has gained national recognition, including presentations at All Party Parliamentary Group meetings on childcare economics.
Harriet Pacey
Chief Revenue Officer
Harriet leads business development and parent engagement strategies. She designed the flexible funding packages accommodating diverse family needs while maintaining financial sustainability. Her customer service initiatives contributed to 98% parent satisfaction scores in recent surveys, focusing on transparent communication and digital service integration.
Questions
What age groups do you cater for?
We provide care for children from 9 months old up to 14 years through our holiday clubs, with nursery settings serving up to school age.
Are your fees inclusive of meals and activities?
Our all-inclusive packages cover meals, wipes, sun cream, and enrichment activities with optional voluntary donations for specific items.
How do you support sustainability education?
Through gardening projects, eco-friendly resources, and initiatives like reusable nappies and solar energy that children actively participate in.
Can I visit without an appointment?
Yes, our open-door policy allows unarranged visits though staff availability for guided tours cannot always be guaranteed.
What qualifications do your staff hold?
All staff have paediatric first aid, DBS checks, and relevant childcare qualifications with ongoing professional development programs.
How are parents kept informed about their child's progress?
Regular digital updates through eyLog communication app and parent evenings provide detailed insights into development and learning activities.
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