Our ABCD Awards celebrate the incredible people across Tops and Shoots who go Above and Beyond the Call of Duty. They recognise colleagues who make a real difference through their dedication, kindness, creativity and commitment to our children, families and teams.
We’re delighted to celebrate our 2026 winners and share the reasons why their colleagues nominated them. Congratulations to everyone recognised this year , and thank you for everything you do!
Michelle Goodall – Accounts: “For always being there to offer help and advice, while taking on new challenges with dedication and ownership. From welcoming and integrating the Funding Team to leading on merchant compliance and changeover, you consistently go above and beyond (even outside of hours) to support those around you”
Taylor Cooper – Babbacombe: “For always giving your all and going above and beyond for the children and everyone around you. Your hard work, creativity and unwavering support for your colleagues shine through every day, making you an incredible asset to the nursery and someone your team can always rely on.”
Amy Williamson – Bearwood: “For consistently going above and beyond to support your team and nursery. You have embraced new responsibilities with dedication and confidence, while continuing to guide, encourage and share your knowledge with those around you. From supporting colleagues through their development to achieving your Baby Specialist qualification, your commitment to learning, leading and helping others succeed makes you a truly valued member of the team.”
Agi Slabik – Bournemouth: “For taking every challenge in your stride and always giving your very best. Your hard work, positivity and genuine care for the children shine through in the fun, creative learning experiences you provide each day. You are always there to support those around you, putting others first and making a real difference to both your children and your team.”
Amy Tobin – Bretonside: “For your unwavering dedication, passion and commitment to the children and everyone around you. You consistently go the extra mile to create a caring, thriving environment, while always finding time to support your colleagues whenever they need you. Your hard work and genuine care make you an invaluable part of the team – Bretonside simply wouldn’t be the same without you.”
Ruth Hernandez – Catering: “For stepping up, embracing additional responsibilities and always being willing to lend a helping hand. Your positivity, reliability and commitment to supporting those around you shine through in everything you do, and your willingness to go above and beyond has made a real difference to the team.”
Christina Bentley – Christchurch: “For always being there to support those around you and make even the busiest days feel that little bit easier. Your patience, kindness and genuine love for the babies shine through in everything you do, and your wonderful ability to bring calm to the chaos makes you an invaluable part of the team.”
Shahida Choudhury – Copnor: “For always being there with a helping hand and never making anything feel like too much trouble. Your kindness, dedication and genuine care for the children shine through every day, and the wonderful relationships you have built with them show just how valued you are.”
Tamzin Lee – Corfe Mullen: “For bringing warmth, positivity and care to your room every day. You have built wonderful bonds with the children and are always there to lift those around you with a smile and a laugh, even on the more challenging days. Your kindness, resilience and positive presence make you an absolute joy to work with and a truly valued member of the team.”
Caitlyn Woodward – Devonport: “For your inspiring leadership, positivity and dedication to the children and your team. Your confidence, adaptability and genuine care shine through every day, while your bubbly personality and infectious energy bring joy to those around you. You are an incredible Room Manager and a truly valued member of the team.”
Ash Tapper – Exeter: “For your incredible growth from Apprentice to Room Leader. Your hard work, dedication and strong relationships with the children shine through every day. You bring your team together, communicate with confidence and continue to show what a fantastic practitioner and leader you have become.”
Brooke Stride – Fawley: “For your incredible growth, dedication and commitment to the children. From Apprentice to Level 3 practitioner, your confidence has continued to flourish while your caring nature and willingness to go above and beyond shine through every day. You are a wonderful practitioner and a true asset to the team.”
Abigail Callard-Weller – Gillingham: “For consistently going above and beyond for everyone around you. Your kindness, hard work and willingness to help shine through every day. No matter how busy things get, you are always there with a smile and a listening ear, making you someone your team can truly rely on.”
Myles East – Havant: “For making such a positive impact since joining Tops. Your calm, nurturing approach, patience and dedication shine through every day. You consistently go above and beyond, sharing your knowledge and supporting children and colleagues both at Havant and across other settings.”
Hollie Mullaney – Lakeside: “For always putting the children first and bringing positivity and creativity to everything you do. Your wonderful activities keep the children happy and engaged, while your willingness to step in and support wherever needed makes you a fantastic team player and a truly valued member of the team.”
Luisa Butchart – Lymington: “For always putting the children at the heart of everything you do. Your passion, creativity and dedication create wonderful opportunities for every child to learn, grow and thrive. Your caring nature and willingness to support those around you make you an exceptional educator and a truly valued member of the team.”
Kevin Morgan – Maintenance: “For consistently delivering day after day, always going the extra mile and showing what it truly means to go Above and Beyond the Call of Duty.”
Ella Crossen-White – Marketing: “For consistently going above and beyond, bringing passion and dedication to everything you do. Your commitment to growing yourself, supporting those around you and helping every nursery you work with to excel makes a real difference.”
Amie Rayson – Mini Mariners: “For always bringing kindness, positivity and dedication to everything you do. Your hard work, willingness to help and genuine care for the children make you a wonderful role model and team player. Your contagious smile brightens every room, and we are incredibly lucky to have you.”
Tsungirirai Lucas – Muscliff: “For bringing positivity, patience and genuine care to everything you do. Your calm, nurturing approach ensures every child feels valued and supported, while your kindness and willingness to help make you an incredible team player. Your dedication to the children and those around you never goes unnoticed.”
Yasmine Shier – Musgrove: “For embracing your new role with confidence, dedication and positivity. Your supportive nature, strong leadership and wonderful relationships with the children make you a fantastic role model. You are always there to listen, help and go the extra mile, making you a truly valued member of the team.”
Lauren Fryer – Newport: “For going above and beyond every single day. Your calm leadership, dedication and genuine care for the children shine through in everything you do. You create wonderful learning opportunities while always guiding and supporting your team, making you an incredible Room Manager and role model.”
Drew Radford – Ops & Quality: “For always bringing positivity and a ‘let’s get it done’ attitude to every challenge. Whether supporting settings at short notice, stepping in wherever you are needed or giving your own time to help others succeed, nothing is ever too much trouble. Your dedication, flexibility and willingness to go above and beyond have made a genuine difference to teams across the business.”
Jasmine Mashford – Parkstone: “For embracing the challenge of stepping up as Deputy Manager and consistently going above and beyond. Your leadership, teamwork and dedication have helped make the nursery an even more welcoming environment, while the wonderful relationships you have with the children show that you remain at the heart of nursery life.”
Abbie Armes – People Team: “For being the supportive, encouraging and friendly face your team can always rely on. You approach everything with kindness, professionalism and the patience of a saint, always stepping in to help and making sure those around you feel valued and cared for. Your adaptability, dedication and willingness to go above and beyond make you a fantastic manager and an absolute pleasure to work with.”
Happiness Chizema – Pokesdown: “For always going above and beyond with a smile. Your kindness, dedication and genuine care shine through in everything you do, from the love and attention you give to every child to the support you offer your colleagues each day. Your willingness to do more than is ever expected makes you a truly valued member of the team.”
Skye Spackman – Poole: “For always giving your all with positivity, passion and care. You consistently go above and beyond for the children and your colleagues, never hesitating to step in and help wherever needed. Your hard work, professionalism and wonderful relationships with children and families make you a truly valued member of the team.”
Beth Newnham – Portsmouth: “For stepping up when your team needed you most and giving everything to your role. Through change and challenge, you have led with kindness, supported your school leavers to reach their full potential and gone the extra mile to make their final months at nursery truly special. Your dedication to the children and your team makes you an incredible role model.”
Danielle Hay – Prince Rock: “For your incredible growth, dedication and leadership. You continue to rise to every challenge, leading your room with confidence and determination while always finding time to support those around you. Your commitment to helping others grow, develop and believe in themselves makes you a brilliant role model and a truly valued member of the team.”
Gemma Stretton – Salisbury: “For always going above and beyond and being willing to step in wherever you are needed. From supporting rooms and other nurseries to giving your own time to help with special events, you never hesitate to lend a hand. Your dedication, hard work and willingness to take on whatever comes your way make you a true ‘Wonder Woman’ and an incredibly valued member of the team.”
Natalie Sandom – Shoots Operations: “For consistently going above and beyond for your colleagues and learners. Your calm, supportive nature, efficiency and willingness to help make you a fantastic role model and a true asset to the team.”
Gem Coombs – Shoots Sales, Marketing & Talent: “For always giving 110% and bringing kindness, positivity and dedication to everything you do. You are endlessly patient and supportive, always taking the time to help others, share your knowledge and make those around you feel welcome. Your hard work, fresh ideas and genuine care for your colleagues make you an incredible Team Leader and an absolute pleasure to work with.”
Jesma Noslier-Lewis – Southsea: “For your incredible growth, dedication and commitment to the children and everyone around you. Since achieving your Level 3, your confidence has continued to flourish, and you have embraced greater responsibility with enthusiasm and determination. Your creativity, genuine care for every child and willingness to step up and support your team make you an incredible practitioner and a truly valued member of the team.”
Amy Bonsor – Stonehouse: “For always going above and beyond with positivity and dedication. Your fun, bubbly nature, willingness to help and confidence when facing challenges make you someone your team can always rely on. We are incredibly lucky to have you as part of the team.”
Jade Matthews – Wareham: “For going from strength to strength and always giving your all. From achieving a Distinction in your Level 3 to building wonderful relationships with children, families and colleagues, your patience, care and willingness to help wherever needed make you a truly valued member of the Wareham team.”
Claire Dodge – Topsie Yeovil: “For consistently going above and beyond for the children at Topsie’s Yeovil. Your hard work, dedication and genuine care shine through in everything you do, making you an invaluable part of the team. We are incredibly lucky to have you.”
Anna Nabolska – Trowbridge: “For always going above and beyond for your children, colleagues and the wider nursery. Your kindness, initiative and dedication make you an incredible Room Leader, always creating exciting experiences for the children while supporting everyone around you. Your positivity and willingness to help never go unnoticed.”
Annalise Poolman – Warminster: “For your incredible growth, dedication and willingness to step up whenever needed. You show initiative and confidence beyond expectations, while your kindness, compassion and commitment have made you loved and valued by children, families and colleagues alike.”
Michelle Naidoo – Wimborne: “For always giving 100%, even through the toughest times. Your positivity, organisation and willingness to help wherever needed, alongside your commitment to creating the very best experiences for the children, make you a truly valued member of the team.”
Daisy Davidson – Winchester: “For always going above and beyond with kindness, positivity and genuine care. Your confidence has grown enormously, and the wonderful relationships you have built with your key children ensure they feel happy, safe and supported. Your willingness to step up, support your team and bring fresh ideas every day makes you a truly valued member of the team.”
Anna-Marie Fischer – Yeovil: “For always giving 100% and going above and beyond for the children, your colleagues and the nursery as a whole. You continually step up when needed, bring fantastic ideas and learning experiences to the children, and never hesitate to lend a helping hand. Your kindness, positivity and dedication make you a brilliant team player and a truly special part of the Yeovil team.”
Discover more from our blog—a variety of articles designed to inform, entertain, and inspire you. Explore related posts below to find topics that matter to you.
Following the fantastic results of its latest Ofsted inspection, Tops Day Nurseries Musgrove welcomed Tops
Finding the right childcare for your child can take time, planning and plenty of research.
Dinosaur adventures at Tops Parkstone’s first Bloom Toddler Class There was plenty of roaring, dancing
On 15 September, Tops Day Nurseries celebrated an exciting new chapter at Tops Salisbury with
Screens are now a normal part of family life. From video calls with grandparents to
Tops Day Nurseries Musgrove in Taunton is celebrating a fantastic outcome following its latest Ofsted
