Our Tops Journey Towards Sustainable Childcare

At Tops Day Nurseries, we’ve always believed that caring for children goes hand in hand with caring for the planet. We’re proud to be recognised as one of UK’s most sustainable childcare group! Since opening our first nursery in 1990, we’ve grown to more than 34 nurseries across the South Coast of England. At every stage of this journey, we have stayed true to our mission: growing minds for a greener future.

From One Nursery to a Family of 34

What began with one nursery has blossomed into a thriving community. Thanks to reinvestment, local authority support, and sheer passion, we’ve created safe and nurturing spaces where children can explore, learn, and thrive.

Our vision has never stopped at childcare. We also run Shoots Training Team (formerly Aspire), our sister company that trains the next generation of early years professionals. Today, around 60% of Shoots’ learners come from outside of Tops. This shows how our collaborative and partnership approach is making a difference across the wider early years sector.

Leading the Way in Sustainable Childcare

We were the first nursery group in the UK to achieve Plastic Free Nursery status with Surfers Against Sewage in 2019. We also became the first group to receive Eco-Schools Green Flag Awards across all of our nurseries. In 2020, we achieved B Corp certification, embedding sustainability into the heart of our organisation.

Since then, we’ve gone even further:

✅ Reached net carbon neutral status for Scope 1 and 2 emissions in 2023.

✅ Won the Queen’s Award for sustainable enterprise in 2022.

✅ Achieved one of the highest B Corp reassessment scores in 2025 with 141 points.

Every department plays its part. Our catering team provides plant-based, locally sourced menus. The finance team chooses green energy suppliers. Nursery teams encourage children to recycle and show empathy. Sustainability is not just a policy for us. It’s who we are.

Teaching Children to Care for Their World

Children are never too young to learn about sustainability. In our nurseries, little ones plant seeds, upcycle waste into crafts, and learn about plastic pollution. They also practice kindness towards animals and each other.

We are also breaking the mould with toilet training and washable nappy initiatives. These help children gain independence earlier, save parents money, and reduce single-use waste at the same time.

This is what we mean when we say growing minds for a greener future. We are giving children the confidence and care they need to shape a better world.

A Shared Mission with Parents and Colleagues

Of course, none of this would be possible without our amazing Tops family. Our colleagues champion eco-friendly practices every day, and our parents support us on this journey. Together, we are showing that sustainable choices can make a big difference.

We’ve already swapped clingfilm for reusable alternatives and introduced electric vehicles for nursery deliveries. We also provide colleagues with sustainable travel options such as bike loans, lunch bags, and metal water bottles. Every action counts, no matter how small.

Join Us on our Journey for Sustainable Childcare

The world needs childcare providers who care about more than just the present. We are proud to be innovators in early years education at Tops Day Nurseries. We’re proving that what is good for children can also be good for the planet.

If you would like your child to be part of a nursery group that champions sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation, we would love to welcome you!

Find your nearest Tops Day Nursery here

Discover more about our B-Corp Journey