Tops Parkstone Turns 35: Becki Briggs Reflects on Her Role in the Nursery’s Success

Celebrating 35 years of Tops Parkstone gives us a chance to look back at the incredible path we’ve travelled. From starting with just 4 children in a single nursery to now providing care and education for over 3,000 children across 33 nurseries, Tops Parkstone’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable.

To commemorate this special milestone, we reached out to those who have been part of the Tops Parkstone family over the years to share their stories and experiences. In this blog, we hear from one of our long-time team members, Becki Briggs, Contracts Administrator Manager, who reflects on her time with us and the growth of the nursery…

When did you join Tops Parkstone and what was your job role?

I joined when I was 18 in 1999 as an apprentice when Maria was manager. I completed my Level 2 and Level 3 Early Years. I worked as an apprentice, practitioner, room leader, nursery administrator, and relief manager before moving to head office,

What was the nursery like when you first started, and how does it compare to today?

I haven’t been to the nursery since my youngest was there over 10 years ago.  All 3 of my children have been to the nursery. I remember the nursery being quite basic in comparison to how I last saw it, Maria had her desk out in the main nursery room (how she got any work done is beyond me!)

Do you have a favourite memory from your time at Tops Parkstone?

Making lifelong friends. There was 4 of us, myself, Donna, Karen McLean and Mandy Cutler who all had our babies within 6 months of each other (again not sure how Maria managed with all those staff members being on maternity leave!) but our children grew up together and are now adults and we are all still friends to this day.  Another memory I have is walking the children from nursery to Cheryl’s house to use her swimming pool.

What was the most rewarding part of working at Tops Parkstone?

To want to work at a nursery you must have a built in desire to want to see children grow and progress and with some of them you got to see them grow right from babies through to when they were ready to go to school and beyond.

What traditions or values have remained the same over the years?

The family feel of the company.

What’s one thing you’re most proud of from your time at Tops Parkstone?

The friends and connections I have made.

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As we celebrate 35 years of Tops Parkstone, it’s evident that the essence of our nursery is rooted in the relationships we’ve formed, the memories we’ve shared, and the lasting impact we’ve made on the children and families we care for. Here’s to many more years of growth, learning, and the strong family atmosphere that has always been at the heart of Tops Parkstone!