Colleague Perks & Benefits
Want to be part of a business that educates, inspires and entertains?
Take a look at the benefits of working with us.
Why Work for Tops?
Working in the childcare industry is a very rewarding career choice. Not only do you get to play an important part in the life of the children, but you also watch them grow and develop whilst learning new things yourself each day.
We're an Employee Owned Trust
In April 2024, we transitioned to an Employee-Owned Trust (EOT). Intended to give colleagues more of a sense of belonging, accountability, and the right to have a say about the running of the company, its future, and opportunities.This transition represents the culmination of our vision, marking a significant milestone in our journey at Tops Day Nurseries.
Ownership and shared success
As part of the EOT, you will become co-owners of our company. This means that as the company grows and succeeds, so do you. Our collective efforts will directly contribute to the success and sustainability of our business. Each May, you’ll have the opportunity to receive a bonus from our profit shares.
Your voice matters
As an employee-owned company, your voice matters. We encourage active participation in decision-making processes, ensuring that your insights and perspectives shape the direction of our company, which is why we formed the Employee Ownership Trust board, the ‘moral’ guardians working on behalf of the shareholders, the partners, to voice your insights and perspectives.
Employee Well-Being and Development
Employee ownership isn’t just about financial benefits; it also prioritises the well-being and development of our team. We invest in training and continuous professional development to support your growth and fulfillment within our company.
Career Progression Pathway
Many of the staff at Tops Day Nurseries started years ago as apprentices or unqualified nursery staff and through the excellent training and career opportunities offered by Tops Day Nurseries, have risen up through the company and progressed in their career.
Why Choose Tops
The company has many rewarding benefits in place to ensure that colleague and partners feel rewarded and recognised, to help attract, retain, and motivate the company’s colleague and partners. If people feel valued, this can have a considerable impact on the effectiveness of the company and is at the heart of the employment relationship.
Annual Awards Night
Each year, the company holds an awards night to recognise and thank colleagues and partners who have gone above and beyond. Everyone is invited to attend and can nominate a fellow colleague or partner for the annual ABCD award. The person with the most nominations at each setting receives a certificate and an engraved award.
Surveys & Competitions
Directors, Regional Managers, and Managers can run surveys and competitions with prizes to encourage participation. However, they must first get approval from a company Director or Regional Manager to ensure it aligns with company values and is open to all settings within the company (e.g. Tops and Shoots), giving all colleagues and partners a fair chance to take part.
Prizes
Any reward or prize over £25 (or duplicated to that value per person) is subject to tax, so Director approval is required to consider tax implications. Rewards must be given as additional uniform, gift vouchers, cinema tickets, or meals—cash prizes are not allowed.
Thank You E-Cards
Every colleague has access to our Each Person Platform and can send each other company-branded ‘thank you’ cards, which any colleague or partner can use to express their gratitude and thanks towards one another.
Work Birthdays
Colleagues and partners receive a £10 gift card on their work anniversary each year, starting from one year of service. In addition, they can request their birthday off as holiday (within their holiday allowance), or choose another day if preferred.
Well-being Day
Your wellbeing is incredibly important, and we know how hard you work to deliver excellence everyday. This extra day is our way of encouraging you to take a step back, unwind, and focus on the things that bring you joy and relaxation.
Occupancy
When a setting reaches 95% annual occupancy, the company will contribute £20 per colleague and partner towards a team social event. This benefit is available once per year.
Ofsted Grades
After an Ofsted inspection, the company will contribute to a team social event for each colleague and partner involved.
Electric Vehicles
The company partners with Octopus Electric Vehicles to offer managers at Tops Day Nurseries the option to lease a new electric car through the EV Salary Sacrifice Scheme. Terms and conditions apply.
Recommendation Scheme
Colleagues and partners who recommend a friend to enrol their child at Tops Day Nurseries will receive £££. Equally those who recommend a friend to apply for a position will receive £££ after new colleague has completed their probationary period.
Wessex Community Bank
The company partners with Wessex Community Bank, a member-owned, not-for-profit bank supporting the local community. This gives colleagues and partners access to financial products like personal loans, instant access saver accounts, ethical cash ISAs, Christmas clubs, and credit builder options.
DBS Update Service
The company reimburses the annual subscription fee for colleagues registered with the DBS Update Service. Already registered? No action needed—reimbursement will be added to your next month’s pay after the annual check. Planning to register? We can help with that and after signing up, and the reimbursement will be included in your next month’s pay.
Recognition & Rewards Platform
The company’s recognition and rewards platform, Each Person, is available online and via app from day one. It makes it easy to recognise and reward colleagues with quick thank-yous and offers: - Deals & Discounts, GP on Demand, Cycle to Work Scheme and a TECH Scheme
End of Year Celebration
At Tops, we believe in celebrating our people and the amazing work they do all year round. That’s why we contribute £30 per person each year towards a special celebration. Giving every team the opportunity to come together, unwind, and enjoy some well-deserved fun! Whether it’s a team dinner, festive lunch, or a creative seasonal get-together, this benefit is our way of saying thank you for your dedication and hard work throughout the year.
Perks & Benefits
What makes us different
Childcare Discount
Colleagues and partners employed by Tops Day Nurseries or Shoots Training can access exclusive childcare discounts at Tops settings. Discounts range from 30% to 60%, with additional support for apprentices and grandparents. Two weeks of free childcare are available after parental leave.
Training Allowance
We’re passionate about supporting colleagues and partners in their personal and professional growth. Whether it’s a short course or a long-term qualification, we encourage ongoing learning to build skills and confidence. When our teams thrive, so do the children, learners, and families we support at Tops Day Nurseries and Shoots Training.
Dental Care
We offer a Dental Treatment Benefit that reimburses you for the cost of routine dental care. Saving you up to £50 per calendar year on dental expenses.
Optical Care
Up to £25 per year towards the cost of an eye test or towards glasses or contact lenses.
Physical Care
If you're experiencing back, neck, shoulder, muscle, or joint issues, you can visit a registered Chiropractor or Physiotherapist. The company will reimburse up to £60.
Yoga Therapy
One session costing £25 for 90 minutes per year, alternative to counselling option.
Counselling Helpline
Free, 24/7 confidential support is available for you and your family. Speak to qualified counselors about stress, anxiety, bereavement, or any personal concerns, completely anonymously.
NHS Prescription Charges
Colleagues and partners may be eligible for a free prescriptions or can reduce costs with an NHS prepayment certificate.
Childcare Club Membership
Access discounts on children’s activities, business services, holidays, insurance, and more through the Childcare Club.
Pay Day Sub
To support colleagues and partners during longer five-week months, the company offers an interest-free payday advance of £50 or £100. This is to help avoid reliance on high-APR short-term loans. The advance is repaid from the following month’s salary with no fees or charges.
Discount for Teachers
All colleagues and partners, including office-based staff, can sign up to Discounts for Teachers for exclusive savings on travel, shopping, insurance, and more. Enjoy discount codes and a Cashback Card for online and in-store purchases at hundreds of retailers.
Colleague and Partner Trust Fund
The Trust Fund supports colleagues and partners facing financial hardship due to life events, emergencies, or unexpected costs.
Blue Light Card
If you’re paid by Tops Day Nurseries, you qualify under the teacher category and are eligible to apply for the NHS Blue Light Card. This card offers exclusive discounts on a wide range of products and services
Maternity/Paternity Gifts
To celebrate the arrival of a new baby, colleagues and partners receive a £15 gift card, a company-branded comforter, a reusable nappy, and a card from the team.
Bank Holiday Pay
Tops colleagues and partners within a childcare facing, kitchen/catering role will receive additional pay when scheduled to work a bank holiday.
Employee Testimonials
