We are proud to announce that Lakeside occupier Tops Day Nurseries has been awarded the prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development, recognising its ongoing commitment to environmental responsibility and innovation across its nurseries.
This is the second time Tops has received this national honour, having previously won in 2022, further cementing their position as a leader in sustainable childcare in the UK.
With over 30 nurseries across the South and South West, Tops Day Nurseries has embedded sustainability into every aspect of daily practice. The organisation continues to raise standards in the early years sector by combining high-quality childcare with eco-conscious initiatives.
Key sustainability initiatives include:
These efforts support both the planet and children’s understanding of the world around them, helping to build environmentally aware future generations.
Reducing Nappy Waste Through Early Toilet Training
A standout initiative at Tops is its focus on early toilet training and the use of reusable nappies and potty pants.
By supporting children once they can sit independently, Tops helps families begin the potty training journey earlier. This approach contributes to:
This practical, child-centred approach reflects how sustainability can go hand-in-hand with positive developmental outcomes.
Sandy Kemish, Data and Sustainability Manager at Tops Day Nurseries, said:
“Winning the King’s Award for Sustainable Development is a powerful recognition that sustainability in early years education truly matters. At Tops Day Nurseries, we believe small, consistent actions—whether reducing waste, growing food, or teaching children about the world around them—create meaningful change.
This award celebrates the collective impact of those actions across all our nurseries. Every day, our colleagues find practical, creative ways to make sustainability part of children’s learning and daily routines. We’re proud that our commitment to doing the right thing—for children, families, and the planet—has been recognised at the highest level.
It also highlights the need for greater support across the early years sector, so that sustainable, high-quality childcare can thrive for every child and community.”
What are the King’s Awards for Enterprise?
The King’s Awards for Enterprise are among the UK’s most prestigious business awards. They celebrate outstanding achievement in:
Winning this award highlights Tops’ role as a forward-thinking, environmentally responsible childcare provider.
Why Sustainable Childcare Matters
Sustainability in early years education is about more than reducing environmental impact, it’s about shaping how children understand and interact with the world.
At Tops Day Nurseries, sustainability is woven into everyday experiences, helping children to:
Tops Day Nurseries continues to lead the way in sustainable early years education, showing how nurseries can balance exceptional childcare with environmental responsibility.
If you’re looking for a nursery that prioritises your child’s development and the future of the planet, Tops offers a unique, forward-thinking approach and are a perfect fit for Lakeside providing occupiers with a vital service that not all business parks are able to offer.