Sussex nursery group climbs from 49th to 14th in The Sunday Times Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers this week and becomes the third highest-ranked childcare provider for apprenticeships in the UK.
Hopscotch Children’s Nurseries is ranked 14th in the latest Sunday Times Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers 2026.
The Sussex-based nursery group has climbed an impressive 35 places from 49th in 2025, making it one of the biggest movers in this year’s rankings. Hopscotch is also now the third highest-ranked childcare provider for apprenticeships in the UK, having risen from eighth place among childcare providers last year.
The annual Sunday Times rankings celebrate employers that create high-quality apprenticeship opportunities and invest in the development of their people. The Top 100 recognises organisations across all sectors that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to apprenticeships and workforce development.
Apprenticeships play an important role across Hopscotch, helping people begin careers in early years education while supporting existing team members to continue developing their skills, qualifications and confidence. The Sunday Times Apprenticeship report on Hopscotch Nurseries said: “More than a quarter of the 200 staff at this Sussex firm are on apprenticeships, providing an established pathway from entry-level early years programmes to lead practitioner, teacher and nursery manager.”
Philip Ford, Hopscotch Nurseries’ chief executive officer said:“I’m incredibly proud of this achievement and everyone who has contributed to it. To move from 49th to 14th place in just one year is a fantastic result and reflects the commitment of our teams right across Hopscotch.
“We’ve always believed in investing in people and giving them opportunities to learn, develop and build rewarding careers in early years. Apprenticeships are a huge part of that and it’s been wonderful to see so many talented individuals grow in confidence and progress within the organisation,” added Ford.
Lauren Small, people and development lead at Hopscotch Nurseries added: “It’s fantastic to see our apprenticeship programme receive this recognition from The Sunday Times. We know how important apprenticeships are in helping people start their careers in early years and gain the skills, knowledge and confidence they need to succeed.
“To see Hopscotch recognised in The Sunday Times Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers and to have climbed so significantly in the rankings is a real achievement for everyone involved,” said Small.
Hopscotch Children’s Nurseries is a long-established, independent, family-run nursery group in Sussex. Founded in 1988 by former teacher Barbara Ford and now led by her son, Philip Ford, the organisation remains committed to putting children above profit while investing in the development of its people.