A company which runs nurseries in Oxford has been named as one of the best workplaces for development in the UK.

Bright Horizons has been named on Great Place To Work's UK’s Best Workplaces for Development 2024 list.

The nursery chain was ranked 18th out of 50 listed companies in the list's super large size category.

The accolade recognises companies making employee development a key part of their company culture.

Oxford Mail: It is the second time Bright Horizons has been recognised by Great Place To WorkIt is the second time Bright Horizons has been recognised by Great Place To Work (Image: Design_Miss_C from Pixabay)

Bright Horizons, which runs Oxford Waterways Day Nursery and Oxford Business Day Nursery, came in as the number one education provider on the list.

In addition to this latest accolade, the company had previously been recognised by Great Place To Work in March, marking its 19th consecutive year on the UK’s Best Workplaces list.

Ros Marshall, UK managing director at Bright Horizons, said: "We are so proud to receive this recognition.

"Our HEART principles: Honesty, Excellence, Accountability, Respect, and Teamwork help us to create a unique relationship with our colleagues, which sets us apart as an employer of choice.

"We listen to our workforce and continue to learn from each other. We offer a comprehensive induction process for all team members, followed by an ongoing talent development plan tailored to individual needs and aspirations.

"In particular, our apprentice programme, with the capacity to support over 500 new practitioners each year, not only benefits Bright Horizons and our people but also the broader early years sector."

Bright Horizons seeks feedback and improvement ideas from its staff, conducting regular surveys and maintaining a quarterly 'Be Heard' employee forum.

Decisions over the past two years on investment in salaries, the introduction of mental health ambassadors, talent and leadership development programmes, travel season ticket loans, and new lighter summer uniforms have been driven by employee feedback.

Janine Leightley, HR director at Bright Horizons, said: "Our objective is to lead the sector in retaining exceptional talent and provide a colleague experience that positively impacts our service to children, parents, and clients.

"We have significantly transformed our approach to sector-leading professional development and training, ensuring comprehensive support for our colleagues through diverse learning methods."

Benedict Gautrey, managing director of Great Place To Work UK, added: "Employee development is future-focused and evidences a commitment to employees’ long-term growth.

"It ensures your people feel valued, and feeds into the overall company culture and strategy.

"Opportunities for learning and development are a crucial element of this success, which is why we’re so thrilled to be recognising this year, for the very first time, the UK’s Best Workplaces for Development.

"Congratulations to Bright Horizons for being recognised on our 2024 list of UK’s Best Workplaces for Development."