To pay tribute to the late Queen, children at a number of Tops nurseries have been collecting pennies to attach to a copy of a special poem, which they have been taking home to keep as a memory.

Director of Early Years Audit and Training, Amy Alderson, said: “We were aware that being such a highly respected public figure, the children would likely be exposed to media around the Queen’s death.

“With children being as inquisitive as they are, we felt it very necessary for us to do a range of age-appropriate activities with the children to help them to understand what was happening.”

Tops Bearwood in Bournemouth have completed paintings of Her Late Majesty. While in Gillingham at Tops and Topsies they have made condolence cards for the Royal Family and enjoyed looking at photos of the late Queen with her corgis.

Other Tops nurseries designed their own crowns and all had open discussions about the Queen.

“We encouraged the children to ask questions and held little celebrations in honour of the Queen,” said Amy. “This is an event that will be recorded in history and that our children will look back on in years to come.

“I’m proud of all our nurseries for providing the children with the education, honesty and support they needed during this time of grieving.”

Award winning Tops Day Nurseries provides eco-sustainable Early Education and Care and have over 30 day nurseries across the South and South West.