The nursery chain has been ranked 31st, a jump from last year's 90th place.
A survey found 83 per cent of Child Base staff saying they enjoy their working day and have fun at work. The increased training opportunities introduced by the group were found to be of great benefit by 75 per cent of staff.
Child Base runs 38 nurseries across south-east England and employs more than 1,200 people.Half the company is privately owned and the other half is owned by its employees through a free share option.
Mike Thompson, chief executive of Child Base, said that turning the company into a shared ownership has had a big impact on making staff feel valued.
'If you engage people, make them feel part of the business and share the rewards with them, the benefits will come back to you. We are absolutely committed to the principle that together we all contribute, and together we all benefit.'
Helen Bass, human resources manager at Child Base, said, 'We are thrilled they regard their nurseries as their work place of choice. We want our teams to be absolutely clear how much their professionalism, constant compassion and phenomenal ability is truly valued.'
The Sunday Times survey said that the strong camaraderie in the company is boosted by an annual ball, the staff conference, Christmas parties, team-building events and an employee of the month award.
Child Base also recently received a two-star accreditation from the Best Companies Survey, up from one star in 2009.
