Business Details
Sustainable Childcare and Nature Education in Hove
Young Friends provides a sustainable approach to early years childcare and education for children aged 0-5 in Brighton and Hove. Our ethos centres on nurturing confident, informed citizens through child-initiated play, outdoor learning, and a commitment to environmental stewardship. With an Ofsted Outstanding rating since opening, we are the only nursery in the region to maintain this unbroken record. Our two kindergarten pods cater to different age groups, offering spacious environments for exploration and development. The curriculum integrates sustainability, social consciousness, and schema-based learning, fostering a lifelong passion for discovery. Children engage in hands-on activities like gardening, nature workshops, and trips to local parks and beaches.Our highly trained team prioritises high-quality interactions, tailoring experiences to individual interests while promoting respect for self, others, and the planet. We maintain strong family partnerships, using the Famly App for transparent communication, and operate a plant-based seasonal menu. The private woodland garden and kitchen garden serve as sanctuaries for creativity and wellbeing, while our loose parts approach encourages imaginative play. Recognised nationally for excellence, we combine professional expertise with a warm, homely atmosphere to create a nurturing space where children thrive.
Services
Nature Kindergarten
Outdoor Learning
Child-Led Curriculum
Sustainable Education
Family Partnerships
Highlights and features
- We hold an unbroken Ofsted Outstanding rating since opening
- Our private woodland garden supports immersive outdoor learning
- Child-led schema play fosters individual creativity and development
- Sustainability integrated into daily practices and curriculum
- Experienced team prioritises high-quality, personalised interactions
Associations and certifications
- Ofsted
What people say
Loves nursery
Beautiful space
Fantastic nursery
Staff professional
Plastic free approach
Services
Nature Kindergarten
Our nature-based kindergarten immerses children in sustainable learning through woodland exploration and garden activities. The curriculum develops environmental awareness while promoting physical and cognitive growth. Children engage with natural materials to foster creativity and ecological responsibility.
Child-Led Curriculum
Schema-based learning supports individual interests through open-ended play with loose parts. This approach encourages problem-solving and self-directed discovery while aligning with early years development milestones. Educators observe and extend learning naturally.
Family Partnerships
We build strong home-nursery relationships using the Famly App for real-time updates. Regular communication ensures consistent support for each child's development. Parents participate in seasonal events and sustainability initiatives to strengthen community ties.
Sustainable Practices
Daily activities incorporate recycling, composting, and plant-based nutrition. Children learn environmental stewardship through hands-on experiences like growing vegetables and caring for rescue animals. The nursery maintains plastic-free policies and energy-efficient operations.
Outdoor Learning
Daily woodland garden access promotes physical development and nature connection. Structured beach visits and local excursions extend learning beyond classroom walls. Weather-appropriate clothing enables year-round outdoor exploration and sensory experiences.
People
Louise Lloyd-Evans
Founder
Louise established Young Friends to create a sustainable alternative for early years education. With over 15 years in childcare, she champions eco-conscious practices and child-led learning. Her leadership maintains the nursery's Ofsted Outstanding rating.
Jasmin
Early Years Manager
Jasmin oversees daily operations with a focus on staff development and curriculum implementation. She ensures consistent delivery of the sustainability ethos across both kindergarten pods. Her team leadership maintains high educational standards.
Anne Marie
Sustainability Educator
Anne Marie integrates environmental awareness into all activities. She manages the kitchen garden and recycling programmes, teaching children practical sustainability skills through play-based learning experiences.
Jodie
Chef
Jodie prepares nutritious plant-based meals using garden produce. She educates children about food origins and healthy eating through interactive cooking sessions and seasonal menu planning.
Adrian
Kindergarten Educator
Adrian supports child-led learning in the outdoor environment. He facilitates nature-based activities that develop motor skills and environmental appreciation while maintaining safety standards.
Questions
What age groups do you cater for?
We provide care for children from birth to school age, with separate pods for under-twos and over-twos.
Is your menu plant-based?
Yes, we offer a plant-based seasonal menu using produce from our kitchen garden.
How do you incorporate sustainability?
Through recycling, composting, energy efficiency, and teaching environmental stewardship during daily activities.
Are you Ofsted registered?
We hold an Ofsted Outstanding rating since opening and maintain regular inspections.
Do you offer outdoor learning?
Children spend significant time outdoors in our woodland garden and on local excursions.
How do you communicate with parents?
We use the Famly App for daily updates and maintain open communication through our parent portal.
Reviews (3)
Jane Ritchie
Mar 28, 2021
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Whilst I do not have children, I do live close to this nursery and due to this I would not recommend sending children here. This nursery claims to want to be a good neighbour to those who live in the area, however they do not seem to consider the neighbours at all. They have a large van which they seem to insist on parking in the street when they have a perfectly good driveway to park in, and that would fit both of their vehicles. The van takes up two parking spaces on the street that residents could otherwise use. Any children playing outside who start crying are left for longer than they should
Chris Dodd
Jan 30, 2021
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Both my daughters have attended this wonderful establishment. Every day they went, they were excited to go and have learnt lots whilst having fun. The nursery stresses the importance of the environment and our surroundings to the children whilst maintaining goals and achievements, but most importantly enjoying themselves. The garden is incredible, including the guinea pigs. All the staff have been fantastic throughout the years. I am proud to say my children went to Young Friends.
Inga Bardonova
Jan 14, 2018
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I've never seen any other nursery involving children in that many activities than Young Friends Nursery! My little one loves mornings when she knows she's going there, comes back with so much to talk about. Would recommend this nursery!
