Young Friends Kindergarten

89 Holland Road, Hove BN3 1JP
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26 Reviews
  • Young Friends Kindergarten, Hove
Welcome to Young Friends Kindergarten. Hove’s first Eco-Nature Nursery. They are a little bit different. Many settings dabble in outside play, forest school and nature – but they really do go for it.

Nature, of course, is not enough on its own… staff take their jobs as educators and carers seriously. After all, it’s a privilege not to be taken lightly. They are consistently excited to be helping shape little people’s outlook on life and in turn their futures, so it's important that they take great care to do it well.

Their Nature School is their most exciting feature and intertwines every day. It is comprised of Beach School, allotment, exciting garden and environmental education and the benefits to the children are plain to see.

They consider themselves a family away from home and families often say the same. Interactions and communications with children and families is warm, welcoming and intelligent.

A relaxed, cosy and fun family environment for the children means the nursery is a happy settled place.

This, balanced with fanatical ‘behind the scenes’ attention to the infinite improvement and considerable helping of an always smiling, brilliant (and close) staff team, is a winning recipe.

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Care Provided by Young Friends Kindergarten

  • Type of Service
  • Day Nursery – Privately Owned
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care
  • Sessional Day Care

Good to Know

  • Owner
  • Louise Lloyd-Evans
  • Person in charge
  • Emma Holmes (Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • None
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 20
  • Total Places for Children
  • 60
  • Age Range
    • from 0 years
    • to 5 years
  • Opening Times
  • Monday 08:00-18:00
    Tuesday 08:00-18:00
    Wednesday 08:00-18:00
    Thursday 08:00-18:00
    Friday 08:00-18:00
  • When Closed
  • Bank Holidays, 1 week at Christmas & 2 inset days

Funding & Fees Guide for Young Friends Kindergarten

  • £60 for 9-4 day
    £75 for 0745-6 day

  • Included in the fees are meals cooked by the onsite chef using food grown in our very own kitchen garden, Nature Kindergarten program incorporating our unique sustainable curriculum, flagship nursery for The Young Friends Tribe, regular Eco-Warriors sessions including beach clean-ups, daily trips, reusable nappies, a muddle of guinea pigs, an onsite woodland garden and outside workshop.
  • Parking

  • Street parking, right outside


Young Friends Kindergarten Reviews (26)

Total of 26, showing 1-20

Over all time Young Friends Kindergarten has 26 reviews.

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Review from Nicola C (Mother of Child) published on 26 April 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Young Friends is a wonderful nursery. Amazing staff and management. Great interior and garden. My son is there at the moment and is really happy, we joined in February of this year and instantly felt like part of the family.
I can't recommend this Nursery enough. They really do care about the children's
welfare and progression and my son (who is 3) has blossomed since he's been there. Many thanks to all of you in the Young Friends Team.

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Review from Andrew B (Father of Child) published on 24 August 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our son is always excited and pleased to attend this nursery. That says it all! The staff are always very friendly, welcoming and attentive to us and our child: one member of staff seems to have a genuine bond with our son. We are also always surprised by the wonderful activities he enjoys there, things
we would never think of like painting with edible paints and enjoy the videos and photos on Tapestry so we feel we haven't missed out. Highly recommended.

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Review from Emma K (Mother of Child) published on 14 August 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has been attending Young Friends since she was 11 months and now she is 4 and heading off to school. I can't thank them enough for the care and attention she has been shown over the years. The facilities at the nursery are fantastic and the addition of the allotment and all its activities
have been amazing. The staff are very caring, fun and creative. There are regular parents evenings and feedback on development through Tapestry. My daughter is completely prepared for school, knowing phonics and numbers.


I also started my littlest there in May 2017 and she is getting on so well. Her key worker knows her very well and they have an excellent relationship. The activities provided for little ones are great including a lovely garden and soft play section.


In summary, this is an excellent nursery with amazing facilities and staff for all age children. They are constantly making improvements and I've been very happy sending my children there for the last 3.5 years!


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Review from Melanie M (Mother of Child) published on 14 August 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has been at Young Friends since she was 1 and she is now 4 years and preparing for Reception. She absolutely loves it. The staff are friendly, creative and full of energy. They have lots of fun activities planned daily and my daughter has learnt so much and has flourished physically, socially,
cognitively and emotionally. We are so grateful for the frequent trips to the allotment, the fun sports sessions and yoga, the Imaginative small world area, the phonics super stars, the cultural week of activities, all the dressing up and role playing opportunities, fun songs and the countless other opportunities and activities she has been given over the last three years. Because of Young Friends, my daughter is confident, loves exploring, imaginative, full of giggles, sociable, loves and respects nature and so ready for Big School.

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Review from Andrea C (Mother of Child) published on 14 August 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our daughter only joined Young Friends from April 2017 but the second she arrived she was completely at home! The improvements we have seen during this time have been absolutely unbelievable. From eating so much more variety (previously a big issue for us at home and at her previous nursery where only
packed lunches allowed) through to being able to write her own name. Young Friends have prepared her to go on to primary school confidently both from a social and learning perspective. The environment is wonderful, and our daughter absolutely loves the visits to the allotment, her weekly 'show and tell' slot, the garden and the rabbit. Most of all her key worker and all staff - she knows everyone's name and they all know her name. It's the most friendly and nurturing environment you could wish for. I find it hard to leave myself some times in the morning, as I would like to stay and hang out too! You can tell each staff team member enjoys and is passionate about their job - it shows.

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Review from Amanda W (Mother of Child) published on 7 August 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My little girl started here in January when she was 11 months old. The settle sessions went brilliantly and she was reaching out for her key worker on the second day! We haven't looked back since then; she is very happy there.


Things I am impressed with are the healthy menus, daily planned activities,

regular developmental assessments and time spent outdoors. There are two rooms for under 2s plus a small soft play area and a good size garden with lots of different areas and even nursery rabbits!


Also, love the weekly blog which the grandparents regularly look at too.


The staff put in a lot of effort to make the day interesting and fun for the children and there always seems to be new 'activity areas'. I really like how much painting /messy play they do, they are certainly not afraid of making a mess and the children love it. My daughter also enjoys the singing and dancing.


Overall we are extremely happy with Young Friends nursery and would highly recommend it.


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Review from Sarah W (Grandmother of Child) published on 7 August 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My 3 grandchildren all attend young friends nursery, the eldest is now at school and the two younger are still at the nursery. I cannot rate this nursery enough. They have been excellent in all areas with the kids from the youngest at 17 months to starting school and I have never had a day when they
haven't wanted to go, I only wish it had been there when I was a kid!

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Review from Jill F (Mother of Child) published on 4 August 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has attended Young Friends for 3 years and we could not be happier. I was so impressed when I first visited the nursery and continue to be so.
The care and attention to detail is fantastic, the staff are just lovely and build such great bonds with the children. I am so happy to know that
on the 3 days when I am at work, my daughter is having so much fun and great experiences.
The outside space is fantastic and my favourite part of the nursery, they now they have regular visits to the allotment too, which my daughter loves. I love that they do yoga and regular sports in the park, along with the movement and dance room.
Now that my daughter is 3, they have walks down to the beach, nearby parks and even along to Hove library too.
I would recommend this nursery to anyone who is looking for a great environment for their child to play, learn and grow in confidence.

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Review from Tara H (Mother of Child) published on 31 July 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

We love this nursery so much. There is a real home from home theme for the little ones with an emphasis on learning through play and experience. We feel so lucky to have found it for our little ones.

Reply from Louise Lloyd-Evans, Director at Young Friends Kindergarten

Thanks so much for taking the time to write this, we really appreciate it Tara. The team will be really pleased you are happy x


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Review from Sophia V (Mother of Child) published on 21 June 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My eldest son has been with Young Friends since he was 15 months old and it has been a wonderful experience. The team are simply incredible and he is very fond of them. He still tells one of the girls who looked after him as a baby that he loves her when he sees her! Young Friends has helped nurture
him into a well-rounded, happy and kind little man who is ready to start school in September. I really believe they have given him all the tools he needs to start this new chapter with confidence.


The activities provided are outstanding from yoga to phonics to the fantastic allotment on which he has spent many happy days!


Thank you to the owner and the team for a wonderful nursery experience.


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Review from Mark E (Father of Child) published on 13 June 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

A very well run nursery, which has the child's best interests at heart. Constantly evolving to improve its service, but maintaining its focus on the priority, the children.
Both our children have grown up at this nursery and have loved it.

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Review from Lisa C (Mother of Child) published on 13 June 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Young Friends is an amazing nursery, my son has settled in so well there - home from home. Very friendly staff who are very helpful with parents and child's needs.
A five star - recommend highly.
If you want a nursery that is unique, Young Friends offers that.
The children do so many activities
and trips out in the sunshine.

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Review from A B (Mother of Child) published on 5 June 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We feel so lucky to have chosen Young Friends to care for our son! Our son now reaches out to the teachers in the morning, sits at the table and waves us goodbye with a smile. Picking him up at the end of the day and finding him smiling and playing away and proud to show us his newly found tricks, words
and skills, is priceless. The garden is beautiful and it's great they go out as much as possible. It feels like a little family and we've been made to feel safe and welcome. Thanks, Young Friends!

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Review from Hazel W (Mother of Child) published on 5 June 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Would highly recommend this nursery.
Staff & management polite; helpful and most of all; provide great care for the little ones.
They have provided my son with a caring & nurturing environment whilst keeping focused on his personal development.

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Review from H W (Mother of Child) published on 6 December 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The nursery have been amazing with my son's hearing issues, going way beyond what I would expect to ensure he has what he needs. My son is so happy and confident at nursery and this is entirely down to the fab staff. He loves it so much there he doesn't like to come home! I'm also very pleased with
the variety of food he eats at nursery, as he can be quite fussy at home but eats everything there!

Reply from Carly Lurring, Deputy Manager at Young Friends Kindergarten

Thank you for taking the time to review us, and we are happy that you appreciate what we do.


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Review from C M (Father of Child) published on 23 November 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My daughter has progressed very well since attending nursery. Her confidence has improved and she has learnt many new skills including maketon. The nursery staff are all very friendly and really care for the children. The biggest compliment is that when leaving her in the morning I do not worry about
her or that she is not being looked after to a very high standard.

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Review from Liz D (Mother of Child) published on 6 September 2016
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has attended 'Young Friends' for three and a half years. But she is now about to embark on her transition into school - and I could not be happier or more grateful to everyone at the nursery for providing her with such a supportive, caring and stimulating preschool environment. The team
are incredibly attentive and she has thrived both socially and developmentally. She has made long lasting friends and has never felt alone, upset or troubled by anything whilst in their care. As a parent, it is very comforting and important to see your child excited about going to nursery, and the confidence this has equipped her with is so valuable for her ongoing journey. We are very sad to say goodbye to this chapter of her childhood, and have no qualms whatsoever in giving young friends nursery a glowing and much-deserved review!! Thank you to the entire team for nurturing and bolstering our little girls character, personality and brightness.

Reply from Louise Lloyd-Evans, Director at Young Friends Kindergarten

Liz we will miss you all so much - Your daughter will leave a void in the preschool. Why do they have to grow up? Lucky school!


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Review from Julia W (Mother of Child) published on 31 August 2016
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter attended Young Friends since she was about 18 months and now she is nearly 5yrs! We feel as part of YF family. The nursery, management and all staff were amazing throughout all this time. We would not change it for any other nursery. Our second child will attend it too! My daughter is no
doubt well prepared for school and learned amazing values, foreign cultures, counting in foreign languages, great sports activities and made lots of friends. Big thank you to all staff for your amazing work, devotion and patience. We will miss you. We are very happy to be part of this amazing and vibrant nursery.

Reply from Carly, Deputy Manager at Young Friends Kindergarten

Thank you for your review Julia, we can't wait to see you return again next year!


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Review from Sebastian T (Father of Child) published on 30 August 2016
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We love Young Friends! Our daughter loves it there, and my wife and I love it too!
We've seen her develop, move through the age groups and make friends.
We initially chose Young Friends because it was close to our house and our friend's daughter went there too, but now I can't imagine her being anywhere
else.
The staff are lovely, the garden is full of stuff to do and she gets lovely meals and snacks!
I would recommend to anyone considering a nursery for their children.

Reply from Louise Lloyd-Evans, Director at Young Friends Kindergarten

Thanks Sebastian - we really appreciate you taking the time to write this and we are so glad you are happy with Young Friends.


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Review from E. D. (Mother of Child) published on 30 August 2016
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Young Friends is just fantastic. My 3-year-old has been at Young Friends since he was 9 months old, and we all love it. The nursery is fab and the Manager and her team are always looking to improve it and find new things for the kids to do. One of the high points in the last few months has been the
allotment: the children go on little visits there, help with looking after the veggies and get to eat fresh from the plants! Fantastic! My son also enjoys the Reggio Emilia table and all the natural toys on offer.
But to me, the best thing about the place is the staff. My son's key person has developed such a special relationship with him, but they are all amazing. Caring, dedicated, creative, warm, enthusiastic.

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Awards / Recognitions (4)

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Meet the Team (9)

Louise

Louise Lloyd-Evans

Job Title: Director

Joined: 2008

Louise is the Director and hands on manager with 12 years’ experience. She holds many qualifications – the highest being Early Years Professional Status. Louise is incredibly passionate about creating an innovative, creative, educating and highly nurturing environment and filling it with the best team that she can find. She loves what she does and it shows. She is very proud of her team and their Outstanding nursery and works tirelessly to constantly improve it. She has three fabulous children herself - two of which are at Young Friends. Louise is our Healthy Eating Champion and also our Safeguarding, Fire Safety, and Training representative.


Carly

Carly Lurring

Job Title: Senior Supervisor

Joined: 2011

Carly is our Deputy Manager and has been with us for nearly 7 years. During that time, she has completed her NVQs 2 and 3 as well as a Leadership and Management qualification. She is adored by our children and families and quite a rare find. Her passion for childcare and our nursery is immeasurable.


Jessica

Jessica Taylor

Job Title: Head of Education / Sendco

Joined: 2017

Jes is our Head of Education and SENDco representative. Jes is a member of our management team and has had over 18 years experience in childcare. She is fun and enthusiastic and her passion for childcare shines.


Muge

Muge Ileri

Job Title: Gibbons Supervisor

Joined: 2013

Muge (affectionately known as Mimi) is our Gibbons (babies and toddlers) Supervisor and leads her team in managing not one but two amazing rooms for her group. She has been at Young Friends for 5 years, and is one of the few staff who can boast that they've been a key member in all three (formerly four) of our age groups. Her native language is Turkish.


Jodie

Jodie Sumner

Job Title: Supervisor

Joined: 2012

Jodie Sumner is our Baboon Supervisor. She started with us as an apprentice and has moved from strength to strength over the past 6 (almost 7) years she's been with us. She received her Level 3 qualification and has demonstrated both a personable manner with families and incredibly natural ability with children.


Nishat

Nishat Rahman

Job Title: Practitioner

Joined: 2014

Nishat is a Level 3 practitioner for the Gorillas (3-5). Nishat has been a member of our team for 4 years, her ambitions are lofty and she is not only our Persona doll representative but takes a keen interest in the work of EMAS (Ethnic Minority Achievement Service) which supports EAL (English as an additional language) children and families. Nishat is fluent in Bengali.


Libby

Libby Payne

Job Title: Practitioner

Joined: 2015

Libby has been with us for over 3 years now and has achieved her level 3 Childcare qualification. Libby is our lovely Gorilla (3-5yrs) Practitioner.


Gillian

Gillian Lloyd-Evans

Job Title: Chef

Joined: 2008

Gillian Lloyd-Evans is our fabulous chef. She holds level 2 in Food Safety and quite a number of years (she won’t let us say how many!) high quality family cooking. She has lived in many countries and brings her knowledge of different cultures to our diverse menu. ‘I have been lucky enough to be at Louise’s side since the birth of Young Friends and am proud to have been a major part of its growth into a thriving but still nurturing and family home from home’ (Gillian, May 2013)


Kelly

Kelly Mcquaid

Job Title: Chef Assistant

Joined: 2014

Kelly is one of two chef assistants. She works alongside Gillian in the kitchen preparing all of the children's meals. She is Level 2 qualified in Food Safety.


Frequently Asked Questions about Young Friends Kindergarten

What is the Age Range of Children that Young Friends Kindergarten accepts?

Young Friends Kindergarten accepts Children aged from 0 years to 5 years.

What Days & Hours is Young Friends Kindergarten Open?

Young Friends Kindergarten is open: Monday 08:00-18:00, Tuesday 08:00-18:00, Wednesday 08:00-18:00, Thursday 08:00-18:00, Friday 08:00-18:00.

How many Children does Young Friends Kindergarten have capacity for?

Young Friends Kindergarten has capacity for a total of 60 Children.

How far is Young Friends Kindergarten to the centre of Hove?

0.8 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of daynurseries.co.uk. Please contact Young Friends Kindergarten to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Young Friends Kindergarten has an Enhanced Service – more info.