Business Details
Sustainable Nursery & Early Years Education in Hove
At Young Friends, we are dedicated to providing a sustainable and nurturing environment for early years education. Our approach prioritises child-led learning through genuine play, fostering confidence, curiosity, and environmental awareness in children aged 0-5. With an Outstanding Ofsted rating since our inception, we combine the SchemaPlay educational method with daily outdoor experiences in our woodland garden and kitchen garden.Our highly trained team ensures each child receives individualised attention while embedding principles of sustainability, equality, and community. We work in partnership with families to create a holistic learning journey that prepares children to become informed, compassionate stewards of the planet.
Services
Nature Kindergarten
Child-Led Learning
SchemaPlay Education
Outdoor Curriculum
Sustainable Childcare
Highlights and features
- Outstanding Ofsted-rated nursery with consistent excellence since opening
- Pioneers of SchemaPlay and nature-based learning in early years education
- Dedicated key person system for personalised child development support
- Fully integrated sustainability ethos across all learning activities
- Award-winning eco-friendly practices recognised nationally
Associations and certifications
- Ofsted
What people say
Wonderful nature nursery
Sustainable ethos shines through
Amazing staff team
Child-led learning approach
Plastic-free environment
Services
Nature Kindergarten
Our nature-based curriculum immerses children in daily outdoor experiences within woodland gardens and natural environments. Through structured and unstructured play, children develop physical skills, environmental awareness, and creative problem-solving abilities. This approach aligns with Early Years Foundation Stage requirements while fostering deep connections with nature.
SchemaPlay Education
SchemaPlay methodology identifies and supports children's natural learning patterns through repetitive actions and exploratory play. Educators observe and extend these schema to develop cognitive, social, and motor skills. This individualised approach ensures each child's unique learning journey is nurtured within a supportive framework.
Outdoor Curriculum
Daily outdoor sessions in our woodland garden and local environment form the core of our teaching. Children engage in seasonal activities, gardening, and nature exploration that build resilience, teamwork, and scientific curiosity. All learning aligns with national early years outcomes through practical, hands-on experiences.
Sustainable Childcare
Sustainability principles are embedded in every aspect of learning through recycling initiatives, plant-based menus, and eco-friendly resources. Children participate in composting, growing food, and conservation activities that develop environmental stewardship from an early age while meeting statutory educational standards.
Family Partnerships
We maintain open communication through dedicated key workers, regular progress updates, and family workshops. Parental insights inform individual learning plans while shared activities reinforce educational values at home. This collaborative approach ensures consistent support for each child's developmental journey.
People
Louise Lloyd-Evans
Founder
Louise established Young Friends with a vision for sustainable early years education. With over 20 years' experience in childcare leadership, she developed the SchemaPlay-based curriculum and eco-ethos that define our approach. Her commitment to innovation earned national recognition for the nursery's environmental practices.
Jasmin
Early Years Manager
Jasmin oversees daily operations and educational standards across both learning pods. A qualified early years specialist with 15 years' experience, she ensures our team maintains the highest standards of care and education. Her expertise in child development guides our continuous improvement strategy.
Claudia
Office Manager
Claudia manages administrative operations and family communications. With a background in educational administration, she ensures smooth day-to-day running while maintaining our commitment to transparency and family partnerships. Her organisational skills support the nursery's efficient operation.
Jesse Fox
3-5 Leader
Jesse leads the over-two pod with specialist expertise in early childhood education. He implements our outdoor curriculum while developing individual learning plans that reflect each child's unique schema. His innovative teaching methods have enhanced our nature-based learning approach.
Libby Hedgehog
Lead Educator
Libby leads the under-two pod, specialising in infant development and sensory learning. With 10 years' experience in early years care, she creates nurturing environments that support crucial early developmental milestones through natural materials and responsive care practices.
Questions
What makes Young Friends different from other nurseries?
We combine SchemaPlay methodology with nature-based learning in an Outstanding-rated setting, prioritising sustainability and individual child development.
How do you incorporate sustainability into daily activities?
Through plant-based menus, recycling initiatives, gardening, and eco-friendly resources that teach environmental stewardship from an early age.
What are your operating hours?
We operate Monday-Friday 8am-6pm, offering flexible childcare within a structured learning environment.
How do you support child development assessments?
Through continuous observation, schema tracking, and individual learning plans shared regularly with families via our Famly App.
Are you Ofsted registered?
Yes, we have maintained an Outstanding rating in all Ofsted inspections since opening.
Can parents visit before enrolling?
We encourage prospective families to book a guided tour to experience our environment and meet the team.
