Learning today, saving the planet for tomorrow!
Established in the heart of Hove, Young Friends Kindergarten is a pioneering sustainable nursery that has revolutionized the way early years education is approached. As the UK's first sustainable nursery, we take pride in prioritizing environmental responsibility, social consciousness, and economic impact. Our unique approach to early years care and education aims to ignite a lifelong passion for learning, inspire children to explore and understand their world, and help them grow up with a sense of purpose and responsibility towards the planet.
Our Story
At Young Friends Kindergarten, we're committed to providing a nurturing environment that fosters creativity, curiosity, and a sense of belonging. Our highly trained staff connect with each child, observing their interests and linking their learning to exciting activities and experiences. We believe that every child is unique, with their own interests, needs, and learning styles. By embracing this individuality, we empower our children to grow and develop at their own pace, fostering a lifelong love of learning and self-advocacy.
Services Offered
Our comprehensive services cater to children from birth to school age, providing a continuum of care and education from our kindergarten pods. Our pods are designed to provide spacious play and learning spaces, with dedicated areas for art, exploration, and creativity. We also offer outdoor learning environments, including our woodland garden and nature workshop, which enable children to explore, discover, and learn in a natural setting.
Learning Approach
Our learning approach is rooted in the concept of schema theory, which views children's play as an essential means of learning. We believe that every child has a unique learning style and approach, and we tailor our curriculum to meet their individual needs. Our experienced staff are trained to recognize and nurture children's interests, fostering a sense of ownership and agency over their learning.
Trips and Outings
At Young Friends Kindergarten, we believe that learning is a lifelong journey. We take our children on regular trips and outings, exposing them to new experiences, sights, and sounds. These excursions foster a sense of curiosity, adventure, and wonder, allowing our children to explore and learn in a way that is both fun and educational.
Loose Parts
Our loose parts approach encourages children to use their imagination and creativity to problem-solve and learn. We provide a variety of materials, such as natural materials, fabrics, and textures, that allow children to express themselves and experiment with different textures, sounds, and smells.
Safeguarding
At Young Friends Kindergarten, we prioritize the safety and well-being of our children. We have a comprehensive safeguarding policy in place, ensuring that every child feels safe, supported, and protected.
Our Pledge to the Environment
We are committed to reducing our carbon footprint and promoting sustainability in all aspects of our nursery. We strive to reduce waste, conserve energy, and promote eco-friendly practices throughout our operations.
High-Quality Interactions
Our experienced and trained staff provide high-quality interactions, observing and nurturing children's interests, and adapting to their individual needs. We recognize the importance of positive relationships and role-modeling in shaping our children's social and emotional development.
Animal Care
We are passionate about animal welfare and believe that our children should learn about the importance of respecting and caring for all living creatures. Our animal care program introduces children to the wonders of nature, promoting empathy, compassion, and a sense of responsibility towards the well-being of animals.
By offering a holistic and sustainable approach to early years education and care, Young Friends Kindergarten is dedicated to inspiring, empowering, and nurturing the next generation to become confident, informed, and passionate citizens of the world.
Introduction
The reviews for Young Friends Kindergarten are mixed, with a range of opinions on the nursery's commitment to sustainability, parking, and childcare.
Consistency and Sustainability
The reviews highlight the nursery's commitment to sustainability and its positive impact on the children. Emma Holmes, the manager, praises the team's authenticity and commitment to the sustainable ethos, stating that it's a joy to be part of growing the next generation of eco-warriors. This sentiment is echoed by Alison Featherbe Learning & Development, who notes the fabulous learning environment where children learn through their play in a nature-based environment.
Parking and Neglect of Children
However, Ben Ritchie's review highlights the nursery's lack of consideration regarding parking, with his wife's review being deleted by the company. He also expresses concern about the apparent neglect of children in their care, citing several children crying loudly for over an hour with no apparent response from the staff.
Positive Experiences
Chris Dodd and Inga Bardonova share positive experiences with the nursery, praising the wonderful learning environment and the staff's commitment to the children's education and well-being.
