Hilltop Nursery

Brighton General Hospital, Elm Grove, Hanover, Brighton BN2 3EW
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8.7 21 Reviews
  • Hilltop Nursery, Brighton
Hilltop Nursery offers children the chance to grow in confidence in a safe, nurturing and fun learning environment.

The nursery has a large garden with play equipment, soft surface flooring and sensory flower garden, digging areas and a mud kitchen.

All staff are qualified to at least a level 3 in childcare.

All staff have regular training update courses, including first aid, Safeguarding Children, food hygiene and child development courses.

Staff can help parents transition to back to work, confident that their child is being cared for.
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Type of Service

  • Day Nursery
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care
  • Sessional Day Care

Person in Charge

  • Lauren Fairhall (Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 7

Total Places for Children

  • 22

Age Range

  • from 0 years 3 months
  • to 5 years 0 months

Funding & Fees

  • Please email the nursery for their fee's information. Discounted rates for Sussex community NHS Foundation Trust employees

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

Hilltop Nursery Reviews (21)

8.7

Hilltop Nursery has a Review Score of 8.7 (8.675) out of 10, based on 3 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Hilltop Nursery has 21 reviews.

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Total of 21, showing 1-20
Review from I N (Grandfather of Child) published on 22 August 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The hilltop nursery is a special place for my grandson. He has been going there for nearly two years come October 2023. Lately, all the Hilltop staff have been extra supportive and informative, with emergency family issues of mine lately, they have stepped up and gone above and beyond in there professional
approach, my grandson has to go too extra sessions at the nursery at the moment , and just by him going in, with a spring in his step every morning, says enough in his actions of going in with not a care in the world....we salute you Hilltop nursery. Thank you very much indeed.
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Review from Arzu I (Mother of Child) published on 21 August 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We've been at the nursery for about a month, and so far it's been a really positive experience. My son loves going. His key person, is warm and caring. The whole team is supportive, and communication is fast and clear. The environment is safe, well-organized, and the outdoor space is especially great.
We're very happy so far!
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Review from Kerry D (Mother of Child) published on 20 August 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been attending here since February 2025 she settled so well she loves all the staff. She comes back really happy and she's always talking about nursery when she's at home. I'm so glad I managed to get her a place here the staff are really friendly and helpful and I don't feel like I
have to worry when my daughter is there I really recommend Hilltop Nursery to everyone. It's a lovely place to be.
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Review from Henry S (Father of Child) published on 18 September 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Absolutely brilliant nursery. Caring staff, well managed, our children have been so happy there, can't ask for any more and they have learnt so much. Wonderful outdoor space, especially love that the kids get to play in the mud and they are so happy about it!
Reply from Cara Mitchell, Nursery Business Manager at Hilltop Nursery
Thank you for such a lovely review. The team are constantly trying to improve the experience for the children. The mud kitchen is part of the nursery's personality and a place of learning, chatter and…read more
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Review from Emma D (Mother of Child) published on 17 March 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both my children, aged almost 4 and almost 1, currently attend Hilltop Nursery. My son who has been going for 2 years absolutely loves going here and asks "Is it nursery today?" most days! My daughter who started when she was 9 months has settled in well, all the staff have been so nurturing and adaptive
to both their needs. We get frequent updates on how they have been and lots of pictures. Communication between the staff and myself has been excellent both in person or via the app. All the staff here are fantastic and I do not hesitate to leave my children with them. They spend lots of time outside whatever the weather and they love getting muddy and learning through messy outdoor play! I would 100% recommend this nursery- It is fantastic and I will be sad when the nursery days are over.
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Review from S V (Mother of Child) published on 9 March 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Hilltop nursery is a wonderful nursery. Friendly and professional staff who are always happy to help and chat about the little ones. The children are kept busy with lots of fun and educational activities and have free-flow access to a lovely garden. Our little boy really enjoys his time at Hilltops.
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Review from Fiona C (Mother of Child) published on 20 October 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has attended Hilltop Nursery since July 2020 when she was just a year old. My son also attended who has since started school.
This is an outstanding nursery. I have never had any concerns about leaving my children in the care of the fantastic staff here. They are kind, caring and so skilled.
A wealth of experience knowledge and advice.
Throughout some of the darkest months of covid lockdowns, the fantastic team provided light and happiness for my children during their time at nursery.
My children have flourished here, the very skilled team have extended their learning fantastically, and have helped them to build positive, trusting, kind relationships with adults and other children.
I cannot imagine a safer set of hands to leave my children in.
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Review from Laura R (Mother of Child) published on 10 October 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I cannot give enough praise for Hilltop Nursery. My son has attended twice weekly for over a year and has the most fabulous time. He is thriving thanks to the care, encouragement and support that all members of the team provide. We have noticed his language skills and his manners develop rapidly following
each session - I feel that some of this is because of the multi-age free play times that they have as a result of being a smaller nursery. They spend lots of time in the garden each day and my son loves this fresh air, no matter the weather. The staff know the children well and build excellent nurturing relationships. The communication is effective, both through the Famly app and in person at the end of each day. The nursery team are flexible and always willing to accommodate extra sessions if these are possible. We are so grateful for everyone at Hilltop!
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Review from Victoria T (Mother of Child) published on 27 September 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff is absolutely amazing. Staff welcomed my son so friendly, they make sure that my son settles well and kept me updated of his settling in process so I wouldn't worry. The whole staff members at the nursery are very welcoming and caring prioritising the child needs and wishes.
A massive thank
you to everyone for their care.
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Review from Laura S (Mother of Child) published on 1 October 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Hilltop is such a friendly and fantastic nursery. Our baby just settled immediately at eleven months and kicks with delight as soon as she sees the nursery. She loves the garden and the staff are so great at spending so much of the day with the children in the garden. The staff are incredibly caring
and our little one loves them. They really provide reassurance and a personal service for you as the parent too. We couldn’t be happier. Being a smaller nursery I really feel like the staff go the extra mile for each and every little one. And the young children really grow in confidence in that environment.
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Review from David R (Father of Child) published on 29 August 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff at the nursery have a brilliant understanding of my child's needs and understand the importance of challenging them. They use the outdoor space really well and have a good staff balance between senior members and trainers (staff in education). I also really like the communication between staff
and parents by using the Famly app which means I can have fast and efficient communication.
Reply from Cara Mitchell at Hilltop Nursery
Thank you for taking the time to write such a lovely review,
Kind Regards
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Review from Katie S (Mother of Child) published on 29 August 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son attended Hilltop for two years and loved it, especially the garden with the mud kitchen and active fun and games with nursery children of all ages. He learnt a lot about caring for others from being with them. He was sad to leave friends and lovely teachers to start big school! The staff went
out of their way to be friendly, helpful and accommodating. The flexibility of each day is greater than any nursery I know of and very welcome for some days when work or other personal commitments need it. The door is now open for my youngest son who will be doing some stay and play sessions when I work on-site and I am confident he will also be very happy there. There are other sites around Sussex too if they suit your location better.
Reply from Cara Mitchell at Hilltop Nursery
Thank you for taking the time to write such a lovely review,
Kind Regards
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Review from Richard P (Father of Child) published on 29 August 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Hilltop provides a fun, caring environment with very open and attentive staff. They were extremely flexible when it came to introducing nursery/transition arrangements for our little one to get used to being left at nursery. It's small so doesn't feel overwhelming and there's a large outdoor space.
The app for invoicing, news, photos, progress reports, communicating with parents etc. is a really useful feature.
Reply from Cara Mitchell at Hilltop Nursery
Thank you for taking the time to write such a wonderful review.
Kind Regards
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Review from Lee (Father of Child) published on 8 August 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This is a great Nursery with a huge variety of activities for the kids to do. The garden also has plenty to do, including a 'mud garden'!
This Nursery is also able to provide flexibility with childcare hours and days, which is really helpful for working parents.
Both my children have attended Hilltop
Nursery over the last 4 years and both have loved it there and especially the staff, who are so welcoming and responsive to each child's different needs.
I would definitely recommend this Nursery to any parent.
Reply from Cara Mitchell, Nursery Business Manager at Hilltop Nursery
Thank you for taking the time to send your review, it’s great to hear such positive feedback.
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Review from Jason P (Father of Child) published on 18 September 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been going to this nursery for about 8 months. She has been very happy her learning has come on really well. The staff are lovely very friendly. Thank you guys so glad we are using you many thanks
Reply from Cara Mitchell at Hilltop Nursery
Thank you for taking the time to make such lovely comments. I will make sure all the team get your review. Kind regards
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Review from Laura L (Mother of Child) published on 20 July 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Hilltop is a wonderful nursery. My son has been attending for 9 months and loves it. The staff are engaging, enthusiastic and caring. My son took a while to settle as it was his first experience and childcare and all the staff were so patient with him. I would not hesitate to recommend Hilltop Nursery.
We are more than happy we found this nursery.
Reply from Cara Mitchell at Hilltop Nursery
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback and review. This will be passed onto the nursery and staff. Kind regards
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Review from Nadia a (Mother of Child) published on 26 March 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both my children (son now 7, daughter 4) have attended Hilltop Nursery from a very young age and have both loved it. The staff are amazing- nurturing, fun and engaging. The setting is small enough not to feel overwhelming for very little ones and the green outdoor garden is a fantastic space to play.
Hilltop has been a wonderful environment for my little ones and would thoroughly recommend.
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Review from Suzanne A (Mother of Child) published on 26 March 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son is very happy at Hilltop. The staff are warm and welcoming. It has a very friendly caring atmosphere and great outdoor space.
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Review from Stephanie R (Mother of Child) published on 23 February 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We are very pleased with Hilltop Nursery. Our sons love it there and the staff are fantastic.
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Review from Liz R (Mother of Child) published on 24 January 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both my boys are at Hilltop Nursery and they love it. The staff ensure that the nursery has a loving and warm atmosphere. The children are all cared for excellently and made to feel special. The nursery has a lovely family feel to it. I would highly recommend.
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Current Review Score: 8.7 (8.675)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 8.7 (8.675) out of 10 for Hilltop Nursery is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.7 out of 5 from 3 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 3.9 out of 5 from 3 positive Reviews in the last 24 months.

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

The maximum Review Score for a Day Nursery is 10, which is made up from the Average Rating of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) and the Number of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) in the last 24 months:

  1. 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months. The Average Rating of 4.743 for Hilltop Nursery is calculated as follows: ( (27 Excellents x 5) + (7 Goods x 4) + (1 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 35 Ratings = 4.743
  2. 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5'). The 3.932 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Hilltop Nursery is based on 3 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    1. 4 points are available for the first 10 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, and then 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews and then 0.1 Points for the next five Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.100, 7th = 0.100, 8th = 0.100, 9th = 0.100, 10th = 0.100) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 = 3.25
    2. 1 point is available for the number of Positive Reviews reaching 20% of the number of registered child places in the last 24 months. If this number is partially reached, then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Day Nursery registered for a maximum of 50 child places has to reach 10 Positive Reviews to receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews it will receive 0.7 points. 20% of the 22 number of registered child places is 4.4. 3 Positive Reviews ÷ 4.4 = 0.682
  3. When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.
  4. If a Day Nursery does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Child Vacancies

Please contact us for latest vacancies.

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Awards / Recognitions (1)

Meet the Team (8)

Cara

Cara Mitchell

Job Title: Nursery Finance Manager Joined: 1993

I have worked within the nurseries since 1993.


I have an NNEB (Nursery Nursing Education Board) which I gained in 1986. I have also completed PTLLS (Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector) 2019 which I really enjoyed. This training helped me gain a huge passion for the education of the apprentices within our teams.


I am the finance manager of all 3 of the SCFT Nurseries.

Janet

Janet Jones

Job Title: Nursery Business Manager Joined: 1992

I have worked within the nurseries since 1992 with a break to gain my degree BA(Hons) in Sociology and social policy and experience within Safeguarding and the community.
Therefore, I am the Safeguarding & Prevent Lead for all the nurseries.


I have a NAMCW - (National Association for Maternal and Child Welfare) a BA (Hons) in Sociology and social policy, and a PTLLS (Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector) so I have a huge input to the education of all the apprentices.

Lauren

Lauren Fairhall

Job Title: Nursery Manager Joined: 2012

I have worked within the nurseries since 2012. I have a BTEC National Diploma Level 3 Childcare Learning and Development at Vardean College, Brighton (gained 2012).
I did my work experience in the Nurseries and liked it so much I wanted to work there.


I work in the preschool room. I really enjoy supporting and ensuring the children are 'school ready'.


We do lots of fun exciting activities to help with development, build friendships and encourage independency

Sharon

Sharon Mohns

Job Title: Nursery Nurse Joined: 2018

I have worked in the Nurseries since 2018. I am currently working towards a CACHE Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People workforce, (Early Learning in Childcare).


I have 36 years experience as a qualified Hairdresser but decided to change to a career I love and it's the best decision I have ever made.


I love working with the children, we have lots of fun every day. I have a strong relationship with the parents and our nursery app ensures that we have good communication throughout the day. Parents are also able to send photos and messages about family events to ensure the cohesive environment.

Lauren

Lauren Loithen

Job Title: Nursery Nurse Level 2 Joined: 2019

I have worked in the Nurseries since 2019. I am working towards a CACHE Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People workforce, (Early Learning in Childcare).


I really enjoy seeing the children start as tiny babies and develop and grow into strong, caring, kind individuals who have all the tools ready to start education.

Sara

Sara Dunn

Job Title: Team Leader Nursery Nurse Joined: 2010

I have worked within the nurseries since 2012. I have a BTEC National Diploma Level 3 Childcare Learning and Development at Vardean College, Brighton (gained 2012).
I did my work experience in the Nurseries and liked it so much I wanted to work there.


I work in the preschool room. I really enjoy supporting and ensuring the children are 'school ready'.


We do lots of fun exciting activities to help with development, build friendships and encourage independency.

Sandy

Sandy Smee

Job Title: Nursery Nurse Joined: 1994

I have worked in the Nurseries since 1994. I have a level 3 childcare qualification

Courtney

Courtney James

Job Title: Nursery Nurse Level 2 Joined: 2019

I have worked in the Nurseries since 2019. I am working towards a CACHE Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People workforce, (Early Learning in Childcare) while working within the nurseries.

Frequently Asked Questions about Hilltop Nursery

What is the Age Range of Children that Hilltop Nursery accepts?

Hilltop Nursery accepts Children aged from 0 years 3 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Hilltop Nursery Open?

Hilltop Nursery 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 Hilltop Nursery have capacity for?

Hilltop Nursery has capacity for a total of 22 Children.

How far is Hilltop Nursery to the centre of Brighton?

0.9 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 Hilltop Nursery to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Hilltop Nursery has an Enhanced Service - more info.