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Hilltop Nursery

Brighton General Hospital, Elm Grove, Hanover, Brighton BN2 3EW
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Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust Logo
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Hilltop Nursery, Brighton
Hilltop Nursery, Brighton
Hilltop Nursery, Brighton

Hilltop Nursery offers children the perfect opportunity to grow in confidence within a safe, nurturing, and fun learning environment.

Conveniently located on the Brighton General Hospital site in a charming, converted bungalow, the nursery has been welcoming families since January 1989. Today, it caters to 23 children per day, aged from 9 months to 5 years.

Baby Room (0–2 Years)


This room is a large, bright play space specifically designed for youngest children....  

Funding & Fees

15hrs and 30 Hours funding can be used within the nursery

Please email the nursery for their fee information.

Contact Hilltop Nursery to get a personalised quote:

Type of Service

  • Day Nursery

Opening Schedule

Open all year

Full days available

Yes

Half day sessions offered

Yes

Person in charge

  • Elissa Ashley (Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 7

Total Places for Children

  • 22

Age Range

  • from 0 years 9 months
  • to 5 years 0 months

Meals Provided

Yes

Meal Types Provided

Breakfast, Dinner / Tea, Lunch, Snacks

Consumables provided

No

Opening Times

  • Monday 08:00-18:00
  • Tuesday 08:00-18:00
  • Wednesday 08:00-18:00
  • Thursday 08:00-18:00
  • Friday 08:00-17:30

When Closed

  • Bank Holidays & 1 week at Christmas

Parking

  • There are nursery parking and dropping off bays.

Hilltop Nursery Reviews (22)

9.1

Hilltop Nursery has a Review Score of 9.1 (9.093) out of 10, based on 4 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Hilltop Nursery has 22 reviews.

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Showing 22 reviews matching selected criteria
Review from Emily S (Mother of Child) published on 18 June 2026 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
Hilltop nursery is a huge part of our family. Our third has just joined and his settling process has been so supportive and caring. Our second is soon to leave and will miss all the staff dearly.
Our eldest still comes in on pick up to say hello to everyone and be welcomed back in.

The outside space is faultless now, the organisation and ease of contacting the staff alongside the daily reports and photos are always gratefully received.

Reply from Janet Jones, Deputy Head of Trust Nurseries at Hilltop Nursery
Thank you for taking the time to write such a lovely review. Its been a pleasure have all of your children at Hilltop Nursery

Kind Regards

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Review from I N (Grandfather of Child) published on 22 August 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

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
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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
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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
Overall Experience

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 giggles!

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Review from Emma D (Mother of Child) published on 17 March 2023 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

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
Overall Experience

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
Overall Experience
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
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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
Overall Experience
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
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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
Overall Experience

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
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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
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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
Overall Experience
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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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We are very pleased with Hilltop Nursery. Our sons love it there and the staff are fantastic.

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Child Vacancies

No Vacancies

Posted: 18 June 2026

We currently have spaces for all age children and have a variety of options available for free-funded, both term time and stretched throughout the year.

News (0) & Events (0)

News

There are no news items for Hilltop Nursery.

Upcoming Events

There are no upcoming events for Hilltop Nursery.

Awards / Recognitions (1)

  • Recipient: Hilltop NurseryDate: Tuesday 30 Apr 2019

Meet the Team (9)

Cara Mitchell Job Title: Head of Trust Nurseries Joined: 1993
Cara Mitchell

I’ve been working within our nurseries since 1993, and I am the Head of Trust Nurseries across all three of our wonderful SCFT sites.

My early years journey began with an NNEB qualification in 1986, and more recently, I completed my PTLLS training in 2019. I absolutely loved this course; it gave me a massive passion for mentoring and supporting the brilliant apprentices across our teams, helping them grow into confident early years professionals.

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

Janet Jones Job Title: Trust Nurseries Operational Lead Joined: 1992
Janet Jones
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.

Anneka Sawyer Job Title: Trust Nurseries Operational Lead Joined: 2006
Anneka Sawyer

I have been a dedicated member of the nursery team since 2006 and am proud to serve as the Trust Nurseries Operational Lead.

In this role, I oversee operations across all three of our Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust (SCFT) nurseries. Over the past two decades, I have loved watching our settings grow, and I remain incredibly passionate about leading our wonderful teams to deliver the highest standard of care and early education for our families.

Elissa Ashley Job Title: Nursery Manager Joined: 2013
Elissa Ashley

I have had the privilege of being the Nursery Manager here since 2025, bringing with me a deep foundation in early years care from my time at Butterfly Nursery, where I worked from 2013.

I absolutely love my role as manager. It is incredibly rewarding to lead such a dedicated team, support our wonderful families, and ensure our nursery is a safe, joyful, and thriving place for children to learn and grow.

Peace Momoh Job Title: Deputy Nursery Manager Joined: 2023
Peace Momoh

I am the Deputy Nursery Manager at Hilltop Nursery, where I also work directly in our preschool room. I am Level 3 qualified in childcare, and my previous experience working at a Montessori nursery has given me invaluable skills in helping children grow and develop.

I am incredibly passionate about using that foundation to foster early independence, helping our pre-schoolers build confidence as they prepare for their next big chapter at school.

Lauren Fairhall Job Title: Nursery Nurse Joined: 2012
Lauren Fairhall

I have been a proud member of the nursery team since 2012, having first fallen in love with the setting during my student work experience. After qualifying with a BTEC National Diploma Level 3 in Childcare Learning and Development from Varndean College, I knew this was exactly where I wanted to build my career.

I am currently based in the 2-year-old room, and I absolutely love supporting the children during this crucial stage of rapid growth and discovery. Together, we dive into plenty of fun, exciting activities designed to boost their development, help them build their very first friendships, and gently encourage their growing independence.

Sharon Mohns Job Title: Nursery Nurse Joined: 2018
Sharon Mohns

After 36 successful years as a qualified hairdresser, I decided to follow my heart and transition into early years education—and it is truly the best decision I have ever made! My journey with the nurseries began in 2018, during which time I proudly completed both my Level 2 and Level 3 CACHE Diplomas for the Children and Young People's Workforce (Early Learning and Childcare) right here with SCFT nurseries.

I am absolutely delighted to be based in the baby room. We ensure every single day is packed with fun, laughter, and nurturing experiences, and I love nothing more than watching our littlest learners grow and thrive.

Lewis Lovekin Job Title: Nursery Nurse Joined: 2024
Lewis Lovekin

I have been part of the team at Hilltop Nursery since 2024. During my time here, I proudly completed my Level 3 childcare qualification, and I am currently based in the preschool room.

I absolutely love working with this age group, and one of my favourite things to do is dive into imaginative play with the children—it is such a wonderful way to spark their creativity, build confidence, and watch their personalities grow.

Chloe Lovatt Job Title: Nursery Nurse Joined: 2017
Chloe Lovatt

I have been part of the team at Hilltop Nursery since returning from my maternity leave, and I am enjoying it greatly

I work part-time in our wonderful baby room, which I absolutely love. Being a parent myself gives me a wonderful connection to our families, and I find it so incredibly rewarding to provide a nurturing, cosy, and fun environment where our littlest ones can thrive and grow.

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 9 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 08:00-17:30.

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.