Growing Up Green Nursery

208 Preston Road, Preston, Brighton BN1 6RA
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9.8 50 Reviews
  • Growing Up Green Nursery, Brighton
Growing Up Green nursery fosters a holistic approach to early childhood development, emphasising the well-being of each child through nurturing care, curiosity-driven learning, and a commitment to sustainability. The dedicated team creates a warm, inclusive environment where children aged from birth to five years are encouraged to explore, learn, and grow at their own pace. With a focus on building strong relationships, the nursery ensures that every child feels valued and supported. Through organic meals, environmental awareness, and a curriculum that balances structured activities with creative play, Growing Up Green nurtures confident, independent learners ready to embark on their educational journey.

Staff are skilled and experienced, equipped to achieve best practice and up-to-date with key EYFS and Ofsted goals.
The Preston Road Nursery is the closest Day Nursery to Preston Park station, with flexible opening hours from 7:30 AM, making it perfect for stress free drop offs and collections!

Type of Service

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

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Emma Somenzi (Nursery Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 17

Total Places for Children

  • 59

Age Range

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

Funding & Fees

  • Prices for 9 month - 2 year old-Funded
    1 full day: £40.80/month- using 10 hours of funding/week
    2 full days: £81.60/month- using 20 hours of funding/week
    3 full days: £375.70/month- using the full entitlement of 22 hours of funding/ week
    4 full days: £692.33/month- using the full entitlement of 22 hours of funding/ week
    5 full days: £908.15/month-using the full entitlement of 22 hours of funding/week


    Hourly rate: £7.45
    Food: £9.60/day


    3 year old funding prices:
    1 full day: £129.55 /month- using 8 hours of funding/week
    2 full days: £259.08/month-using 16 hours of funding/week
    3 full days : £485.00/ month-using full entitlement of 22 hours of funding/week
    4 full days: £795.00/month- using full entitlement of 22 hours of funding /week
    5 full days: £1028.50/month-using full entitlement of 22 hours of funding/week


    Hourly rate: £10.25
    Food: £9.60/day
    Enhanced curriculum: £8.00/day


    Non funded Fees:
    1 day/ week - £318.75
    2 days/ week - £637.50
    3 days/ week - £956.25
    4 days/ week - £1275.00
    5 days/ week - £1514.06
    These fees include all food/consumables/cotton bottom nappies/sun cream.

  • The standard 15 or 30 hours of funding is stretched over 51 weeks, allowing a maximum of 11 hours ( if only eligible for the 15 hours of funding- this applies to 3 year old's only) or 22 hours (if eligible for the full 30 hours of funding) per week.


    Our daily price for food includes all snacks/organic milk/lunch and dinner- we source predominately organic produce when and where possible.


    All our meals are lovingly prepared on-site by our experienced, full time chef. She uses fresh, high quality ingredients to create a delicious and nutritious range of snacks, lunches and dinners.


    We cater for all dietary needs and preferences. Our menus change seasonally to offer variety and reflect the best of what each season has to offer.


    Enhanced curriculum ( 3 year old's only)
    We offer a range of enriching extras that are not covered by the government funding such as:
    Trips/ Music Mike/Yoga/Forest School /sun cream- these are just some of the many added experiences we provide to enhance your child's learning and enjoyment at nursery.


    We offer funded only places, depending on availability and on our quieter days, please contact the office for further information.

Opening Times

  • Monday 07:15-18:00
    Tuesday 07:15-18:00
    Wednesday 07:15-18:00
    Thursday 07:15-18:00
    Friday 07:15-18:00

When Closed

  • Bank Holidays & Christmas time

Parking

  • Parents, Carers and Visitor can park on Harrington Road and Knoyle road which are adjacent to the nursery. There are parking restriction during the hours of 9am until 10 am and 2pm until 3pm.

9.8

Growing Up Green Nursery has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.847) out of 10, based on 12 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Growing Up Green Nursery has 50 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Reviewer Connection to Growing Up Green Nursery
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Review from Lee M (Father of Child) published on 3 December 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Growing Up Green really feels like an extension of our family and network. Our daughter talks about all the aunties like they are her friends, and this extends to all the members of staff, even members who do not have direct contact through her classes; all know her little personality, and she talks
about them around our dinner table. When we move through transitions (whether moving up rooms or emotional milestones), we are delighted most days with photos and detailed accounts of what the class got up to, and how our daughter interacts and grows. The amenities are amazing, but it's the people who make it our community.
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Review from Michael J (Father of Child) published on 3 December 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The Growing Up Green staff are fantastic and so creative with what activities the kids are doing each day. There is a lovely atmosphere within the whole nursery, and the individual care we have experienced with both our kids has been exceptional. There is a lovely outdoor space in the summer that our
kids love tearing around in!
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Review from M B (Father of Child) published on 3 December 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
All of the staff & management at Growing Up Green Preston Park are wonderful: very professional at all times, but also very personable and friendly with a genuine interest in our daughters' development and wellbeing. We have been incredibly impressed with GUG since our daughter started here, and we
feel very grateful to have such a fantastic nursery in our neighbourhood. :)
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Review from Sarah F (Mother of Child) published on 3 December 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both of my daughters attended Growing Up Green Preston Road at some point. Both loved it. Currently, my youngest is attending and has been there for just over a year. She started in teenies and was immediately at home. Recently, she moved to toddlers, and if anything, loves it more. Growing Up Green
is a lovely, nurturing, educational environment, and we love it.
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Review from Jenny A (Mother of Child) published on 3 December 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Really friendly and caring staff, especially in the toddlers' room.
Great outdoor space.
Very pleased with food selections.
App is updated regularly.
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Review from F G (Mother of Child) published on 13 November 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our children have been at this nursery for a while and have spent time in three of the four rooms, and we can honestly say the staff have been fantastic in all of them. Every room has a warm, welcoming atmosphere, and the team put so much effort into creative and engaging activities that our kids absolutely
love.
The garden is brilliant, and the children get to spend lots of time exploring and playing outside.
Emma, the manager, is always available when needed, and she's a great listener. She's positive, welcoming, and really helps create the lovely atmosphere the nursery is known for.
Another bonus is that food is provided for every meal of the day, which makes life much easier and our children enjoy it.
Overall, we are genuinely very pleased with everything. Our children are happy, supported, and thriving here, and we are very grateful for the wonderful care they receive. We highly recommend this nursery to anyone looking for a safe, loving, and creative place for their child.
Reply from Emma Somenzi, Manager at Growing Up Green Nursery
Thank you so much for your kind words! It's wonderful to hear that your family has settled in so well at GUG. Seeing your children move confidently into the next room and enjoy their time at the…read more
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Review from Jami E (Mother of Child) published on 29 October 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Growing Up Green is such a wholesome and nurturing nursery - we couldn't be happier with the care and attention our child receives. The staff are warm, thoughtful, and genuinely passionate about helping each child grow with confidence and curiosity. The eco-friendly ethos and beautiful environment make
it a calm, inspiring place to learn and play. Our son comes home full of stories, positive conversations, and smiles, which says it all! Communication is excellent, and the whole team make you feel welcomed. We're so grateful to have found Growing Up Green - it's a truly special place that gives children the best possible start in a rustic and organic way.
Reply from Emma Somenzi, Manager at Growing Up Green Nursery
Thank you so much, Jami, for your wonderful words and for taking the time to share your experience with Growing Up Green. We're so happy to hear how happy he is and that you feel so supported and…read more
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Review from Lucy A (Mother of Child) published on 28 October 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter joined in the preschool class. We have been very happy with the aunties, the management, the organisation and activities.
You can tell the staff really cares about the work they do and there is so much passion.
There is always a really positive lovely vibe when we drop her off.
Our
daughter is so happy and thriving and this is all thanks for the amazing aunties!
Reply from Emma Somenzi, Manager at Growing Up Green Nursery
Hi Lucy,
Thank you so much for your kind words and for taking the time to share your feedback. We're absolutely delighted to hear that she is happy, thriving, and enjoying her time in the preschool…
read more
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Review from Raphaelle C (Mother of Child) published on 24 October 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Absolutely wonderful nursery!
Both of my children have been part of the Growing Up Green family - my eldest started at 8 months and stayed right through until school, and my youngest is currently attending and just as happy.
What stands out most for me is how professional, caring, and genuinely lovely
the staff are. It's clear they put so much thought and effort into every part of the day, and I've always felt confident that my children are in safe and nurturing hands.
I can't recommend Growing Up Green highly!!
Reply from Emma Somenzi, Manager at Growing Up Green Nursery
Thank you so much for your kind words Raphaelle! It's been (and still is) an absolute pleasure to watch both of your children grow and thrive as part of the Growing Up Green family. We're so grateful…read more
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Review from Dinu S (Father of Child) published on 6 October 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son joined GUG 2 Toddlers when he was just 2 years old and did not speak any English at the time. The GUG team put in so much effort to help him settle in, and with their patience and dedication, he gradually grew into a confident and happy little bilingual boy, ready for reception. His time at GUG
truly laid the foundation for him to come out of his shell, and today he is thriving and absolutely delighted at his new school. We are deeply grateful to the entire GUG team for their support and care.
Reply from Emma Somenzi, Nursery Manager at Growing Up Green Nursery
Thank you so much for your heartfelt message - it truly means so much to all of us at GUG.We've loved every moment of having him with us since he first joined our Toddler Room. Watching him blossom…read more
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Review from Loukia P (Mother of Child) published on 15 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have been so thankful to Growing Up Green for taking care of my daughter from the age of 9 months up until her reception year at school. I was quite emotional on her last day, as it felt like she was leaving her extended family.
The aunties have been absolutely fantastic and have done a brilliant
job preparing her for the transition to school. I always felt confident dropping her off, knowing she would have a fun and fulfilling day.
The aunties are nurturing, attentive to each child's individual needs and always happy to talk to you about your child's progress. Each day was filled with engaging and fun activities to the point that it was often a struggle to get her to leave the nursery at the end of the day.
I sincerely thank them for taking such wonderful care of my child and cannot recommend them highly enough.
Reply from Emma Somenzi, Nursery Manager at Growing Up Green Nursery
Thank you so much for your beautiful words - they genuinely touched us all.We're so glad to hear that you always felt confident leaving her in our care - that trust means everything. The team work so…read more
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Review from S H (Mother of Child) published on 15 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both of my children have attended Growing Up Green and have thrived in the setting. The nursery has provided a nurturing environment and allowed them to form strong bonds with staff and other children. The outdoor space and on site chef are real bonuses. The management team are friendly and responsive.
I
would highly recommend this nursery.
Reply from Emma Somenzi, Nursery Manager at Growing Up Green Nursery
Thank you so much for your kind words its been such a pleasure to have both of your children as part of our Growing Up Green family over the years.Weve loved watching them grow, learn, and thrive…read more
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Review from Francesca I (Mother of Child) published on 6 August 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Fantastic nursery with wonderful caring and nurturing staff and excellent management. We are really grateful for the excellent care our son has received. His key worker has been amazing and all the staff are experienced and really care about the children.
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Review from C W (Mother of Child) published on 25 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Growing up Green was our son's second nursery setting and we couldn’t have felt more pleased, reassured and positive about his move two years ago. He’s grown up with the nursery, his wonderful key workers and the staff team as a whole. He is always so happy going in and just as happy coming out. We
know he has heaps of fun as well as developmental and educational input from his very experienced key workers every day that he attends. Communication is great between us and the nursery which definitely helps. They are compassionate, helpful, skilled and very knowledgable. Let alone dedicated and hard-working throughout the pandemic! We are so grateful to all the staff team, especially his amazing key workers!
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Review from Olivia K (Mother of Child) published on 16 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Growing Up Green is a lovely nursery where my twin boys attend. One of my children has health needs and needs medical equipment, so I was very nervous about him attending nursery. I was worried that he would not be able to participate in activities in the same way as other children. Growing Up Green
were extremely reassuring and took time to understand his needs. He is treated the same as anybody else and has thrived at nursery. He shows me, with pride, the dance moves he has learnt to nursery rhymes, or just how good his stacking skills have gotten.
The staff at Growing Up Green have really gotten to know my boys – who, despite being identical, are very different. I have never felt that they have been treated as the same person, or had it assumed they would like the same things.
They are extremely comfortable at nursery and are always excited to arrive at the front doors. The staff are warm and kind and I feel reassured knowing my sons are in safe hands.
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Review from Katie M (Mother of Child) published on 15 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have just moved over from Spain and joined our son at this lovely nursery. From day one staff have been so accommodating, helpful and just generally lovely.
My son loves his teachers and thoroughly enjoys his sessions, always asking when he’s next going in!
Thanks so much to everyone at Growing
Up Green Nursery for welcoming us in.
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Review from Clare T (Mother of Child) published on 20 April 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We are so pleased with the care, activities and environment at Growing Up Green Nursery, as is our son who is always happy and excited for his nursery days! It was and is really important to us to have a “home from home” environment for his childcare and we are so pleased to of found it here. The fact
we walk past four other nurseries to get there also says a lot! The brilliant big outdoor space made us decide to choose this nursery initially, along with the smaller sized baby room in comparison to other nurseries for when he first joined, so it felt the best of both worlds. The aunties are wonderful, caring and he always has a lovely day full a variety.
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Review from Rachel M (Mother of Child) published on 3 April 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child started at the beginning of the year and was a real lockdown baby, I feared nursery had their work cut out but he has settled in beautifully and seems to enjoy being there a lot. He has already come back with some paintings and each week the baby activities are shared, they look varied and
interesting. He has also started to pick things up from nursery, one of the big ones is clapping himself when he does something good, we love this! Would definitely recommend Growing Up Green Nursery.
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Review from Bernard M (Father of Child) published on 3 April 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have been very happy to send our child to Growing Up Green Nursery these past three years. He is always willing to go there to see his friends and his 'aunties'. The activities are varied, educational and he loves going in the garden. An organisation is only as good as the people there and we really
have to give a special shout out to four members of staff. They are intelligent, kind and caring. As for the food, it is a lovely varied menu and every single day without fail, he has two lots of everything. He loves it, all thanks to one member of staff. In fact, he says he doesn't want to go to school and wants to stay at Growing Up Green Nursery.
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Review from Georgina (Mother of Child) published on 1 April 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I could not sing this nursery's praises enough! Our daughter is a "lockdown" baby and we were so nervous about someone else looking after her and also meeting other children, especially after it just being the three of us for all her life. The staff know what they are doing, even from the first contact
to enquire they were the only nursery who made me feel completely at ease from the start. Our daughter had no tears or anything on her first day, and if anything, now hates when we collect her, I think that says it all about the care the children receive. I am impressed with the flexibility of them to assist you with any questions or requests quickly, their administration is efficient and accurate also which is also an important factor. You can see how well the children are looked after and the staff are always happy which also says a lot about a nursery. I'm so glad I was recommended them!
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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.847)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.847) out of 10 for Growing Up Green Nursery is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.8 out of 5 from 12 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 12 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 4.847 for Growing Up Green Nursery is calculated as follows: ( (123 Excellents x 5) + (20 Goods x 4) + (1 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 144 Ratings = 4.847
  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 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Growing Up Green Nursery is based on 12 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 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 4
    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 59 number of registered child places is 11.8, which has been reached with 12 Positive reviews. Points = 1
  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)

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Meet the Team (4)

Emma

Emma Somenzi

Job Title: Nursery Manager Joined: 2024

Hello, I’m Emma, the Nursery Manager at Growing Up Green. I’m originally from Italy and have been living in Brighton since 2016 — a city I now proudly call home. I have over 8 years of experience in childcare, working with children aged 5 months to 4 years, and I joined the Growing Up Green family in January 2024.


My passion for childcare began at an early age. Growing up in a big Italian family, I was surrounded by nieces and cousins from when I was just three years old. Being part of their lives inspired me to turn this love into a career. I particularly enjoy building strong bonds with children and parents during settling-in periods, and tailoring activities to each child’s interests to help them grow in confidence, curiosity, and independence.


As Nursery Manager, I’m equally passionate about supporting and developing my team. I believe that nurturing staff growth, sharing knowledge, and creating a collaborative environment are essential for providing the best care and learning experiences for every child.


Outside of work, I love reading, going to the cinema, and treating myself occasionally to a spa day with my husband or friends.

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Clare Crosby-Adams

Job Title: Nursery Proprietor Joined: 2010

I have been the co-owner of Growing Up Green Nurseries since we opened our doors in 2005.


Childcare has always been a central part of my life- I grew up living above a nursery owned by my family, which gave me a real love and understanding of Early Years from a very young age. That early experience stayed with me and shaped the path I have followed ever since.


After earning my Bachelor of Education (Bed Hons) from Nottingham Trent University, I went on to teach overseas for several years, broadening my perspective and deepening my understanding of different educational approaches.
On returning to the UK, I opened my first nursery in Cambridgeshire before relocating to Brighton in 2004 to start my family and pursue my vision of opening a nursery in the area.


Founding Growing Up Green has allowed me to combine my personal experience, professional training and passion for creating nurturing, enriching environments where children can truly thrive. It has been a real privilege to create a space where children feel safe, happy and inspired to learn every day.

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Adey Blackwell

Job Title: Nursery Owner Joined: 2005

I have been the co-owner of Growing Up Green Nurseries since we opened our first setting in 2005, following the birth of my first child.


I began my pathway into education and childcare when I started my teaching degree at the University of Brighton. After spending time travelling and teaching abroad, I returned to work in London as a primary school teacher, where I took on subject leadership in the Early Years with specialisms in Literacy and the Arts.


Moving back to Brighton in 2000 with a wealth of experience from working in a challenging inner-city school, I took on a senior management role within the largest first and middle school in Sussex, leading the Early Years team and lower school. I progressed to a deputy headteacher role and coordinated the SEND and Inclusion provision.


Stepping away from mainstream teaching and leadership to create an independent nursery environment at Growing Up Green has been an incredibly fulfilling endeavour. It enabled me to put my years of early years and management experience into something that I felt truly passionate about. This led to creating an enriching learning environment, developing a child-led curriculum, inspiring staff to look for awe and wonder and building a strong, nurturing community for our children, parents and staff.

India

India Smith

Job Title: Deputy Manager Joined: 2025

Hello, I'm India, and I am currently the Deputy Manager at Growing Up Green.


I have 7 years of experience in childcare, and 5 of those years have been with Growing Up Green, where I started my apprenticeship at 17 and haven't stopped since!


I love my job because I have a passion to care for children and find such joy in watching them grow and reach all their little and big milestones.


Outside of work, I enjoy going on walks with my dog and spending time with friends and family.

Frequently Asked Questions about Growing Up Green Nursery

What is the Age Range of Children that Growing Up Green Nursery accepts?

Growing Up Green Nursery accepts Children aged from 0 years 5 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Growing Up Green Nursery Open?

Growing Up Green Nursery is open: Monday 07:15-18:00, Tuesday 07:15-18:00, Wednesday 07:15-18:00, Thursday 07:15-18:00, Friday 07:15-18:00.

How many Children does Growing Up Green Nursery have capacity for?

Growing Up Green Nursery has capacity for a total of 59 Children.

How far is Growing Up Green Nursery to the centre of Brighton?

1.3 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 Growing Up Green Nursery to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Growing Up Green Nursery has an Enhanced Service - more info.