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Growing Up Green Nursery

208 Preston Road, Preston, Brighton, East Sussex BN1 6RA
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Growing Up Green Nursery, Brighton
Growing Up Green Nursery, Brighton
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...  

Type of Service

  • Day Nursery

Opening Schedule

Open all year

Full days available

Yes

Half day sessions offered

Yes

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

Opening Times

  • Monday07:15-18:00
  • Tuesday07:15-18:00
  • Wednesday07:15-18:00
  • Thursday07:15-18:00
  • Friday07:15-18:00

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.

Funding & Fees

Over 3’s with 22 hrs Funding prices:

1 day £129.55 per month

2 days £259.08 per month

Under 3’s with 22 hrs Funding prices:

1 day £40.80
2 days £81.60
3 days £375.70

For shorter Days and term-time only options, please contact the office.

Contact Growing Up Green Nursery to get a personalised quote:

Growing Up Green Nursery Reviews (59)

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9.9

Growing Up Green Nursery has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.857) out of 10, based on 21 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Growing Up Green Nursery has 59 reviews.

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Review from M H (Mother of Child) published on 27 July 2026 Submitted via Postal Card•
Overall Experience

My daughter has been developing so many new skills since starting at GUG, I'm so impressed with how many new words she's showing us. It is great to see her settling in so well and getting more and more confident at each drop off. Trinity has been such a brilliant support for my girl, and I feel so grateful for the bond that they have formed.

↩Reply from Emma Somenzi, Manager at Growing Up Green Nursery

Thank you so much for the lovely feedback! We loved to hear how your little one and yourself are enjoying GUG!

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Review from Nicki G (Mother of Child) published on 24 July 2026 Submitted via Postal Card•
Overall Experience

GUG has been a brilliant nursery for our daughter. The care has been outstanding. The setting is also great, and the creative activities are so thoughtful, interesting and varied.

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Review from Jake E (Father of Child) published on 24 July 2026 Submitted via Postal Card•
Overall Experience
I could not be happier with the care that our child receives from Faith! Faith is kind, passionate and patient with our child. She creates such a warm, safe and nurturing environment.

I have noticed such a positive development in our child's confidence, social skills and happiness. Thank you so much for your dedication, care and the love you show for my child. I truly appreciate everything you do!

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Review from L H (Mother of Child) published on 17 July 2026 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience

Staff all so wonderful - our daughter has loved it from day one! Faith is our daughters main carer and she is just fantastic and has worked so hard to make sure she settled in well and enjoys herself every day

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Review from Jonathan M (Father of Child) published on 1 June 2026 Submitted via Postal Card•
Overall Experience

We've had an excellent experience in Toddlers and Pre-School. Our daughter loves coming to nursery. Also impressed with process of settling our son into baby room. Thanks.

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Review from Alice N (Mother of Child) published on 1 June 2026 Submitted via Postal Card•
Overall Experience

We moved our son at 3 yo and he joined the preschool. He will have been here 2 years as he starts school. He loved it from the start. The staff have remained pretty much the same and he has had 1 consistent key worker. The outside space is amazing and the staff know our son so well and encourage him.

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Review from Ewa M (Mother of Child) published on 1 June 2026 Submitted via Postal Card•
Overall Experience

A lovely, caring nursery with wonderful staff. My daughter was always happy there and grew so much in confidence and learning. I am very grateful for all the support and care GUG give her.

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Review from C S (Mother of Child) published on 1 June 2026 Submitted via Postal Card•
Overall Experience

We have enjoyed our time at GUG. The outside space is very good. The staff are very friendly and kind. Our daughter and son have been very happy here.

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Review from V B (Mother of Child) published on 15 May 2026 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience

I can only describe Growing Up Green as a home away from home. Everyone there is loving, nurturing and gentle and my son is so happy there. They are responsive and caring and create a family environment for everyone there.

↩Reply from Emma Somenzi, Manager at Growing Up Green Nursery

Thank you for this review! We really appreciate it!

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Review from Lee M (Father of Child) published on 3 December 2025 Submitted via Postal Card•
Overall Experience

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•
Overall Experience

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•
Overall Experience

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•
Overall Experience

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•
Overall Experience
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•
Overall Experience
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 setting is exactly what we love to see!

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Review from Jami E (Mother of Child) published on 29 October 2025 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience

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 welcomed by our team. We love having you as part of our Growing Up Green family.

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Review from Lucy A (Mother of Child) published on 28 October 2025 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
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 room!

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Review from Raphaelle C (Mother of Child) published on 24 October 2025 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
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 for your trust and support over the years, and it means a lot to hear that you feel confident and...  

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Review from Dinu S (Father of Child) published on 6 October 2025 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience

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 from a quiet little boy into the confident, cheerful, bilingual star he is today has been such a joy...  

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Review from S H (Mother of Child) published on 15 September 2025 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
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 with us, and it means a great deal to know that youve felt so supported throughout their time here....  

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Meet the Team (4)

Emma Somenzi
Emma SomenziJob Title:Nursery ManagerJoined: 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.

Clare Crosby-Adams
Clare Crosby-AdamsJob Title:Nursery ProprietorJoined: 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.

Adey Blackwell
Adey BlackwellJob Title:Nursery OwnerJoined: 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 Smith
India SmithJob Title:Deputy ManagerJoined: 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.