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 Susie F (Mother of Child) published on 1 April 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I’ve had two kids at Growing Up Green and both have loved it! Having 4 age group classes means the kids are with others their age. The staff go out of their way to make really exciting and engaging activities for the kids, no matter how messy! The staff are the kindest and most hard-working individuals,
they have a clear passion for their work and the kids all love them. The space is great, with healthy meals and a lovely garden. They’ve coped with Covid really well too. I couldn’t recommend them more!
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Review from Charlotte W (Mother of Child) published on 31 March 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have two children at GUG, my boy had been at a previous setting where he cried daily and was described as ‘mute’. We moved to the area and tentatively booked him and his sister into GUG. The transformation has been incredible. He’s smiley, chatty and asks to go every day. They have a wonderful array
of activities and we get sent photos all the time and daily feedback cards. The ‘aunties’ (I mean how cute is that) are really kind and patient. There’s just so much thought put into everything, even the food is good and interesting for them. It’s been a joy for both kids to come home full of smiles and chatting about their new friends.
GUG is a wonderful place.
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Review from Nelia M (Mother of Child) published on 31 March 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter started at Growing Up Green at 15 months old she has been through the baby room, tennis, toddler and she is now in the preschool room. The staff are wonderful and extremely supportive with progressing learning developments. The nursery has taught my daughter how to behave and be kind when
playing with others, respect other's spaces and also supported her with her potty training. I am so grateful that I choose Growing Up Green my daughter has developed extremely well from being a little baby not even able to walk to now fluently speaking English and having the support to push her to be speaking another language. The nursery have encouraged mathematics through play and reading time. This has really driven my daughter to be very interested in stories and learning through play.
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Review from Alison D (Mother of Child) published on 6 August 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We've been more than happy with the care both of our children have received at Growing Up Green. The staff are attentive and professional. The menu is imaginative and varied and most importantly my children eat the healthy meals and snacks. The outside space is fantastic, with play areas, a secret garden,
bug palace and a small vegetable patch. My children engage in so many fun and educational activities that I would never have the imagination or resources to provide at home. There is a homely, family feel to the place. My children enjoy it and I highly recommend it.
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Review from Derek C (Father of Child) published on 6 August 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have been extremely happy with Growing up Green (Preston Road) over the past few years - they provide a caring, helpful, friendly, relaxed, outdoorsy environment, where both of our children feel safe and happy all year round. The staff are a delight! we've built up a great rapport with many staff:
they are chatty and informative and have provided a wonderful experience for our children. We would wholly recommend it there!
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Review from Emma M (Mother of Child) published on 30 July 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
An amazing and loving environment for my children to be looked after and learn in. The staff are kind and give informative feedback.
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Review from Emma P (Mother of Child) published on 29 July 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both of my children have loved going to Growing Up Green. They joined when we moved to Brighton, but settled in very quickly. The staff are supportive and interested in the children's individual development and I have been impressed at the care that they have provided to my children.
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Review from Sarah C (Mother of Child) published on 29 July 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son is in the baby room and absolutely loves it. The room is fab and the aunties are amazing. He is always having fun and loves the food.
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Review from Adam B (Father of Child) published on 24 July 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
They are a great nursery, really friendly staff and provide a very stimulating and secure environment for the children.
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Review from Jennifer P (Mother of Child) published on 24 July 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Since our son started at Growing Up Green this year, he is more relaxed and content within himself. His process with speech, play and interaction has improved immensely in just a couple of months. He is happy to go into nursery and also happy after I pick him up. He shows no signs of anxiety and tells
me all the things he’s done that day which he loves.
The staff are exceptional and truly care for each child’s needs. My son can’t get enough of the huge garden and eats salmon and mackerel which he wouldn’t eat previously. I can’t fault this nursery, we are extremely happy parents with a very happy little boy who’s coming on leaps and bounds!
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Review from Georgina (Mother of Child) published on 23 July 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We've been so happy with Growing Up Green Nursery, they take care of our daughter so well and clearly care very much for her. All of the Aunty's and Uncles know her name and I really like that it's not all just ladies working there. Our daughter has thrived over the past 2 years and it's a huge credit
to the lovely staff. She's made lots of friends and talks about her aunty's all the time. Someone always has the time to talk to me at pick up and I've built a really good relationship with them. It's the people that make a place a happy place and this is certainly true at Growing Up Green Nursery.
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Review from Sadie (Mother of Child) published on 2 November 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son loved every minute here. I felt confident in all the staff.
They are so kind, caring, they all go above and beyond.
Children all have moments that can unsettle a parent and knowing he was here gave me so much comfort. I know whatever was up with him they would help and comfort him.
I was
just as sad as my son was when his time came to an end.
I would highly recommend this place to anyone.
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Review from Stephen C (Father of Child) published on 1 November 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Both my girls loved their time at Growing Up Green and from the baby room through to pre-school they do an excellent job.
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Review from R M (Mother of Child) published on 29 August 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter has been at Growing Up Greem Preston Road for 1 years. From the moment we visited to look around we knew it was the right place for us, its a real home from home. Staff are superb, professional and very caring. Our daughter looks forward to going to nursery and has formed real bonds with
her "aunties" and "uncles" and her friends.
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Review from Patrick O (Father of Child) published on 20 August 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff at Growing Up Green are incredible. Kind, attentive and totally devoted to doing the best for the children and kids. We have had an incredible experience at Growing Up Green and would recommend it to anybody looking to get the best start for their kids.
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Review from Andrew W (Grandfather of Child) published on 20 June 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My grandson loves this nursery. The staff are very professional and skilled in giving him what he needs to enjoy his time there while staying safe at all times.
The feedback is detailed as to what he has done and what he has eaten and his general demeanour which is always to have fun.
The activities
provided for him and how they are presented encouraged him to develop his skills as he explores the various "toys" and games while mixing in with the other children. He really likes the library.
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Review from Anna P (Mother of Child) published on 17 May 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Could not recommend this nursery enough, our eldest has been there 3yrs and now our youngest, and we have moved out of the area but still travel to drop them there. There is always such a good atmosphere when you go in and although there is not loads of outdoor space they make really good use of it
and use it all the time. Could not fault them.
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Review from Jonathan (Father of Child) published on 26 February 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Very professional nursery with good blend of fun play with structured learning and progression to create well rounded little kids - I feel confident that they are doing the best for my son. Most importantly he loves going and has made many friends along the way.
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Review from Alex M (Father of Child) published on 20 February 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our two children have attended Growing up Green over the past 6 years and I could not fault our experience. Both children have loved their time at the nursery with the aunties and uncles of Growing Up Green, developing their educational and social skills ahead of starting school. They have benefitted
from a huge variety of activities and experiences, and grown palettes that now enjoy a wide variety of different healthy foods. We have recommended this nursery to many friends and also to family - with our children’s cousin now also attending.
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Review from Ruth K (Mother of Child) published on 20 February 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son attended this nursery and now my daughter loves it just as much. The staff are amazing without exception. They adore the children they look after and have boundless patience and energy. Everyone is friendly and polite. I cannot recommend Growing Up Green highly enough. Thank you!
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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.

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.