Sustainable,
Plant-Based Kindergarten in Hove
Where children grow, explore and thrive, naturally
We offer a sustainable approach to Early Years childcare and education for children 0-5 years
Nature, food and children’s emotional well-being are at the heart of everything we do.
Every day at Young Friends is different, and we all have tremendous fun, spending as much time as possible outdoors, learning through genuine child-initiated play as the children follow their creative instincts and interests.
Come and see the difference it makes.
Our Kindergarten
Our Approach to Early Years Education
Values-led education rooted in sustainability, where every child is respected, listened to and supported.
Our Environment
Every space, from a welcoming home to a woodland garden , is set up to inspire curiosity, support independence and give children real experiences in the real world.
How Children Learn
Discovery, exploration, and play. Children learn by doing, supported by adults who know how to extend curiosity and thinking.
Our Plant-Based Kitchen
Fresh, homemade and fully plant-based. Every meal is cooked on-site from real ingredients. Children also grow some of their own food in our kitchen garden.
Working in Partnership with Families
Working closely with families to create a consistent, respectful and supportive experience for every child.
Safeguarding & High Standards
Safeguarding is central to everything we do; with clear systems, strong leadership and team that holds itself to high standards in both education and care.
YOung Friends sustAinable Approach
A Different Model of Early Years Education
Young Friends was intentionally created as a sustainable and ethical model of early years education.
As a plant-based kindergarten in Hove, sustainability shapes everything we do, from the food we serve to how children learn and how our environment is cared for.
We believe that nature and community both have a central role in the early years. Children learn best by doing, by being curious, by getting their hands dirty and by being around adults who are genuinely interested in them.
At Young Friends, children don’t visit nature occasionally.
They live in it, look after it, question it and begin to understand why it matters.
Visit Us
Visit Our Kindergarten in Hove
The best way to understand what makes Young Friends special is to experience it
You’ll see children who are engaged, calm and deeply involved in meaningful play.
You’ll meet a welcoming team that loves what they do.
And you’ll get a proper sense of whether it’s right for your family.
We offer open visits and are always happy to answer questions.
Get in touch and we’ll find a time that suits you.
Award-winning and outstanding Early Years education and care
Nursery of the Year 2026
We are incredibly proud to have won both the NDNA Nursery of the Year – South and overall Nursery of the Year for the entire UK.
Winner Nursery Food Award 2026
We are delighted to be awarded the Nursery World Food Award 2026. Plant-based, nutritious meals is how we’ve always done it so it’s wonderful to have it recognised.
Outstanding in all areas since 2010
It means a great deal to us that we’ve received an Outstanding score in every Ofsted inspection since we opened.
Parent Testimonials
Here you’ll find writing about the things that matter to us: how children learn, what they eat, and why we do things the way we do.
Whether you’re new to Young Friends or already part of our community, there’s plenty to explore.
Nursery of the Year at the NDNA Awards 2026
Baby Friendly Chickpea Patties
