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Archives: Team members

Katie

Cieran

Cieran Young Friends Kindergarten

Adrian

Ivan

Kindergarten Educator

Sally

Freya

Peggy

Angela

Angela Young Friends Kindergarten

Anne Marie

Sustainability Educator

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🌿 Meet the Team: Welcome Adrian! 🌿 We’re

🌿 Meet the Team: Welcome Adrian! 🌿

We’re pleased to properly introduce another amazing team member to the Young Friends Family👉🏼 Adrian!

Adrian brings a wealth of experience working with children, having spent most of his professional career as a children’s entertainer and teaching assistant. He’s also an actor, with exciting roles in children’s shows like Brainiac and The Polar Express.

Adrian shares our passion for nurturing young minds and inspiring a love for nature:

“I’ve been working with children in various roles such as children’s entertainer and teaching assistant for almost all of my professional career. I’m also an actor and have worked with several children’s shows such as Brainiac and the Polar Express. Young Friends has captured my interest as I believe it provides a unique opportunity for learning and growing, allowing children to nurture and care for our environment and our planet.”

We’re so excited for Adrian to bring his creativity, energy and passion to our kindergarten community.

Please join us in giving him a warm welcome preferably with some 🫶🏼❤️😍👍🏼☺️ comments below!

#MeetTheTeam #YoungFriendsKindergarten #brightonandhove #brightonkids #hovemums #forestschooluk #earlyyearsoutdoor #Childcareprovider #outdoorlearning #LivingWageEmployer

💚 Attention Matters 💚 🫶🏼 At Young Fri

💚 Attention Matters 💚

🫶🏼 At Young Friends Kindergarten, we believe that strong, meaningful connections are key to a child’s development.

That’s why we ensure our children benefit from plenty of one-to-one, high-quality interactions with our dedicated team.

These moments allow our staff to really get to know each child — their interests, strengths, and challenges — helping to build confidence, independence and a love for our community.

By giving children this focused support, we create an environment where they feel valued, heard and inspired to thrive.

We are forever proud of our incredible team of special individuals here at @youngfriendskindergarten 💚🙏🏼

#youngfriendskindergarten #brightonkids #teamwork #ecofriendly #forestschooluk #forestschool #sustainableliving #sustainableeducation #earlyyearseducation #learningoutdoors #outdooreducation

♻️💚 Could you be our next team member? @y

♻️💚 Could you be our next team member?

@youngfriendskindergarten is on the look out for some very special individuals to come and join our Nature Kindergarten in Hove.

Simply use the link below to ‘Express Your Interest’ and we’ll get back to you for a chat about the roles we currently have available.

https://youngfriends.co.uk/join-our-team/

Get in touch with us! We’d love to connect.

#jobvacancy #jobsearch #earlyyearseducation #earlyyearsteacher #brightonkids #hove #childcare #childcareprovider #forestschooluk

How incredible are our team here at @youngfriendsk

How incredible are our team here at @youngfriendskindergarten in #brighton & #hove 💚

Have a look at this reel showing the type of high quality interactions that we pride our team on. We are no ordinary nursery - Young Friends is a Nature Kindergarten in central Hove!

Come and have a look around - Book a tour using the link in the comments below.

AND If you’re interested in working for us - please ‘Express’ your ‘Interest’ using this link 👇🏼👇🏼

https://uk.indeed.com/q-young-friends-nursery-l-brighton-and-hove-jobs.html?vjk=38ce158abaf68590

#hovemums #earlyyearsoutdoors #forestschooluk #kindergarten #nursery #youngfriendskindergarten #brightonkids #booknow

👩🏻🧕🏼HIRING NOW 👨🏽🧔🏼 ✨ L

👩🏻🧕🏼HIRING NOW 👨🏽🧔🏼

✨ Lead Early Years Educator (0-2s, 2-3s, 3-4s) ✨

Join the UK’s First Sustainable Nursery at an Exciting Time!

We’re expanding and seeking three passionate and experienced Lead Early Years Educators to join our award-winning team.

This is an incredible opportunity to grow with us as we evolve our structure, offering leadership roles in our 0-2s, 2-3s, and 3-4s rooms.

If you are a confident leader with a deep commitment to sustainability and child-led learning, we want to hear from you.

Why You’ll Love Working with Us: 👇🏼🙂

* Be Part of an Award-Winning Team: Recognized for exceptional team development and shortlisting for Nursery Team of the Year.

* Real Living Wage Employer: Competitive pay to ensure you feel valued and secure.

* Innovative & Holistic Approach: Contribute to our sustainable, child-led curriculum.

* Nature-Based Learning: Spend your days between our beautiful natural setting with woodland garden, our vibrant kitchen garden and sustainable trips out.

* Professional Growth: Ongoing CPD, mentorship, and a commitment to your development.

* Inclusive Culture: A uniquely supportive atmosphere with team socials and recognition for your contributions.

Curious to See How Incredible It Is to Work with Us?

Check out our Google and Trustpilot reviews, and explore our social media pages to see just how happy our team and families are.

If you are enthusiastic about early childhood education and possess the necessary qualifications and experience, we encourage you to apply for this rewarding leadership role. Please see full description through the link below.

https://uk.indeed.com/m/viewjob?jk=38ce158abaf68590

#jobsearch #ukjob #nurserywork #kindergarten #childcarejob #earlyyearsoutdoor #Earlyyearseducator

Spring is in full bloom at our Kitchen Garden! 🌸🌿

The warm weather over the weekend has worked its magic —flower buds are opening, blossoms are bursting and the whole plot is coming to life!

The bees are already busy buzzing, no doubt loving the explosion of colour and scent.

Nature never fails to amaze! ☀️🐝🌼

#SpringInBloom #KitchenGarden #Ecowarrior #OutdoorLearning #SustainableKindergarten #growyourownfood #sustainableliving #YoungFriendsKindergarten

👋🏼 Meet Peggy, one of our new team members a

👋🏼 Meet Peggy, one of our new team members at Young Friends Sustainable Kindergarten!

🌎 With a deep love for the planet, Peggy has been passionate about caring for the environment from a young age.

She’s excited to share that passion with the next generation, helping children develop a love for nature and sustainability.

Born and raised in Brighton & Hove, Peggy also brings her creativity to us, especially through textile design, crafting with wool and making clothes and toys.

Welcome to the team, Peggy!
We’re are SO happy to have you and hoe you enjoy your journey with @youngfriendskindergarten 💚

#SustainableKindergarten #NatureBasedLearning #YoungFriends #EcoEducation #BrightonAndHove #ForestSchool #MeettheTeam #jobvacancy

🌿🎲 At @youngfriendskindergarten our #sustain

🌿🎲 At @youngfriendskindergarten our #sustainable ethos is at the heart of everything we do including ‘toys’ and ‘games’.

Instead of relying on plastic toys, we encourage children to create their own games using natural materials found around them.

From counting games with shells (we are so lucky to have both beach and woodland!) to storytelling with hand-painted stones, our approach nurtures both creativity and a deep appreciation for nature.

By repurposing what’s already available, children learn that fun doesn’t have to come in a package…

We believe in teaching the next generation how to be resourceful, imaginative AND kind to the planet. 🌎💚

#sustainable #YoungFriendsKindergarten #Ecofriendly #learningthroughnature #ecowarrior #plasticfree #earlyyearseducation #earlyyearsoutdoors #imaginativeplay

📚 World Book Day Fun World Book Day is all ab

📚 World Book Day Fun

World Book Day is all about the joy of storytelling and we’ve been celebrating in so many fun and creative ways today already!

✨ Jes and the Foxes designed and wrote their very own book! How amazing is that?

It’s called ‘The Pea Who Ran Away From The Oven’ 🫛🏃🏽‍♀️
Their imaginations ran wild as they made up a story from scratch, bringing their ideas to life on paper with drawings too.

🌱 Meanwhile, Sophie got everyone involved in some hands-on storytelling with homemade ‘pea’ puppets!
Using these the children acted out a story all about growing — tying in perfectly with our passion for sustainability.

📖 Cieran, Sally-Ann, Peggy, Libby, Katie, Ivan, and Adrian have all managed to weave lots of storytelling and reading time into the day - as they always do - but World Book Day is the perfect excuse to really celebrate the magic of reading, creativity and imagination.

What’s your favourite book from your childhood?
Let us know in the comments! ⬇️✨

#WorldBookDay #YoungFriendsKindergarten #storytelling

👩🏻‍🌾 Back at the Kitchen Garden 🪴 S

👩🏻‍🌾 Back at the Kitchen Garden 🪴

Spring is round the corner and we’re back at the plot, getting the soil ready for another year of growing!

Anne-Marie is opening up the beds and digging in all the goodness — nutrient-rich manure, our own compost and the green manure we made from last year’s broad beans.

A little bit of weeding and we’ll be all set to start planning our 2025 growing plot.

We can’t wait to see what we’ll grow, harvest and share with our community this year.

Here’s to another season of hands-in-the-earth learning, sustainability and delicious homegrown food! 😋💚♻️

#youngfriendskindergarten #Sustainableliving #growyourownfood #sustainablefood #allotment #earlyyearseducation

👋🏼 Meet Ivan! 👋🏼 We’re really excit

👋🏼 Meet Ivan! 👋🏼

We’re really excited to introduce Ivan, our newest Kindergarten Educator at Young Friends!

♻️ What does he think of his experience so far?
 “I’m loving Young Friends! The children here can enjoy so many inspiring activities — it’s like nowhere else I’ve experienced!”

🌍 Originally from Spain, Ivan has lived and worked in six different countries, bringing a wealth of experience and a global perspective to our setting.

🧑🏻‍🍼He has spent many years working and volunteering with children and young adults, particularly those with learning difficulties and vulnerable backgrounds.

👨🏽‍🍳 Before returning to where his true passion lies, childcare, Ivan spent 14 years as a chef so we are super excited about team get togethers and seasonal celebrations now, as we might get to sample some of his culinary skills! 😋

For now however, he is focussed on starting his NVQ Level 3 with us and sharing his skills, warmth and worldly experience with the children.

Oh, and did we mention? He’s a gentle giant with a big heart? He is going to get along perfectly with our other gentle giants, Chopper and Bruce. 😊

Join us in giving Ivan a warm welcome with some ❤️ and ✅

#MeetTheTeam #YoungFriendsKindergarten #Childcare #EarlyYears #OutdoorLearning #InspiredByNature #ForestSchool #childcareprovider #brightonkids #brighton #hove

💚 Today at Young Friends Kindergarten, we have

💚 Today at Young Friends Kindergarten, we have been having fun strengthening our fine motor skills with a threading activity!

Using pipe cleaners and all sorts of objects with holes — but colanders seem to be the favourite - we practiced our hand-eye coordination, concentration and creativity.

Threading helps small hands develop the dexterity needed for writing, drawing and everyday tasks like buttoning coats. Plus, it’s a great way to explore patterns, colours and problem-solving!

#YoungFriendsKindergarten #FineMotorSkills #earlyyearsactivities #ThreadingActivity #childledplay #brighton #hove #childcareprovider

🌕 Getting Ready for The March Worm Moon 🪱 A

🌕 Getting Ready for The March Worm Moon 🪱

As we welcome in March this weekend we’ve been talking about which full moon to look forward to : March’s full moon is The Worm Moon!

This full moon, named for the earthworms that emerge as the soil warms, signals the return of birds like robins and the awakening of spring.

In preparation, we’re digging deeper, literally, into our Woodland garden, to conduct some worm research with our young ecowarriors.
We’re looking in particular, at the role that worms play, in soil health, composting and plant growth.

Worms may be small, but they’re nature’s unsung heroes, helping to aerate the earth and recycle nutrients!

#WormMoon #NatureExplorers #OutdoorLearning #earlyyearsoutdoors #forestschool #sustainableeducation #brightonandhove #ecowarrior #brighton #brightonmum

Anne-Marie has been exploring ‘Emotions’ - pla

Anne-Marie has been exploring ‘Emotions’ - playing an Emotions Matching Game with the Foxes.

This kind of activity helps children to recognise and name different feelings. Using picture cards with facial expressions, the children match emotions like happy, sad, surprised and angry. They then discuss times when they might have felt the same way.

This simple yet powerful game supports early years development in several ways:

🔹 Emotional Intelligence – Children learn to identify and express their feelings, building self-awareness.
🔹 Communication Skills – Describing emotions strengthens vocabulary and social interactions.
🔹 Empathy – Recognizing emotions in others develops kindness and understanding.

By making emotions fun and engaging, we help little ones develop essential life skills that will support their relationships and well-being as they grow!

Even adults can benefit from talking about emotions and learning about how to express them. Communication is something we have to keep working on, throughout life. 💚

#EarlyYears #EmotionalDevelopment #childdevelopment #earlyyearsoutdoors #happychild #childcare #childcareprofessional #childcareprovider #nursery #kindergarten #brighton #hove

💚 Caring for Our Giant Continental Rabbits is L

💚 Caring for Our Giant Continental Rabbits is Learning Through Kindness

🐇 At Young Friends Kindergarten, our Giant Continental rabbits, Chopper and Bruce, are much-loved members of our community.

☺️ Looking after them is not just a fun and rewarding experience but also a wonderful way for our children to develop important skills that will stay with them for life.

🥗 Our children take an active role in ensuring the rabbits are happy and healthy. Their daily responsibilities include… 👇🏼

✔ Feeding: Providing fresh hay, vegetables, and water helps children understand the importance of a balanced diet and responsibility.

✔ Cleaning Their Home: Sweeping out their sleeping area and replacing bedding instils good hygiene habits and teamwork.

✔ Handling with Care: Learning how to gently stroke and interact with the rabbits builds empathy and confidence.

✔ Observing Their Behaviour: Recognising signs of happiness or discomfort in the rabbits helps children develop emotional awareness and problem-solving skills.

Through these hands-on experiences, children develop key skills in 👇🏼

✨ Empathy & Compassion – Understanding the needs of another living being nurtures kindness and emotional intelligence.

By caring for Chopper and Bruce, our children are not only learning how to look after animals but also developing valuable life skills that promote respect and kindness towards our natural world.

Visit www.youngfriends.co.uk to find out more about our child-led nature curriculum and book a visit to come and see how we work. We’d love to show you around! 💚

#rabbitcare #childled #outdoorlearning #outdooreducation #earlyyearsoutdoor #animaltherapy #NatureKindergarten #nursery #brightonandhove

Sir David Attenborough has often emphasized the pr

Sir David Attenborough has often emphasized the profound connection between humans and the natural world. He believes that understanding and appreciating nature is essential for our well-being and survival.

“ An understanding of the natural world and what’s in it is a source of not only a great curiosity but great fulfillment.”

Engaging with and learning from nature helps to develop a deeper connection and responsibility towards our environment.
 
#OutdoorLearning #DavidAttenborough #ForestSchool #outdoorclassroom #NaturePlay #EYFS #loosepartsplay #earlyyearsoutdoor #childcareprovider #nursery #hove #brighton

“ Never help a child with a task at which he fee

“ Never help a child with a task at which he feels he can succeed.” Maria Montessori

Confidence begins with trusting one’s own body to explore and engage with the environment around them. 💚

#montessori #childled #childdevelopment #outdoorlearning #earlyyearsoutdoors #forestschool #forestschooluk #childcareprovider #brighton #hove

Have you ever come across a child that doesn’t l

Have you ever come across a child that doesn’t love den building? ☺️

Den building is more than just play - t’s a powerful way for children to develop creativity, problem-solving skills and teamwork.

So next time your child goes to scoop up all the fallen branches in the garden or the blankets from around the house… let them create - they are developing valuable skills!

Den building:-
 🏕️ Encourages imaginative play and storytelling 🌲 Develops gross and fine motor skills through lifting, balancing, and tying 🧠 Enhances critical thinking as children figure out structure and stability 🤝 Promotes teamwork and communication 🎭 Encourages open-ended play – a den can be a castle, a hideout, a forest home…

Let the children lead. 💚🌱
 
#OutdoorLearning #DenBuilding #ForestSchool #ChildLedPlay #NaturePlay #LearningThroughPlay #EYFS #loosepartsplay #earlyyearsoutdoor #childcareprovider #nursery #hove #brighton

Sharing the Love ❤️ @theclimatecoalition thecl

Sharing the Love ❤️ @theclimatecoalition theclimatecoalition

All this week, our Young Friends have been busy creating artwork to for the ‘Share the Love’ campaign by @theclimatecoalition - highlighting the urgent need to protect the places, people, wildlife and planet as a whole, from the effects of climate change.

As a sustainable kindergarten, we always advocate for greener living - but projects like this are close to our HEART as they enable the community to come together as a whole.

By coming together, we can push for policies that safeguard nature and create a more sustainable future for the next generations.

Working towards a greener, more sustainable future. 🌍

#ShareTheLove #TheClimateCoalition #ClimateAction #hearts #climatechange #sustainableliving #wastefree #protectwhatyoulove #sustainableswaps 🌱💙

#sharethelove

Let’s Love Woodlice! 🪵🦐 Woodlice might lo

Let’s Love Woodlice! 🪵🦐

Woodlice might look like tiny insects, but they’re actually crustaceans so they are in fact more closely related to crabs and lobsters than bugs!

Whilst some of our children were building dens in the woodland garden yesterday, others were keen to find out more about what was clinging to the underside of the logs 🙂

A group of woodlice is called a ‘quabble‘ - that’s our Fun Friday Fact - And as a quabble of woodlice scurried away, what remained were their eggs! 🥚

This prompted some conversations about how useful the humble woodlouse is, to our ecosystem. 👇🏼

🌱 Woodlice help break down dead leaves and rotting wood, returning nutrients to the soil.

💩 Woodlice reabsorb copper from their own waste to avoid running out of this essential mineral.

🌿 So next time you see a woodlouse under a log, smile in the knowledge that it’s actually helping keep nature in balance!

#Woodlice #FunFacts #forestschool #LearningOutdoors #ecowarrior #sustainableeducation #brighton #hove #childcareprovider

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Young Friends Kindergarten

89 Holland Road
Hove
East Sussex
BN3 1JP
t: 01273 735 100
e: enquiries@youngfriends.co.uk

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