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Hillbury House Nursery

Ofsted: Good
(Oct 2023)
·
5.0(9 Google reviews) ·81 Denmark Villas, Hove, BN3 3TH · Brighton and Hove
Number of places
30 places
Age range
0–5 yrs
Last inspected
Oct 2023
Local authority
Brighton and Hove

About this day nursery

Hillbury House Nursery, located in Hove, East Sussex, has been providing a loving and caring environment for over 40 years. This independent nursery prides itself on offering a safe, stimulating, and 'home from home' atmosphere for children from 3 months to 5 years old.

With a maximum of 30 places, the day nursery is not part of a chain, ensuring a personalised approach to childcare. The dedicated team at Hillbury House focuses on fostering creativity through various activities such as water play, sand play, painting, and cooking, which help develop early motor skills.

Children are encouraged to be playful in free-play sessions, utilising corners, dressing-up clothes, and a sports hall with balls, scooters, and trikes. A quiet room is available for one-on-one sessions, focusing on pencil control, basic mathematics, and nature studies.

The day nursery believes in learning through hands-on experiences and encourages parent involvement in tailoring activities based on the child's interests. They also organise trips into the local community to connect classroom learning with real-world experiences.

The staff at Hillbury House aim to be an extended family, providing a warm and friendly space where children feel settled, valued, and happy as they grow and achieve.

What it's like

Staff give children a warm welcome, so they arrive happily and are eager to start their day. They are excited to explore a range of activities. Children have a positive attitude to learning and staff motivate them to keep trying when learning becomes difficult.

Small independent nurseryFocus on creativityCommunity tripsHome from home environment

Pricing & funding

This nursery charges different rates based on age bands (2-year-olds and 3-4-year-olds) and session types. Session options include full days, morning sessions, and afternoon sessions, with fees calculated to include specified hours of Early Years Free Entitlement (EYFE).

Funding accepted

Tax-Free Childcare15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)

Good to know

  • Fees include Early Years Free Entitlement (EYFE) funding (3 hours for half-day, 6 hours for full day sessions).

Key facts

Session types

9.30am-12.30pm, 1.30pm-4.30pm, 9am-3pm, 8am-6pm

Food

Parents/carers are welcome to provide their own meals.

Opening hours

8am-6pm

Age range

3 months to 5 years

Term time / All Year

All Year

Registered with Ofsted

1993

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Hillbury House Nursery

Last inspected 30 October 2023 · Kelli Wiseman

Safeguarding effective
Overall effectiveness
Good
Quality of education
Good
Behaviour and attitudes
Good
Personal development
Good
Leadership and management
Good

What it's like to attend

Staff give children a warm welcome, so they arrive happily and are eager to start their day. They are excited to explore a range of activities. Children have a positive attitude to learning and staff motivate them to keep trying when learning becomes difficult.

Inspector highlights

  • Children regularly go out into the local community. Staff plan a wide range of exciting opportunities for children to encounter new experiences.
  • Leaders have built a curriculum that focuses on what they want children to learn. Staff plan exciting and enjoyable topics.
  • All children benefit from caring relationships with their key person.
  • Children are beginning to manage their own independence and personal hygiene.
  • Partnership with parents is good.

Areas to develop

  • 1support staff to strengthen the implementation of the curriculum, to provide children with activities more precisely matched to their learning needs
  • 2support staff to be consistent in their behaviour management strategies, to build on children's understanding of behaviour expectations.
Inspection #10313599 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

What parents say

Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection

parents say that they feel fully involved in their children's learning.

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) receive good support. The special educational needs coordinator (SENCo) works closely with parents, key persons and other professionals to devise targeted plans. This supports children in achieving the best possible outcomes.

Google Reviews of Hillbury House Nursery

5.0
(9 Google reviews)
Caroline Mason
7 years ago

Hillbury House was the best decision we ever made for our daughter. The staff are excellent, highly experienced and they genuinely care for the children. My daughter comes home so happy and is always excited when it's nursery days! They make the learning subjects fun and my little girl is constantly surprising us with new skills and facts she's learnt at nursery. This is a very special nursery and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to anyone looking for a caring environment for their child.

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Elle Daintree
7 years ago

My 3 year old son has been going to hillbury house for 7 months and absolutely loves it! He was immediately made welcome and settled in straightaway. He’s always coming home talking about all the different things he does at nursery. All the staff are lovely, dedicated and obviously care a lot about the children. Can’t recommend enough! ☺️

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Sarah West
3 years ago

A wonderful nursery with experienced, reassuring and genuine staff who I know I can trust. They are always waiting with a warm welcome in the morning and a funny story at pick up time. My daughter has a great time there and I’d recommend it to anyone.

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Rose Lapuz
7 years ago

My 2year old son loves going to hillbury house nursery. We always get feedback on my son’s development and what activities he’s done during the day. We get photo updates and comments on tapestry, which means a lot to us. Can’t thank Liz, charis, ella and the whole team enough. They’re brilliant!

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Maliwan Smallwood
7 years ago

my son has been going here for just about 2 years and we couldnt be happier with the organisation, the staff and the general atmosphere of this place. I saw a few other nurseries before I decided to choose here and none of them compare. The staff not only engage thoroughly with the children, but the rapport built between parent and staff is incredible. A real sense of care and family is present here. Definitely recommend.

Read on Google

Reviews from Google for Hillbury House Nursery. See all on Google Maps

Inspection history

Date: April 2004

  • December 2023Good
  • October 2023Good
  • June 2019Outstanding
  • June 2019Outstanding
  • February 2013Outstanding
  • January 2013Outstanding
  • August 2010Good
  • July 2010Good
  • April 2007Good
  • April 2004Requires improvement

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This listing has been compiled from official Ofsted records, the nursery's own website, details provided directly by the nursery where available, and other trusted public sources. We regularly review and update listings to keep the information as accurate as possible. Learn more