Bright Start Nursery

Our nursery in central Brighton is for children under 5 years old. We welcome children from any part of the city and parents who want to use their free childcare hours.

About Bright Start Nursery

Our full day care nursery in the central Tarner area of Brighton is for children from 2 to 5 years old. We're based within the Best Start Family Hub Tarner and have close links with the centre and the groups which run from there.

We offer full-day sessions from 8am to 6pm, as well as shorter funded sessions such as:

  • 9am to 1pm
  • 1pm to 5pm

Read more about the Best Start Family Hub Tarner.

Being close to the centre we have good bus links. We're close to Greater Brighton Metropolitan College. 

Our aims

We aim to provide a high-quality, inclusive, and safe learning environment for children aged 2 to 5 years. 

The well-being and happiness of each child is of utmost importance to us. We feel strongly that ‘whoever you are, wherever you come from you are welcome here’. 

We are a small setting with up to 22 children per session. We have a warm, family friendly approach and take pride in meeting the needs of our diverse community. We aim to build strong relationships with families to ensure a smooth transition from home to nursery 

We have a key person system and we encourage the children to form healthy attachments to their key person as well as other adults who work in our small setting. 

We work closely with the following groups to ensure we support you and your children in the best possible way: 

  • English as an Additional Language and Traveller Service (EALTS)
  • Brighton and Hove Inclusion Support Service (BHISS)
  • Early Language Support Team (ELST)
  • Front Door for Families
  • Best Start Family Hub 

We pride ourselves on providing a friendly, welcoming and inclusive environment in which everyone can thrive. 

We work with a diverse cohort of families and children. Our staff team is committed to providing high-quality play and learning experiences to all. 

Our environment 

Our learning environment is designed to help children feel secure and stimulated and to support their learning through a play-based approach. We observe children and notice their interests and fascinations and through this, we ensure their ongoing learning. 

With a range of quality educational toys and resources, children can: 

  • make choices independently and initiate their own learning
  • take part in stimulating activities, with the support and guidance of our staff 

The nursery environment 

We are based inside the Best Start Family Hub Tarner and we have sole use of the two nursery rooms: our main room and a separate room which we can use for mealtimes, as well as other activities such as soft play, a climbing frame and small group work.  

Both inside and outside there are: 

  • opportunities for messy and creative play
  • cosy areas
  • book areas
  • small world play
  • construction play 

We also have access to the Best Start Family Hub sensory room, where we can take small groups of children.  

Outside area 

Linked to our main room we have a secluded rooftop garden within the Best Start Family Hub building. 

Our garden space is open throughout the day for children to go outside and be active. Come rain or shine, we're able to offer free flow between both spaces so that children can choose which areas to access. 

The space is set up to be flexible, so children can use the: 

  • sand and water trays
  • planters for growing or selecting herbs in their play 
  • bikes and ride-on toys
  • balancing equipment 

An awning provides sufficient shade on sunny days. 

Our staff 

All permanent staff are either qualified to level 3 in childcare, have higher level relevant degrees or are working towards their childcare qualification. 

We operate a key person approach where each child and family have a dedicated worker supporting them with all aspects of their settling, their development and their transitions. 

All children also have a second key person, who can support them if their key person is absent. Being a small setting, the children build up relationships with all of the staff within the team. 

We have an Early Years teacher who supports the learning in the setting. 

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) 

We cater for children with a wide variety of additional needs and differing abilities. We're inclusive and passionate about all children that we care for. 

We have a Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Co-ordinator (SENDCO). We also have many staff who are experienced in caring for children with additional needs. 

Inclusion 

At Bright Start Nursery, all families are welcome. We access services such as the EALTS (English as an Additional Language and Traveller Service, previously known as Ethnic Minority Achievement Service, or EMAS) to support us with some children if needed. 

Food 

We provide healthy snacks and a breakfast that consists of healthy cereal and toast. Cow’s milk, oat milk and water are provided at snack and breakfast times. Fresh drinking water is available at all times. Breakfasts are included in our fees. 

For lunch and tea, parents have the option of supplying a healthy packed lunch/tea or purchasing nursery meals, our lunch and tea are provided by an award-winning local supplier: Little Tums Catering. They get delivered twice daily to ensure freshness. 

Please speak to our Nursery Management Team for information on our packed lunch guidance.   

Flexible, emergency and occasional care 

Ad-hoc sessions may be booked subject to availability for children already attending the nursery. We'll consider each request for occasional or emergency childcare on an individual basis, subject to availability. 

Transport options 

Bright Start Nursery can be accessed on all major bus routes. The closest bus stops are: 

  • Valley Gardens
  • St. Peters Church
  • Old Steine
  • Law Courts 

There is limited on-street pay and display parking in front of the Best Start Family Hub. 

Brighton Train station is a 10 to 15-minute walk away.