History

Marion Silsby award winning nursery

Honeycroft has put families at the centre of all that we do for more than 40 years.

Honeycroft is a Charitable Incorporation Organisation (CIO), a non-for-profit organisation serving the communities of Brighton and Hove. Originally established in the late 1970s by founder, Marion Silsby, who identified a need for low cost learning through play for children in the city. Over a period of more than 35 years Marion built Honeycroft’s excellent reputation; making it known in the community for integrating children with special needs, creating projects inspired by parent’s stories and responding to families’ needs.

Marion developed Honeycroft into a leading not-for-profit centre of play offering resources, guidance and support for children, their families and the wider community.

I originally started as a mum helping out a couple of sessions a week. Those were the days when playgroups were run by parent volunteers. We’ve come a long way since then, but some things stay the same, no matter how many changes to government legislation or additions to the early years’ curriculum, all children need the space and freedom to learn and discover through play.

Honeycroft has always been about the families and their individual needs. Each development, project and expansion has grown because of this. It’s also been important to ensure all families have access to quality childcare. This has been a main player in our inclusion drive, access and affordability is an essential part of Honeycroft’s charitable aims.” Marion Silsby

In 2016 Marion retired and the team continues to uphold the original ethos of learning through play and access for all.

Registered Company number: 04349015

Ofsted registration number: 130746

Registered Charity number: 1093845