Welcome to theBristol Nursery SchoolsWebsite
Bristol has twelve Maintained Nursery Schools, all of which are valued and held in high regard by their communities. Bristol is proud of its long history of Maintained Nursery Schools, some of which have served for the best part of one hundred years!
Nursery schools are a key element of the early year’s sector within Bristol’s education system offering exceptional provision, rigour and accountability within the areas of most need across the city.
Why choose aNursery Schoolfor early years education?
Expert Teaching, Exceptional Outcomes
Led by qualified teachers with specialized early years expertise, Bristol Maintained Nursery Schools provide exceptional early education that gives children a strong foundation for future learning. Research shows children who attend these nurseries achieve better outcomes, with many catching up to age-appropriate development despite entering below expectations. The high-quality play-based curriculum, delivered by passionate practitioners under teacher guidance, transforms children’s lives by focusing on individual needs and creating engaging learning environments.
Family-Centered Community Support
Bristol Maintained Nursery Schools excel at supporting the whole family, not just the child. Through strong partnerships with other agencies and early intervention approaches, they ensure families are heard, understood, and appropriately supported. Each nursery sits at the heart of its community, understanding local needs and offering individualized services tailored to each unique child and family situation. This community-centered approach creates an environment where lifelong learning is valued and nurtured from the earliest years.
A Heritage of Educational Excellence
With a proud history spanning nearly a century in some cases, Bristol’s twelve Maintained Nursery Schools contribute significantly to early years education beyond their own walls. They actively share expertise and best practices through professional development training, enhancing quality across all early years providers throughout Bristol. This commitment to excellence extends their impact locally, nationally, and even internationally, helping to establish Bristol as a leader in early childhood education innovation and quality.
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What's happening acrossBristol Nursery Schools
Exploring All Weathers at St Werburgh’s Park Nursery School
Children from both classes at St Werburgh's Park Nursery School have been enjoying all weathers this week, exploring rain, puddles and even a double rainbow. Children have been collecting rain in pots, splashing and transporting water from puddles, working together...
Fox Room Celebrates Big Garden Birdwatch at Knowle West Nursery School
Fox Room at Knowle West Nursery School has been celebrating the RSPB's Big Garden Birdwatch this week, exploring birds and nature in their wonderful garden. Knowle West Nursery School is fortunate to have a garden where the trees and shrubs are full of birds when...
Little Acorns and Acorns Explore Local Area at Filton Avenue Nursery School
Little Acorns and Acorns at Filton Avenue Nursery School went on a walk in the local area this month, exploring their community and developing their understanding of the world around them. Children talked about road safety, learning important skills about crossing...
Best Start in Life: Family Survey
Bristol will have a new Best Start in Life Plan from 1st April 2026. This plan is about making sure every baby, child, and family gets the right support from pregnancy to age five. Family Hubs, midwives, health visitors, speech and language...
January Learning: Traditional Tales and Independence at Little Hayes Nursery School
Little Hayes Nursery School children are exploring traditional tales, developing independence and learning about patterns and mathematics this month. Both Oak Room and Willow Room are introducing mathematical resources to explore pattern, shape and size, learning...
Ellie Teaches the Good Morning Song at Speedwell Nursery School
Speedwell Nursery School has shared a new video featuring Ellie, their wonderful music teacher, leading Owl Class through one of the favourite songs they sing together. In the video, Ellie teaches Speedwell's Owl Class the Good Morning Song, demonstrating the warm,...
Cooking, Building and Storytelling at The Limes Nursery School
This month in Children's Kitchen, Green Room children developed their fine motor skills through chopping, smashing mint and using a lemon juicer whilst creating a delicious mint and cucumber dip. Each of these actions requires precise hand movements and control,...
Exploring Play at a Deeper Level: Ilminster Avenue Nursery School INSET Day
Some staff explored mirror play as an idea for engaging children, discovering new ways to support communication and self-awareness through reflective activities. This exploration helps staff develop innovative approaches to supporting children's development through...
Space Adventures and Creative Exploration at Rosemary Nursery School
Rosemary Nursery School children have continued to be inspired by their core book "Whatever Next" by Jill Murphy, with Baby Bear's space adventure capturing their imaginations across both classes. Class 1 children have drawn the moon, stars and planets, as well as...
Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood Director Visits Redcliffe Nursery School
Redcliffe Nursery School and Millie's Garden were delighted to welcome Sally Hogg, Director at the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, in December, and she has now shared her reflections on the visit. Sally Hogg visited Redcliffe Nursery School in...