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
Redcliffe Nursery School Celebrates Lunar New Year
Children at Redcliffe Nursery School have been celebrating Lunar New Year this month, the Year of the Red Fire Horse, through creative play and cultural exploration. The team set up red playdough, choosing this colour because red is lucky in Chinese culture. They...
There’s a SHARK in the PARK! World Book Day at Rosemary Nursery School
Rosemary Nursery School had a brilliantly creative World Book Day this month, with staff bringing one of the nursery's favourite core books to life in the most exciting way. The children were treated to a non-verbal performance of There's a Shark in the Park,...
Belonging, Exploration and Real-World Experiences in St Pauls Baby Rooms
Children in the Baby Rooms at St Pauls Nursery School have been exploring belonging, connecting with the wider world and engaging in real-world experiences this month through outdoor adventures, food shopping trips and sensory exploration. The baby rooms have been...
Getting Back to Nature: Exploring Natural Resources in Fir Class
Children in Fir Class at St Philip's Marsh Nursery School have been getting wonderfully hands-on with the natural world this month, exploring what nature has to offer both inside and out. Outside, children have been investigating puddles and mud, scooping,...
Stories, Construction and Cultural Celebrations at Cashmore Early Years Centre
Children across all groups at Cashmore Early Years Centre have been exploring stories, developing construction and transport knowledge, and celebrating Lunar New Year this month through hands-on learning and creative exploration. In Zebra and Tiger Groups, the...
Squishing, Splatting and Sculpting: Exploring Clay at Hartcliffe Nursery School
Children in Chestnut and Beech Rooms at Hartcliffe Nursery School have been exploring clay this month, learning how to manipulate this natural material with their hands, with tools and even with their feet. Adults follow the children's lead and allow them to...
Knowle West Squirrel Room Explores Numbers and Role Play
Children in Squirrel Room at Knowle West Nursery School have been developing mathematical understanding, imaginative play and physical skills this month through number sequencing, role play, sensory exploration and creative movement. Squirrel Room has been...
St Werburgh’s Park Orange Room Brings Goldilocks to Life
Children in Orange Room at St Werburgh's Park Nursery School have been immersed in the story of "Goldilocks and the Three Bears" this month, bringing the narrative to life through acting, cooking, creative play and map-making. The children enjoyed exploring the...
New Beginnings and Cultural Learning at Filton Avenue Nursery School
Children across Filton Avenue Nursery School have been welcoming new friends, celebrating the arrival of spring and learning about different cultural traditions this month. In Acorns Room, the team have welcomed lots of new friends, supporting them as they settle...
Ilminster Avenue Nursery School Launches “Play a Game” for Term 4
Ilminster Avenue Nursery School is launching an exciting new term with the curriculum theme "Play a Game," where children will explore traditional tales, turn-taking, physical games and creative activities that build essential skills for learning and life. True to...





















