Welcome to the Bristol Nursery Schools Website
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 a Nursery School for 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 across Bristol Nursery Schools
Chestnut and Beech classes from Hartcliffe Nursery School watch Wonder Baby
Children in Chestnut and Beech at Hartcliffe Nursery School visited Hareclive Primary School this month to watch Wonder Baby, a show by Travelling Light Theatre. The trip started with a walk through the primary school to the big hall, and the children did well...
Animal songs, a trip to Lidl and homemade pizzas at Cashmore Early Years Centre
Children at Cashmore Early Years Centre have settled into the new term with animal stories in Hippos and Giraffes, a shopping trip and pizza making in Tigers and Zebras, and a theatre visit for everyone. In Hippos and Giraffes, hello and goodbye songs are helping...
Painting, balancing and the instrument bag at St Philip’s Marsh Nursery School
Children at St Philip's Marsh Nursery School have settled into the new term with plenty of painting, climbing, balancing and music across Elm Room and Oak Class. In Elm Room, children have been making marks with pens, chalk, paint and dry-wipe boards, trying out...
Knowle West Nursery School’s trauma-informed approach
Knowle West Nursery School was the first early years setting and nursery school in the country to receive the Trauma and Mental Health Informed School Award from Trauma Informed Schools UK (TISUK), in March 2024. The approach starts from a simple idea: children do...
Bodies, superheroes and new bikes at St Werburgh’s Park Nursery School
Children at St Werburgh's Park Nursery School have been finding out about their bodies this month, from naming body parts in Yellow Room to marching, hopping and riding new bikes in Rainbow Room. In Yellow Room, children have been naming different parts of the body...
Orange juice and library trips in Acorns at Filton Avenue Nursery School
Children in Acorns at Filton Avenue Nursery School have been making fresh orange juice and visiting the local library as they settle into the new term. Making the juice gave children the chance to do things for themselves: handling the oranges, squeezing out the...
Stories, rhymes and book bags at Little Hayes Nursery School
Story time happens every day at Little Hayes Nursery School, and this term children are also taking books home each week to share with their families. Children have been going back to traditional nursery rhymes with books, puppets and props, and learning some new...
Borrowing books to share at home with Speedwell Nursery School
Every child at Speedwell Nursery School now has a book bag, and each Wednesday they can borrow a new book to take home and share with their family. Stories at home, especially at bedtime, help children's language grow and build a love of reading early on. Children...
Giant mark making and Black History Month at The Limes Nursery School
Children in Willow Room at The Limes Nursery School have been making marks on a giant scale this month, on huge sheets of paper indoors and in the puddles outside. Working this big meant children used their whole bodies, stretching, reaching and moving across the...
Distinctions for Nic and Bev at Ilminster Avenue Nursery School
Congratulations to Nic and Bev at Ilminster Avenue Nursery School, who have both achieved a distinction in their Level 3 Early Years Apprenticeships. Nic and Bev completed their studies while working at the nursery every day, fitting coursework around their roles...