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
Sunshine, Shapes and Special Visitors: A Busy Week at The Limes Nursery School
The Limes Nursery School has made the most of recent warm weather, with children across all rooms enjoying outdoor learning, physical activities and some wonderfully special moments. In Willow Room, children have been making the most of the lovely weather with lots...
What Makes Redcliffe Nursery School Special
Redcliffe Nursery School has been serving the Redcliffe community for over 50 years as a Bristol City Council-maintained nursery. It has evolved to become a Centre of Excellence, recognised across the wider early years teaching community for its exemplary approach...
Roots, Wings and Anchors: What Early Maths Really Looks Like for Young Children
St Paul's Nursery School and Children's Centre has published a thought-provoking blog post exploring how early mathematics develops through everyday moments and conversations with children. The post is rich with practical examples of how parents and carers can...
Join The Children’s Kitchen Food Sessions at Hartcliffe Nursery School
Hartcliffe Nursery School is running weekly food sessions with The Children's Kitchen every Wednesday morning from 8.30 to 10am in the Badger Room, offering support and practical help to parents and carers. The sessions provide a wonderful opportunity for families...
Water, Farms and Adventures: A Term of Rich Exploration at Cashmore Early Years Centre
This term at Cashmore Early Years Centre has been wonderfully rich and varied, with children across all groups enjoying hands-on learning experiences from water play and songs to an exciting farm adventure. In Hippo and Giraffe Groups, children have been enjoying a...
Caterpillars, Constructions and Creative Play: June at St Philip’s Marsh Nursery School
As the summer term reaches its final stretch, children across St Philip's Marsh Nursery School have been enjoying wonderfully varied learning experiences, from caring for caterpillars to building structures, making music and exploring the natural world....
Giants, Beans, Butterflies and Growing Skills: Term 5 at Fox Room, Knowle West Nursery School
This term, Fox Room at Knowle West Nursery School has been full of imagination, gardening adventures and wonderful skill development, with Jack and the Beanstalk inspiring creative play and hands-on learning. The children have loved the story of Jack and the...
Caring for Our Allotment: Growing Responsibility at St Werburgh’s Park Nursery School
Children in Yellow Room at St Werburgh's Park Nursery School have been busy in the allotment this month, taking on the important role of caring for the plants and watching them grow. The children have been watering, pulling out weeds and carefully looking to see...
Potions, Shapes, Stories and Spring: A Wonderfully Rich Term at Speedwell Nursery School
Speedwell Nursery School has had a wonderfully rich and varied term, packed with creativity, discovery and some brilliant visiting artists and practitioners. The children have been making their very own potions using herbs grown in the garden, fruit tea bags,...
From Caterpillars to Butterflies: A Journey of Metamorphosis at Little Hayes Nursery School
Over two months, children at Little Hayes Nursery School experienced one of nature's most remarkable transformations, observing caterpillars grow, form chrysalises and emerge as beautiful Painted Lady butterflies. In mid-April, the caterpillars arrived in their...