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
Settling In and Getting Started: The New Term Begins in Oak Room at Little Hayes Nursery School
It has been a busy and happy start to the term in Oak Room at Little Hayes Nursery School, with the team re-settling returning children, welcoming those moving up from Willow Room, and greeting new children and their families. Settling in and building relationships...
Settling In and Getting Started: The New Term Begins at Speedwell Nursery School
It has been a busy and happy start to the term at Speedwell Nursery School, with the team re-settling returning children, welcoming those moving up from Willow Room, and greeting new children and their families. Settling in and building relationships has been the...
A Wonderful Start to the Term in Willow Class at The Limes Nursery School
It has been a wonderful start to the term in Willow Class at The Limes Nursery School, with both returning and new children settling in beautifully. The children have been getting to know each other, building new friendships and developing confidence as they...
Finding Their Voice: Ilminster Avenue Nursery School Introduces Core Boards
At Ilminster Avenue Nursery School, the team believes that every child deserves to be understood, valued and given the opportunity to communicate in their own way. This year, the nursery is excited to introduce the use of core boards across the setting. Core boards...
The Vision and Values at the Heart of Hartcliffe Nursery School
At Hartcliffe Nursery School and Children's Centre, a clear and heartfelt vision shapes everything the nursery does, rooted in the belief that all children and families have the right to feel valued, respected and part of a caring community. Hartcliffe believes...
Fun Ideas to Try at Home With Cashmore Early Years Centre
Did you know that Cashmore Early Years Centre has lots of wonderful ideas to try at home? From creative crafts and gardening to recipes and seasonal activities, there is plenty to inspire children and families over the summer and beyond. The ideas page is packed...
Sing Along With St Philip’s Marsh Nursery School: The Wonderful Benefits of Singing
Did you know that St Philip's Marsh Nursery School has lots of songs and rhymes to enjoy on its website? Singing has so many wonderful health and developmental benefits for children, and families can listen to some favourite songs and download the lyrics to sing...
Thank You and Happy Summer from Knowle West Nursery School
As the school year draws to a close, Knowle West Nursery School would like to say a heartfelt thank you to the whole school community for being such a special part of the nursery this year and for sharing so many happy times together. It has been a wonderful year...
Keeping Cool and Caring for Our Garden in Yellow Room at St Werburgh’s Park Nursery School
Children in Yellow Room at St Werburgh's Park Nursery School made the most of the warm weather last month, finding thoughtful and playful ways to stay cool whilst continuing to explore and learn together. A highlight was spending time in the garden and paddling...
Celebrating 75 Years of Service: Farewell to Johnny, Liz and Gavin
Filton Avenue Nursery School recently celebrated an incredible milestone, marking a collective 75 years of service to Early Years from Johnny, Liz and Gavin, who have all retired this year. The nursery gave Johnny, Liz and Gavin a lovely send-off, complete with...