The education watchdog inspects services for learners of all ages - including schools, childminders, training providers, and local authorities- regularly and assigns them one of four different ratings: “Outstanding” is the top rating, followed by “Good”, “Requires Improvement” and “Inadequate.”
The classification is based on five key categories: quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provisions.
Note that nurseries and pre-schools are not inspected every year.
Here are all the Bristol nurseries and pre-schools rated as "good" by Ofsted (as of August 14, 2024). All full reports - including category scores - are available via Ofsted’s official website.
1. Anne's House Childcare, 22 Bedminster Road, Bristol BS3 5PD
Published in July 2024, the Ofsted report for Anne's House Childcare reads: "Leaders continue to work with staff to develop an effective curriculum that builds on what children already know and what they need to learn next. Staff in the baby room nurture babies' social skills and develop their communication by talking to them and commenting on their play. However, those working with toddlers and pre-school children do not always think about children's stage of development when considering their next steps for learning. For example, at times, staff focus on developing children's colour and number skills before considering their social interactions and communication skills. The curriculum is not always well sequenced, and activities are, at times, not achievable or too easy for children and they become disengaged with learning. Parents report that their children are well cared for and staff are very friendly and approachable. Parents say their children love to attend and have formed good relationships with staff. However, leaders and staff do not always work closely with parents to help them understand what their children are learning while at nursery. Staff do not make it clear what children's next steps for learning are and how parents can support their children's learning at home. Staff are good role models for children. They speak to children with respect and are mindful of their needs. However, at times, staff in the toddler and pre-school room do not give children further challenge, allowing them time to think for themselves. For example, when staff ask toddlers to blow on their lunch, they do not ask children why they think this is important or explain why. When preschool children engage in an activity about recycling, staff do not ask children why we recycle to get them thinking even further. Staff do not use every opportunity to build on what children already know and get them to use their own ideas." | Anne's House Childcare via Google Maps
2. St Joseph's Pre-school, St Joseph's Church Hall, Forest Road, Fishponds, Bristol BS16 3QT
Published in June 2024, the Ofsted report for St Joseph's Pre-school reads: "Partnerships with parents are very good. Parents are very complimentary about the friendly and welcoming staff. Staff focus on developing children's communication skills. They model the use of spoken English well. Staff speak slowly and clearly, using simple words and phrases to support children's understanding. They describe what children are doing and ask lots of questions. However, staff do not always ask open-ended questions or give children enough time to think about what they are being asked to build their communication skills even further. Older children take part small- and large-group learning. For example, they listen to stories, sing songs and learn about oral health. However, on occasions, staff do not recognise that children have different levels of concentration. Therefore, sometimes, these sessions take too long, and children become distracted. Children have a good understanding of the world. Staff teach children about different countries, cultures, and about people in the local community. For example, staff invite local people, such as from the local care home, to the preschool to share songs and rhymes with the children" | Google Maps
3. Rosemary Nursery School and Children’s Centre, Haviland House, St Judes, Great Ann Street, Bristol BS2 0DT
Published in May 2024, the Ofsted report for Rosemary Nursery School and Children’s Centre reads: "The curriculum has been planned in conjunction with parents. It covers the seven areas of learning that are important for children’s development. It is relevant and ambitious. In most areas of learning, the school considers carefully what pupils need to understand and checks whether they do. For example, in mathematics, children practise counting regularly. This helps them to develop a secure understanding of numbers. In some areas of learning, the school has not identified precisely enough what children should know and remember. In addition, the use of assessment is not as well developed in some areas as it is in others. Therefore, staff do not always identify where children have gaps in their knowledge so they can adapt the curriculum accordingly. The development of children’s skills in communication and language is prioritised within the curriculum. Staff hold high-quality conversations with children throughout the day. They are skilled in building children’s communication through back-and-forth interactions and weaving new vocabulary into conversations. This supports children to express themselves clearly. Most children speak English as an additional language. The school is meticulous in supporting these children so that they achieve well and meet the high expectations set. The school celebrates the array of languages in its community." | Google Maps
4. The Southville Centre Nursery, Southville Centre, Beauley Road, Southville, Bristol BS3 1QG
Published in May 2024, the Ofsted report for The Southville Centre Nursery reads: "Staff know the children very well, they observe and assess children's progress closely to enable them to target their teaching and to identify gaps in children's learning. Partnerships with parents are well developed. Parents are full of praise about the service that they receive. Parents say that their children enjoy attending and they are well informed about their children's time in the nursery. Staff help children to gain a good understanding of how to keep themselves safe and to recognise when they might be at risk. Staff talk to children about where they could hurt themselves and remind them to be cautious as they play. Overall, staff interactions with children are strong, staff recognise when they can promote children's learning further, and they use children's interests well. Children enjoy stories and songs, even the youngest children join in with actions and signs demonstrating a good understanding. Older children enjoy taking part in sorting, comparing, and measuring as staff promote their mathematical awareness. However, staff do not organise and deliver group times as well, children struggle to be involved, some children continue to fidget and talk as staff struggle to keep them focussed." | Google Maps