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 "outstanding" by Ofsted (as of August 14, 2024). All full reports - including category scores - are available via Ofsted’s official website.
1. Muddy Boots Day Nursery, Stoke Hill, Stoke Bishop, Bristol, Avon BS9 1JP
Published in July 2024, the Ofsted report for Muddy Boots Day Nursery reads: "The highly dedicated leaders and staff deliver a broad curriculum that challenges children's learning. Children work together cooperatively and indulge their natural curiosity by testing out their ideas as they explore the new 'pully system' outside, for example. Staff have an excellent knowledge of how children learn and know the children extremely well. Staff use a 'children's voice board' to gather children's ideas, interests and views. They creatively include these in the planning of activities to support children's next steps in learning. Staff thread mathematics throughout the curriculum. From the start, babies show awareness of numbers as they use language such as 'only one' during snack time. Staff encourage older children to estimate and then check how many children they have as they independently set up for lunch. Staff provide excellent support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. The special educational needs coordinator works closely with parents, staff and outside professionals to ensure children have the continuous support they need to reach their full potential. Staff embrace diversity, and children develop a secure understanding of the world around them. Leaders celebrate the array of staff cultures and traditions, offering children and their families great opportunities to learn about diversity. Parents report that leaders and staff ensure each child is valued. Parents comment on the support they receive from the 'caring' staff, who are kind, approachable and nurturing, helping their children to flourish." | Muddy Boots Day Nursery
2. Christ Church Clifton Pre-School, The Crypt, Christchurch, Clifton Park, Bristol BS8 3BN
Published in May 2024, the Ofsted report for Christ Church Clifton Pre-School reads: "The manager and the staff carefully plan and implement an ambitious curriculum, supporting children to extend their learning through real-life experiences. The manager has recently extended on the information staff gather from parents when children start at the pre-school. For example, more detailed information about children's fears and worries enable staff to create targeted next steps for children, in particular, helping them to label their feelings. The manager works closely with outside professionals to implement effective strategies to support children, such as visual timelines, helping them to understand what is coming next. This creates seamless transitions between activities. Children develop their mathematical skills well. Staff naturally expose children to mathematical language throughout day-to-day routines and activities. The manager places great focus on providing varied experiences for children, teaching them about the wider world. Children visit local woodland during their weekly forest school sessions, and they take part in activities, such as den building. The proactive manager monitors staff's practice effectively through regular supervisions, and staff report high levels of well-being. Staff have access to targeted training to develop their skills and ensure that children receive high-quality teaching. Parents commend the staff for their dedication and passion to not only their children but for the whole family." | Google Maps
3. Red Bus Nursery & PreSchool, Westbury Lane, Coombe Dingle, Bristol BS9 2PR
Published in March 2024, the Ofsted report for Red Bus Nursery & PreSchool reads: "Leaders have created an ambitious curriculum with strong core values. Staff are in tune with their key children's age and stage of development. They successfully plan activities in the moment based on children's interests and learning needs. All children become curious, ambitious, adventurous and resilient learners. Communication, language and literacy are expertly promoted. Staff talk to children and introduce new vocabulary that is modelled for a clear purpose, such as 'evaporate' during discussions around where rain comes from. The curriculum provides opportunity for a chosen book to be explored in each room. The nursery's special educational needs coordinator (SENCo) is highly experienced in her role. She is extremely knowledgeable about the children who attend that require additional support. Staff support children's understanding of the world exceptionally well. They find creative ways, inspired from the nature, to broaden children's experiences, knowledge and skills. Staff create fantastic opportunities for the children to build on their hand-to-eye coordination and mathematical skills. Staff place a great emphasis on promoting children's self-confidence and emotional well-being. Older children begin to understand and recognise feelings and emotions. This is because staff support them to learn how to regulate these emotions with colours and a familiar story about the 'colour monster'. Staff welfare is a priority and staff are supported extremely well. They have access to reading materials, training opportunities and online platforms for activity ideas. As a result, staff feel knowledgeable and confident." | Red Bus Nursery & Pre-School via Google Maps
4. Redcliffe Children’s Centre and Maintained Nursery School, Spencer House, Ship Lane, Redcliffe, Bristol BS1 6RR
Published in July 2023, the Ofsted report for Redcliffe Children’s Centre and Maintained Nursery School reads: "Children flourish at Redcliffe Nursery School. The ambitious curriculum gives children the strongest start to their education. Leaders and staff have a deep understanding of every child’s needs. They make learning memorable and interesting. Children’s excitement and love of learning shine through. They concentrate exceptionally well on their tasks. Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) thrive and achieve highly alongside their peers. Leaders are highly ambitious for every pupil, irrespective of their starting points. The curriculum is broad. Leaders have thought carefully about the key knowledge they want children to learn and when. They ensure that staff have strong subject expertise to deliver the curriculum. Leaders have developed a wide-ranging curriculum to develop children personally. Children learn about the world beyond school by visiting farms, the theatre and a local music shop. They prepare and cook healthy food in the school’s cookery room. Children join in with performances by professional actors and musicians. They take responsibility by helping adults set up lunchtime equipment. Children learn about different faiths and cultures in their own community and beyond. " | Google Maps