Until September, the education watchdog inspected schools and nurseries regularly and assigned 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 either early years or sixth form provisions (depending on whether the school is primary or secondary).
The school regulator has since scrapped single word scores.
Scroll through to learn about the 7 Bristol nurseries which received an Ofsted rating in 2024.

1. Ilminster Avenue Specialist Nursery School, Ilminster Avenue, Knowle West, Bristol BS4 1BX
Rating: Good. Published in December 5, the Ofsted report for Ilminster Avenue Nursery School reads: "This is a friendly and inclusive place at the heart of the community it serves. Children receive a warm welcome from staff, which helps them to settle quickly. Staff know and meet children’s individual needs well. The school has high expectations for what all children can achieve. Children enjoy their learning. They show high levels of curiosity. From the age of two, most children develop the language and social skills they need to become successful learners. Many are well prepared for the next stage of their education because of this. Staff take time to form positive and caring relationships with children. Children know why it is important to be kind and considerate of others. They respond well to the routines that are in place. As a result, there is a calm and purposeful environment, both in and outside classrooms. The school offers a range of opportunities to support children’s personal development. Children learn why it is important to eat healthy food and how to use tools safely. When outside, they develop their understanding of teamwork. Children take pride in carrying out their ‘special jobs’ and helping to keep their school a tidy place.." | Google Maps

2. Speedwell Nursery School, Speedwell Road, Kingswood, Bristol, BS5 7SY
Rating: Quality of education: Requires Improvement. Behaviour and attitudes: Good. Personal development: Good. Leadership and management: Requires Improvement. Published in December 3, the Ofsted report for Speedwell Nursery School reads: "Adults pride themselves on the strong relationships they foster with children and families at Speedwell Nursery School. This begins as soon as children start school. Adults warmly greet children each morning. They have a deep understanding of the children and their interests. This helps children to settle quickly and feel safe. Parents and carers appreciate this. The school is ambitious for all children. It has started to make improvements to the quality of education. These ambitions are not yet fully realised. As a result, the quality of education the children receive is variable and inconsistent in the way it enables them to build knowledge well in all areas of the early years curriculum. Adults have high expectations of children. Children respond with enthusiasm and keenness. Songs help children to understand and follow the daily routines such as hand washing before lunchtime and circle time. There is a buzz of excitement as children transition into ‘explore’ time. Children learn how to develop resilience and independence. Adults encourage children to cut up their own fruit during snack time and put on coats and wellies to go outside. Children learn about difference and acceptance. The school celebrates diversity. This enables children, including those who speak English as an additional language, to embrace difference." | Little Hayes and Speedwell Nursery Schools

3. Hartcliffe Nursery School and Children's Centre, Hareclive Road, Hartcliffe, Bristol, BS13 0JW
Rating: Quality of education: Good. Behaviour and attitudes: Good. Personal development: Good. Leadership and management: Good. Published in October 25, the Ofsted report for Hartcliffe Nursery School and Children's Centre reads: "At Hartcliffe Nursery School, children treasure the moments they spend with staff. Each day starts with dedicated adults greeting children with smiles as they arrive. This welcoming start sets a positive tone for the day ahead. Parents and carers wholeheartedly agree. Most describe the school as caring and supportive. Staff seize every opportunity to develop and enrich children’s learning. During ‘welcome time’, children happily sing, count and share their feelings. At ‘tidy up time’, children work as a team to put resources away. Staff use this time to develop children’s understanding of mathematical language, such as ‘behind’, ‘next to’ and ‘under’. Children are safe and behave well because they know what staff expect of them. Well established routines and engaging activities mean that children become confident and independent learners. Staff are closely attuned to children’s needs and interests. They know when to step in with extra guidance and support, including for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Meal and snack times provide a valuable social experience. Adults act as positive role models. They encourage children to try new foods. Children learn to use cutlery and know why it is important to recycle any waste. " | Google Maps

4. St Paul’s Nursery School & Children’s Centre, Little Bishop Street St Paul’s Bristol BS2 9JF
Rating: Outstanding. Published in September 17, the Ofsted report for St Paul’s Nursery School & Children’s Centre reads: "Children are happy, confident learners at this school. When they arrive in the morning, children settle quickly into focused activities. They greet staff and one another cheerfully. Staff warmly support any children who find settling tricky. This sets a positive tone for the rest of the day. Staff expertly manage routines. This helps children to feel safe. It also gives them the confidence to be independent. Adults verbally rehearse what is happening now and what will come next. This helps children to manage transitions well. Younger children help to put pictures on the now and next board. This visual aid reminds them to be ready for the next activity. Many are able to manage their feelings well. Children have an exceptional sense of self. The school values each child’s ‘personal history’, which helps children to feel understood. Stories, songs and rhymes from many different cultures deepen children’s sense of belonging to the school community. Children benefit from moments of curiosity and wonder. The ‘out and about’ bus is just one of the ways children expand their understanding of life in Bristol and beyond." | Google Maps