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.
5. Little Hayes Nursery School, Symington Road, Fishponds, Bristol, BS16 2LL
Rating: Requires Improvement. Published in June 24, the Ofsted report for Little Hayes Nursery School reads: "The school is determined for all children to succeed. Since the previous inspection, leaders have focused on improving the design and teaching of the curriculum. These actions are making a difference to the quality of education children receive. However, it is still early days. Children are not yet building their knowledge well enough across all areas of learning. The school builds strong connections with children and their families. This begins before children start school through ‘stay and play’ sessions. Children form warm relationships with staff, particularly their key workers. They seek and receive comfort when they need it. This helps children to settle well and feel secure. Parents value and praise this highly. One parent said, ‘The school is a home from home.’ The school has worked to establish consistent ‘daily routines’. These routines promote high expectations from staff. Children know and follow these well. For example, during ‘bucket time’, the youngest children sit together and listen well. Events are celebrated to promote children’s understanding of the wider world. For example, children enjoyed a Coronation party for the King in their garden. The garden is a special place in the school, where children explore the nature around them." | Google Maps
6. Rosemary Nursery School and Children’s Centre, Haviland House, St Judes, Great Ann Street, Bristol BS2 0DT
Rating: Good. Published in June 14, 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
7. St Werburgh’s Park Nursery School, Southville Centre, Beauley Road, Southville, Bristol BS3 1QG
Rating: Good. Published in May 13, the Ofsted report for St Werburgh’s Park Nursery School reads: "St Werburgh’s Park is a friendly and inclusive school. Children benefit from the care staff provide. Parents agree. One parent said, ‘St Werburgh’s is incredibly nurturing. Staff are respectful towards the children. They have high expectations of the children, no matter their starting point in life.’ The school is ambitious for all. Adults know children well. Key-worker focus groups provide children with the opportunity to have a voice. Staff encourage children to be confident and enthusiastic ‘explorers’. As a result, children develop positive attitudes to their learning. They are curious about the world around them, Children relish the opportunity to explore and investigate both inside and outside of the classroom. The school is a calm and happy place to learn. Children socialise well and enjoy playing with their friends. Staff have high expectations of how children should behave. They skilfully support children to understand their emotions and resolve conflict for themselves. The school places importance on children understanding their local community. Visitors, such as the police, help children to understand how people can help them keep safe. Children learn to appreciate diversity through special focus days about food and festivals. " | Google Maps