Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Family-Run Nurseries in Bristol
Bristol Childcare is a family-run business established in 1971, dedicated to providing high-quality, homely childcare across three nurseries in Bristol: The Priory in Filton, Mornington House in Clifton, and The Court House in Knowle. Our approach centres on small, child-led care, fostering a nurturing environment where children feel safe, valued, and inspired to learn. With over 50 years of experience, we prioritise flexibility, offering tailored hours to suit families while maintaining a minimum of eight hours weekly to ensure children settle comfortably. Our ethos of genuine care, role modelling, and outdoor learning is reflected in every aspect of our operations, from home-cooked meals using locally sourced ingredients to natural play resources and sustainable practices.We pride ourselves on our long-standing team, some of whom have been with us for over 35 years, ensuring continuity and deep expertise. Our commitment to partnership with parents is evident through regular communication, photo updates via app, and collaborative approaches to addressing individual needs. Recognised for our family-like atmosphere and dedication to child development, we prepare children for school through creative, play-based learning while championing inclusivity, cultural awareness, and environmental responsibility. This enduring focus on quality, flexibility, and community has made us a trusted choice for generations of families in Bristol.
Services
Nursery Care
Flexible Hours
Home-Cooked Meals
Outdoor Learning
Child-Led Activities
Parent Communication
Special Needs Support
Enrichment Programs
Healthy Meals
Sustainability Education
Details
- Year established: 1971
Highlights and features
- We offer over 50 years of experience in family-run childcare.
- Our nurseries provide a homely environment with long-serving, dedicated staff.
- Flexible booking hours tailored to family needs.
- Home-cooked meals using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients.
- Proven success in preparing children for school through play-based learning.
What people say
Lovely staff
Child has thrived
Flexible hours
Excellent communication
Homely atmosphere
Services
Nursery Care
Our nursery care provides a secure, stimulating environment for children aged 05, focusing on emotional well-being, social skills, and foundational learning through play. Each nursery maintains small group sizes to ensure individual attention, with rooms designed to encourage exploration and communication. Activities are tailored to developmental stages, blending structured learning with free play using natural, open-ended materials.
Flexible Hours
Flexible hours allow families to schedule childcare around their needs, with a minimum of eight hours weekly across two days. This approach balances consistency for children with adaptability for parents, avoiding rigid session times while ensuring sufficient settling-in periods. Fees are adjusted on a sliding scale based on hours booked.
Home-Cooked Meals
Daily meals are freshly prepared on-site using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, including produce from our gardens. Menus cater to dietary requirements and allergies, promoting healthy eating habits. Children participate in food-related activities, learning about nutrition and cooking through hands-on experiences like baking and gardening.
Outdoor Learning
Outdoor spaces are integral to our curriculum, offering gardens and nearby parks for physical activity, sensory exploration, and environmental education. Children engage in gardening, weather observation, and unstructured play with natural materials, fostering curiosity, resilience, and a connection to nature year-round.
Parent Communication
We maintain open, frequent communication with parents through daily updates, app notifications, and formal meetings. This partnership ensures alignment in supporting each childs development, with staff readily available to discuss progress, address concerns, and share milestones in a collaborative, respectful manner.
People
Saffia Farr
Managing Director
Saffia Farr leads Bristol Childcare, continuing her familys 50-year legacy in early years education. With hands-on experience across all nursery levels, she champions child-centred care, staff development, and sustainable practices. Her leadership maintains the groups homely ethos while driving innovation in curriculum and operations.
Muna
Senior Staff Member
Muna has dedicated 15 years to Bristol Childcare, fostering nurturing environments for children. Her expertise in early childhood development and commitment to the nurserys values make her a trusted figure among families and colleagues.
Justine
Senior Staff Member
With 35 years of service, Justine embodies Bristol Childcares ethos of long-term staff commitment. Her deep understanding of child-led learning and warm approach have positively impacted countless children and families.
Questions
What makes Bristol Childcare different from other nurseries?
We prioritise small, homely settings with flexible hours, home-cooked meals, and child-led learning, supported by long-serving staff and a 50-year legacy of family-run care.
Do you offer flexible booking options?
Yes, we allow tailored hours to suit families, requiring a minimum of eight hours weekly across at least two days for child settlement.
How do you support child development?
Through play-based learning, outdoor activities, creative resources, and individualised attention to foster independence, communication, and school readiness.
Are meals provided at the nurseries?
Yes, we serve home-cooked meals using locally sourced ingredients, accommodating dietary needs while promoting healthy eating habits.
How do you communicate with parents?
We provide regular updates via app, daily handovers, and maintain open dialogue to ensure transparency and collaborative care.
What sustainability practices do you follow?
We use natural resources, reduce waste through composting, grow our own produce, and prioritise eco-friendly materials in daily operations.
Reviews (3)
Jawaher Yousef
Jul 15, 2020
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Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality,Value
I cannot say less than it is the nursery, which all moms can trust. It is another home, and all the stuff are sooooo friendly and supportive
I cannot say less than it is the nursery, which all moms can trust. It is another home, and all the stuff are sooooo friendly and supportive
Lucy Copleston
Aug 26, 2014
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My daughter Marigold, has been at Mornington in the baby room for the past 8 months. She has LOVED every minute of it. The ladies are brilliant with the kids and so caring as Marigold loves a cuddle. Her speech and mobility have come on wonders during her time there also. They do a lot of messy play with the kids, which is so much fun for them. The food is cooked on site and there isn't a day when Marry doesn't eat it all and have seconds! I really cant fault the nursery or the staff. All very caring and helpful. Its a shame we are having to leave. Marry will miss them all.
Chris Arthur
Nov 16, 2012
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We have two daughters at Mornington. I must applaud the lovely caring friendly staff there they have taken absolutely fabulous care of the girls. Mornington is quite a small nursery compared to some of the others in the area but it boasts excellent staff, a lovely garden fand excellent childcare.
