Business Details
Trusted Childcare Services in Bristol
Purple Childcare is an independent nursery serving the Bristol community with a commitment to inclusive, high-quality early years education. Established by experienced professionals with over 18 years of combined expertise in childcare and special educational needs, we provide a safe, stimulating environment where children develop independence, confidence, and a love for learning. Our curriculum balances structured activities with child-led exploration, supported by qualified staff dedicated to nurturing individual potential.With flexible session options and government-funded places available, we prioritise accessibility while maintaining rigorous safeguarding standards. Our facilities include age-specific learning spaces, outdoor play areas, and partnerships with specialist providers to enhance developmental opportunities.
Services
Childcare
Early Education
Flexible Sessions
Nutritious Meals
Special Needs Support
Highlights and features
- We maintain an inclusive ethos welcoming children of all abilities and backgrounds
- Our staff include qualified Early Years Professionals with specialist SEN experience
- Flexible 8am-5pm sessions with breakfast/tea clubs in 30-minute increments
- Nutritionally balanced organic meals provided by specialist early years caterers
- Large outdoor learning spaces with forest school and sensory garden areas
Associations and certifications
- Ofsted
What people say
Beam with happiness
Exceptional SEN experience
Leaps and bounds
Always happy
Excited to start day
Services
Childcare
We provide full-day childcare for children aged 9 months to 5 years. Our qualified practitioners deliver age-appropriate care in purpose-designed rooms with dedicated sleep and sensory areas. Staff ratios exceed statutory requirements to ensure individual attention.
Early Education
Our Ofsted-registered curriculum follows Early Years Foundation Stage guidelines while incorporating child-led learning. Activities develop communication, physical coordination, and social skills through structured play and specialist programmes like Spanish lessons.
Flexible Sessions
Choose from standard 9am-3pm sessions or extend hours between 8am-5pm using 30-minute increments. We offer breakfast and tea clubs to accommodate working parents' schedules while maintaining consistent care routines.
Special Needs Support
Our SENCo-qualified staff provide tailored support for children with additional needs. We implement individual education plans while integrating all children into mainstream activities to promote inclusive learning experiences.
Outdoor Learning
Children access a large outdoor space featuring play structures, growing gardens, and forest school areas. Outdoor activities develop physical skills and environmental awareness through structured play and nature exploration.
People
Felicity Shapter
Owner/Manager
Qualified Early Years Professional with 18 years' experience, specialising in behaviour management and SEN support. Leads strategic development while maintaining hands-on nursery operations.
Gemma Lawerance
Deputy Manager/SENCo
Qualified teacher with 11 years' childcare experience, specialising in special educational needs. Oversees curriculum development and implements individualised learning plans.
Vanessa Collings
Baby Room Lead
Level 5 qualified practitioner with 10 years' experience in infant care. Specialises in early communication development and sensory play activities for babies.
Questions
What are your operating hours?
We operate Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:00pm with standard sessions 9:00am-3:00pm. Breakfast and tea clubs available in 30-minute increments.
Do you offer government-funded places?
Yes, we provide 15-30 hours of free childcare weekly for eligible 2-5 year olds through government schemes. Contact us for eligibility assessment.
How do you support special educational needs?
Our SENCo-qualified team implements individual education plans with regular parent consultations. We maintain lower staff ratios and specialist resources for SEN children.
What meals do you provide?
We serve nutritionally balanced organic meals from our dedicated caterer, including snacks and five daily hydration opportunities. Dietary requirements are accommodated.
Can I visit before enrolling?
Yes, we encourage pre-enrolment visits. Contact us to book a tour, meet staff, and discuss your child's specific needs and routines.
Reviews (4)
Anja Buitendag
Jun 19, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Reliability,Responsiveness,Value
My little boy is very happy at nursery, the teachers are very professional and very kind. They always collect my boy with big smiles
I would recommend this nusery anytime to any person. Thank you for everyone's hard work!
My little boy is very happy at nursery, the teachers are very professional and very kind. They always collect my boy with big smiles
I would recommend this nusery anytime to any person. Thank you for everyone's hard work!
James Davenport
Aug 24, 2019
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Purple Childcare is a fantastic nursery that we could not recommend highly enough. As soon as we viewed the nursery it was clear this was the place to send out daughter - all the staff were engaging and friendly and most importantly it was obvious the children were well cared for, stimulated and having lots of fun. Over the past year our first impressions have been proved absolutely correct and our daughter has flourished here. She looks forward to going each day and they have a great garden which they are always playing in but what makes purple Childcare so special is the staff. They all know
Kirsty
Aug 01, 2019
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Ive had my son at Purple childcare for over a year now and I can honestly say he is thriving. He absolutely loves all the staff and has built some special bonds with his key workers. He is always happy to leave me in the mornings, often running off excited to start his day. He is quite often sad to leave at the end of the day! The nursery staff keep me fully up to date with his progress and EYFS/leuven levels as well as day to day activities via the Tapestry platform. They always have a variety of activities on offer and they are always in the garden which is a great space. He has learnt so
Helena Sales
Jul 14, 2019
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A wonderful nursery and pre-school. Being that bit smaller, staff know each and every child with genuine understanding and care. I am really impressed by their educational curriculum and activities, delivered by qualified teachers. I feel my eldest is very well prepared for his next step of school. And the baby room is run with such fun and kindness, my youngest started at 10 months old and is thriving. The daily communication at pick up is very comprehensive and staff are so helpful. Staff seem very happy and and enthusiastic and supported by the owner who works on the ground. My children beam
