Business Details
Trusted Nursery School & Children's Centre in Bristol
Hartcliffe Nursery School & Children's Centre has been a cornerstone of the South Bristol community for nearly five decades. Established in the early 1970s, our nursery school provides high-quality early years education and childcare in a safe, nurturing environment designed to foster children's growth and development. Our team of experienced, dedicated professionals tailors their approach to meet each child's unique needs while maintaining strong partnerships with families. We prioritise inclusive practices, evidenced by our evolving SEND provision and neuro-affirming strategies that celebrate individuality. With purpose-built facilities featuring natural play areas and Forest School resources, we create optimal learning environments that have earned recognition through our Ofsted Outstanding rating.Our commitment to community extends beyond childcare, offering family engagement programs and collaborating with local professionals to enhance children's experiences. The nursery maintains rigorous health and safety standards, including its nut-free policy, while providing transparent communication channels for parents through learning diaries and regular updates. This combination of expertise, facilities, and community focus has made us a trusted choice for generations of Hartcliffe families.
Services
Early Years Education
Childcare Services
SEND Support
Parent Engagement Programs
Outdoor Learning Activities
Nut-Free Environment
School Readiness Programs
Community Events
Health and Safety Policies
Transition Support
Highlights and features
- We have over 50 years of experience in early years education.
- Our team provides tailored learning approaches for each child.
- We maintain strong partnerships with families and local professionals.
- Our nursery features purpose-built facilities with natural play areas.
- We implement inclusive, neuro-affirming practices for all children.
Associations and certifications
- Ofsted Outstanding
What people say
Nurturing environment
Approachable staff
Family feel
Excellent outdoor areas
Inclusive practices
Services
Early Years Education
Our curriculum for children aged 2-4 combines structured learning with free play, focusing on foundational skills in literacy, numeracy, and social development. Qualified teachers deliver tailored activities that align with national standards while adapting to individual learning paces. The program prepares children for smooth transitions to primary education through continuous assessment and parent collaboration.
SEND Support
We provide specialised educational support for children with special needs, implementing individualised plans developed in partnership with parents and external specialists. Our staff receive regular training in neuro-affirming practices while our physical environment incorporates sensory-friendly spaces. This inclusive approach ensures every child achieves their developmental potential alongside peers.
Outdoor Learning
Daily outdoor activities utilise our landscaped play areas and Forest School resources to develop physical coordination and environmental awareness. Children engage in structured nature exploration, gardening projects, and seasonal discovery activities. These experiences promote risk assessment skills and physical development while connecting learning to real-world contexts through hands-on natural experiences.
Parent Engagement
We foster strong home-school partnerships through regular learning diary updates, parent-teacher consultations, and family participation in educational visits. Parents receive guidance on supporting child development at home while contributing to curriculum planning through feedback sessions. This collaborative approach ensures consistent support across nursery and home environments.
Nut-Free Provision
Our strict nut-free policy extends to all food items, including chocolate spreads, to protect children with allergies. Staff receive regular training in allergen management while parents complete detailed dietary requirement forms. This comprehensive approach creates a safe environment for children with severe food sensitivities through clear communication and strict policy enforcement.
People
Cate Peel
Headteacher
Cate Peel leads Hartcliffe Nursery School with over two decades of early years education experience. She champions inclusive practices and has overseen the nursery's continued Ofsted Outstanding rating. Cate maintains close relationships with families and local professionals to enhance educational outcomes.
Questions
How do I register my child for nursery places?
Contact us via phone (0117 903 8633) or visit our reception to complete registration forms for children aged 2-4. Spaces for September 2025 are limited.
Are there free childcare options available?
We offer free two-year-old places through Bristol City Council eligibility schemes. Parents working specific hours may qualify for funded childcare provision.
What SEND support does the nursery provide?
Our specialised SEND provision includes individualised learning plans, staff training in neuro-affirming practices, and collaboration with external specialists to support children's unique needs.
What outdoor facilities do you have?
We feature landscaped play areas, Forest School resources, and natural exploration spaces designed by The Green Play Project to enhance physical and environmental learning.
What safety policies are in place?
We maintain a nut-free environment, strict illness protocols, and secure premises. All staff hold relevant safeguarding certifications and follow detailed health and safety procedures.
How do you involve parents in their child's learning?
We use learning diaries for progress tracking, host regular parent consultations, and encourage family participation in educational visits and transition activities to primary school.
Reviews (1)
Kostas Tsialkoutis
Aug 18, 2016
Report
One of the best nurseries ever. Activities, pets, enthusiastic staff and very well organised. They do a tremendous job and work very well with the parents. Couldn't recommend it more.
