Three Exceptional Nursery Schools in the Heart of Bristol
Welcome to Central Bristol Nursery Schools
Where Every Child’s Journey Begins with Care, Learning, and Community
The Limes Nursery School
Serving the diverse Whitehall community for 40 years with a holistic approach to child development through open-ended play. This inclusive nursery helps children become enthusiastic learners and confident communicators in a supportive, caring environment.
Rosemary Nursery School
Bristol’s oldest nursery school, nestled in the heart of St Jude’s since the 1920s. This beautiful urban oasis offers children a tranquil garden space where they can explore nature through gardening and forest school activities.
St Werburgh's Park Nursery School
Built in 1931 as an open-air nursery inspired by pioneer Margaret McMillan, this spacious school features specialist rooms and exciting outdoor areas. Recognised as a Centre of Excellence, it combines historical heritage with outstanding modern early years practice.
About Central Bristol Nursery Schools
The Central Bristol Nursery Schools Federation brings together three outstanding nursery schools – Rosemary Nursery, St Werburgh’s Park Nursery, and The Limes Nursery – each with decades of experience in early years education. Together, we serve Bristol’s diverse communities, creating nurturing environments where children develop independence, confidence, and a genuine love of learning. Our experienced practitioners work in partnership with families to ensure every child receives the very best possible start in life.
About Us
At Central Bristol Nursery Schools, we offer a range of services designed to support the growth and development of young children.
A Rich Heritage of Early Years Excellence
Our federation combines nearly two centuries of collective experience in early childhood education, with roots stretching back to the 1920s. From Rosemary Nursery’s distinction as Bristol’s oldest nursery school to St Werburgh’s Park’s heritage as a 1931 open-air nursery inspired by pioneer Margaret McMillan, and The Limes’ four decades of service to the Whitehall community, we bring time-tested wisdom together with contemporary early years practice. This remarkable legacy represents generations of Bristol families who have trusted us with their children’s first educational experiences.
Celebrating Diversity in Learning
We are proud to serve Bristol’s wonderfully diverse communities, welcoming families from many different backgrounds and cultures. Our inclusive approach enriches the learning environment for all children, exposing them to various perspectives, languages, and experiences from an early age. This diversity is one of our greatest strengths, creating vibrant learning communities where every child and family feels valued and respected. Our experienced practitioners understand that each child is unique, and we celebrate the different ways children learn, play, and grow.
Nature and Learning in the City
Despite our urban locations, each of our nursery schools offers children exceptional opportunities to connect with nature and explore the outdoors. From Rosemary Nursery’s hidden gem of garden space behind Cabot Circus to St Werburgh’s Park’s exciting outdoor areas and The Limes’ spacious garden for exploration, we believe outdoor play is essential for healthy development. Our children enjoy gardening, forest school activities, and exploratory play, experiencing the benefits of nature connection while remaining in the heart of Bristol’s vibrant communities.
What Parents Are Saying
My son loves the garden. We live in a flat and don’t have any outside space but the garden at nursery is amazing. It’s great to know that he can run and play in a safe space.
You always greet [my child] with a smile which makes me know he’s going to have a good day with you. He loves coming to nursery.
It feels like family here. I know my child will be looked after like he’s at home.
News
Bristol SEND News: January 2026 Newsletter Now Available
The Bristol Parent Carer Forum has published its January 2026 newsletter, which provides valuable information and support for families of children with special educational needs and disabilities. This month's edition includes important updates on ADHD and autism...
East Central Family Hub Groups and Support – January to March 2026
East Central Family Hub is offering a comprehensive programme of groups and support services for families across East and Central Bristol throughout the first quarter of 2026. The family hub network operates from multiple locations and their programme includes a wide...
Navigation and Nurture Support Group
We want to introduce you to a monthly support group for parents of medically complex and/or disabled children. Navigation and Nurture is a regular space for practical and moral support for parents of children who face medical care requirements and/or possible...
Primary School Places – Deadline 15th January
Don't forget, if your child was born between 1 September 2021 and 31 August 2022, you will need to apply for a school place by 15 January 2026. You can apply online here. Please talk to your keyworker if you have any questions or need any support. Download the flyer...
Bristol Parent Carers December Newsletter
Bristol Parent Carers have asked us to share their December newsletter. Bristol Parent Carers provide support to any parent carer in Bristol who needs information and support for their child(ren) with special educational needs and disabilities, no diagnosis required....
Central Bristol Nursery Schools Staff Clay Day
On Friday, staff met from across all three nursery school sites to attend training led by Pete Moorhouse on Clay! Staff had an opportunity to learn more about how we can use clay with children in a variety of different ways and the benefits of doing this. We explored...
Headteacher's Welcome
Welcome! I’m Rachel, and I’m delighted to serve as Acting Head Teacher for Central Bristol Nursery Schools Federation. Having had the wonderful opportunity to teach at all three of our schools – Rosemary Nursery, The Limes Nursery, and St Werburgh’s Park Nursery – I’ve come to deeply appreciate the unique character and community spirit that makes each one special.
For over twenty years, I’ve been privileged to work in Bristol’s early years education, taking on various roles that have all reinforced my passion for this crucial stage of learning. I truly believe in the transformative power of quality early education and the essential role our nursery schools play, both within Bristol’s early years community and in supporting the families in our local neighbourhoods.
What fills me with pride every day is working alongside such dedicated and brilliant teams who are committed to providing inclusive, nurturing education where every child can flourish and reach their potential.
Register Your Interest
Discover the nurturing environment at Central Bristol Nursery Schools. Request a tour or contact us for more information to learn how we can support your child’s early education journey.