Central Bristol Nursery Schools Federation brings together three exceptional nursery schools, each with its own unique character and rich history, united by a shared commitment to providing outstanding early years education in the heart of Bristol.
Our Three Schools
Rosemary Nursery School stands as Bristol’s oldest nursery school, with roots stretching back to the 1920s. Located in St Jude’s behind Cabot Circus, this remarkable school has been described by Ofsted as “a very beautiful school” and “an oasis of care.” Despite its city centre location, Rosemary Nursery offers a hidden gem of outdoor space where children can engage in gardening and forest school activities, creating meaningful connections with nature in the heart of the urban environment.
St Werburgh’s Park Nursery School carries forward nearly a century of educational heritage, having been built in 1931 as an open-air nursery school inspired by nursery pioneer Margaret McMillan. This spacious facility offers children access to an art studio, library, cooking room, and large classroom spaces, alongside an exciting garden where they can explore nature and grow vegetables in the nursery allotment area. Designated as an Early Years Centre of Excellence in 2012, the school continues to lead in early years practice.
The Limes Nursery School has served the Whitehall area of Easton for 40 years, situated conveniently next to Whitehall Primary School. With its spacious garden area and commitment to teaching through open-ended play, The Limes helps children develop independence, make choices, and form new relationships while fostering a genuine love of books and stories.
Our Shared Values
Across all three schools, we celebrate our position within diverse communities, actively welcoming families from many different backgrounds. This inclusive approach enriches the learning environment for all children, exposing them to various cultures, languages, and perspectives from an early age. We believe that this diversity is one of our greatest strengths, creating vibrant learning communities where every child feels valued and respected.
Our experienced practitioners create caring and nurturing environments where children are supported to become independent, resilient, and confident in their play and learning. We work holistically with children and families, embodying the belief that all children deserve the very best possible start in life.
Partnership with Families
We recognise that parents and carers are children’s first and most important educators. Our approach is built on meaningful partnerships with families, acknowledging that you know your children best and that your support and encouragement make a substantial difference to their learning outcomes. This collaborative approach ensures continuity between home and nursery experiences, strengthening children’s sense of security and enhancing their development.
Our Commitment
With our combined heritage spanning nearly a century of early years education, Central Bristol Nursery Schools Federation represents a remarkable legacy of service to generations of Bristol families. We blend time-tested educational wisdom with contemporary early years practice, staying at the forefront of early childhood education while maintaining the core values that have guided us throughout our history.
Each of our schools offers a unique environment where children can thrive, whether in Rosemary’s urban oasis, St Werburgh’s historically rich setting, or The Limes’ community-focused approach. Together, we create opportunities for children to become enthusiastic learners, confident communicators, and caring members of their communities.