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Nursery at Fonthill Primary Academy
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Inspection data and key information above update regularly, however, this review below is refreshed bi-annually and may not reflect recent changes. Contact the nursery directly to confirm current arrangements. If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A mud kitchen, dinosaur play and storytelling give Fonthill’s nursery its character: practical exploration alongside learning to talk, listen and make friends. This is the school’s own provision for three-year-olds, on Ascot Road in Southmead, Bristol. Its Early Years gate is shared with Reception, while the nursery has its own classroom activity areas and garden.
Ofsted judged early years provision Good at the September 2022 inspection. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Stories give learning a clear thread. CUSP Early Foundations combines Structured Storytime with Foundational Knowledge and Opportunities and Experiences. Children encounter songs, poetry and factual books as well as fiction, then explore storytelling through performance, conversation and role play. New vocabulary is taught and revisited, giving children words to use in their play.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together learning and care. Communication, movement and emotional development sit alongside early reading, maths, creativity and discovering the world. Sessions combine activities directed by adults with play that children choose. Visual reminders help children work independently and return to earlier learning.
Inside, children can paint, cut and shape playdough in the funky fingers and craft area. Duplo, dolls and dinosaurs supply material for small world play; the roleplay corner allows pretend cooking or a trip to the hairdresser. Drawing has a mark making area, while the book corner provides space for stories with friends. In the maths area, children explore counting, numerals and patterns, including recognising small quantities at a glance.
Outside, bikes and a climbing frame offer movement, while the planting area and mud kitchen create different ways to explore materials. There is also a slide and sand pit. A qualified Forest School Leader is part of the nursery team. In September 2022, early years children developed the language of mathematics and could explain number patterns confidently.
Small group work helps children practise friendship skills, including taking turns, conversation and understanding another child’s feelings. In September 2022, early years children were learning to wait their turn and pay attention to adults. These are useful foundations for joining in shared activities.
Family time takes place each term, allowing parents to join their child in the learning space and share what they have been doing. The nursery also supports families with toilet readiness. Packed lunches and water bottles have a trolley, and snacks sometimes move outdoors in summer.
For concerns about additional needs, the first contact is the class teacher, who can arrange further support or a meeting with the SEND coordinator. This gives families a starting point for discussing their child’s needs.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through Bristol City Council’s school admissions process and meet the deadline for their application cycle. Nursery applications go through the school office; these are separate routes.
The shared Early Years gate is a practical connection between the two classes. It should not be treated as an admissions advantage.
Morning sessions run from 8.45am to 11.45am; full days run from 8.45am to 3.15pm, depending on funded hours. The nursery offers 15-hour or 30-hour arrangements. The different finishing times matter when planning collection around work or other children.
Drop-off and collection use the shared Early Years gate. Children have an individual peg for their bag and coat. Parents can exchange books through the share a book bag system in the garden, giving shared reading a place in the home routine too.
To apply or arrange a nursery tour, contact the school office on 0117 377 2550 or email office@fhp.ampedu.co.uk.
The school has nursery provision for three-year-olds.
Morning sessions are 8.45am to 11.45am. Full days are 8.45am to 3.15pm, depending on funded hours, with 15-hour or 30-hour arrangements.
The nursery outdoor area includes bikes, a sand pit, a mud kitchen, planting space, a slide and a climbing frame.
No. Families need a separate application through Bristol City Council’s school admissions process, submitted by the deadline for their application cycle.
Family time happens each term, giving parents time with their child in the learning environment. Parents can also exchange books using the share a book bag system in the garden.
