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Nursery at Shirehampton Primary School
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Under 3s and Pre-School give Shirehampton's youngest children two distinct starting points within the same school. The nursery takes children aged two, three and four, with play and growing independence shaping its approach. It sits within Shirehampton Primary School in Bristol, on St Mary's Walk.
For younger children, the emphasis is on getting to know adults, communicating and becoming comfortable with nursery life. Pre-School combines children's own investigations with activities led by adults. The balance gives children room to pursue an interest while receiving help to develop it.
Play does substantial work here. Children build, investigate, invent imaginary situations and practise solving problems, using both outdoor and indoor learning spaces. Adults join their activities, demonstrate skills and introduce vocabulary rather than leaving exploration entirely to the children.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the curriculum framework. In parent terms, its starting points are learning to communicate, managing relationships and feelings, and developing physical skills. Number, early literacy, creative expression and discovering how the world works broaden that foundation. Under 3s puts particular emphasis on those first three areas, with activities responding to children's development and interests.
Stories, singing and rhymes recur through nursery learning. Listening games, making marks and noticing print help children begin connecting spoken language with books and writing. This is preparation through everyday activity.
Independence is equally practical. Children receive help to manage coats and belongings, wash their hands and tidy resources. Toilet use is supported when a child is developmentally ready. Expectations follow the individual child's stage, so these routines become opportunities to practise rather than a single threshold everyone must meet.
Relationships provide the starting point for settling into Under 3s. Adults take time to learn about each child and help them become more confident in the setting. Staffing includes a nursery class teacher who leads Pre-School, alongside an Under 3s room lead.
Arbor carries nursery reminders and important information. Parents can discuss learning or wellbeing with the class teacher; non-urgent emails are checked weekly during term time. That distinction matters when deciding how quickly a message needs attention.
Support for additional needs involves families in planning and reviewing provision. Classroom changes, targeted help and specialist advice can form part of that support. At the April 2023 inspection, Ofsted identified strong pastoral support for children with additional needs beginning in nursery. This is an early-years-specific finding, rather than a separate nursery grade.
Nursery lunchtime starts at 11:30am. Aspens prepares the school's meals, and children may bring a healthy packed lunch. The school is nut free. Allergies and other dietary requirements should be discussed with the office so arrangements can be made.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Bristol City Council within its admissions window. Treat that application as a distinct step from choosing nursery.
Preparation for the next stage happens through daily learning: expressing needs, making choices, playing with others and managing personal routines. Those skills support the move to school; they do not secure admission.
Both Under 3s and Pre-School offer mornings from 8:40am to 11:40am, afternoons from 12:10pm to 3:10pm, and full days from 8:40am to 3:10pm. The shorter sessions give families an alternative to a full nursery day.
Contact the school office on 0117 9031447 or shirehamptonp@bristol-schools.uk for nursery enquiries or to arrange a school tour. Children need a labelled water bottle; families supply nappies and wipes where required. Tell the office if a different person will collect your child, and telephone promptly if delayed.
Children aged two, three and four attend through the Under 3s and Pre-School provision.
Mornings run from 8:40am to 11:40am, afternoons from 12:10pm to 3:10pm, and full days from 8:40am to 3:10pm.
No. A separate application is required through Bristol City Council during its admissions window.
Bring a labelled water bottle, plus any items requested by the nursery team. Nappies and wipes should come from home if needed.
Important information comes through Arbor. Speak to the class teacher about learning or wellbeing; non-urgent teacher emails are checked weekly during term time.
