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Nursery at Speedwell Nursery 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A tree house, garden herbs for potion-making and space to investigate outdoors give Speedwell's nursery day its character. The large garden includes trees and wildlife; indoors, children use nursery rooms alongside named classes including Owls and Wrens. There is plenty of scope for practical exploration.
Speedwell is a local authority maintained nursery school on Speedwell Road, Bristol, rather than a nursery class within a primary school. Its advertised provision serves children aged two, three and four, and it shares a federation with Little Hayes Nursery School.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together physical development, relationships and communication with learning about numbers, stories, creativity and the world. Here, conversation runs through the curriculum: adults use stories, imaginative play, songs and visual prompts to help children understand and express ideas.
Owls' activities include making obstacle courses and experimenting with potions containing garden herbs, citrus fruit and fruit tea bags. These give children concrete things to move around, smell and discuss. In Wrens, Tales Toolkit supports children in inventing stories. Owls also works on counting and connecting quantities with written numerals, giving mathematical symbols a practical meaning.
Adult-led learning alternates with independent explore time, while songs help children follow routines such as washing hands and joining circle time. At the inspection on 5 and 6 November 2024, Ofsted judged the quality of education as requiring improvement, with good judgements for behaviour and attitudes and personal development.
The November 2024 findings make the learning concern specific. Teaching during adult-led activities developed vocabulary and mathematical understanding, but adults missed opportunities to extend learning during independent play. Important knowledge and vocabulary needed clearer sequencing across the curriculum. Assessment also needed to identify gaps and shape subsequent teaching. Families should weigh the practical activities alongside those weaknesses in how learning was organised and checked.
A key person helps each child settle, gets to know their needs and plans learning with the family. Owls uses Tapestry, an online learning diary that parents can contribute to with comments and photographs. This gives families a way to connect experiences at home with nursery learning. In November 2024, adults' knowledge of children's interests helped children settle promptly and feel secure; safeguarding arrangements were effective.
Snack happens in key groups, with fruit and a choice of milk or water. Families contribute fruit or vegetables for sharing. For a whole day in Owls, children need a labelled packed lunch; nuts, sweets and chocolate bars are excluded, and food cannot be reheated. Grapes and cherry tomatoes must be sliced lengthways. These rules shape what parents pack.
SEND support involves the key person, teacher and SEND coordinator discussing needs with parents and reviewing planned support. The November 2024 findings described visual cues, Makaton and bucket time supporting communication. Speedwell also has accessible toilets for adults and children, although parts of the garden and field are harder to access. Families with mobility needs should take that qualification into account.
Attending nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route and meet its deadline.
For children with SEND, the federation's policy assigns the SEND coordinator responsibility for planning the move with the next education provider and passing on relevant information. That supports continuity of care and learning; it does not determine admission.
Three fixed patterns operate during term time. Option A provides 15 hours across Monday and Tuesday, 8:30am to 2:30pm, plus Wednesday, 8:30am to 11:30am. Option B provides 15 hours on Wednesday, 12:30pm to 3:30pm, and Thursday and Friday, 8:30am to 2:30pm. Option C provides 30 hours, Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 2:30pm. The funded offer runs for 38 weeks each year.
Universal funding provides 15 hours from the term following a child's third birthday; eligible working families can combine entitlements for 30 hours. Limited paid Wednesday sessions are also offered. Registration and administration charges apply when families request additional day care; ask the school for current charges. Working-parent eligibility codes require reconfirmation every three months.
Use Register Your Interest to request information or a tour. Nursery applications join a waiting list, with offers dependent on space. Pack spare clothes, outdoor coats, suitable shoes and nappies or wipes where needed. The site is reached by a footpath from Speedwell Road.
Places are advertised for children aged two, three and four. The admissions policy excludes children younger than two.
Yes. Options A and B each provide 15 hours over fixed days; Option C provides 30 hours across Monday to Friday. Places are term time only and depend on availability.
Children attending a whole day in Owls need a labelled packed lunch. Families also contribute fruit or vegetables for shared snack time. Milk and water are provided.
Your child's key person communicates with you and plans their learning. Owls shares learning through Tapestry, where parents can add photographs and comments.
No. Reception requires a separate application through the normal admissions process, by its deadline.
