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Nursery at Upper Horfield 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Raindrops and Rivers give Upper Horfield’s nursery its own identity: two rooms for different stages of early childhood, each with outdoor space. Raindrops serves children aged 2 to 3, while Rivers caters for ages 3 to 4. The provision shares the school site on Sheridan Road in Horfield, Bristol, with access to the school hall, playground and sports pitch.
This is the school’s own nursery, operating under the same registration. Ofsted’s report dated 20 January 2026 judged early years to meet the Expected standard; that judgement covers early years within the school rather than a separate nursery inspection.
Stories and conversation give the day a clear learning focus. Children in the younger provision hear stories drawn from different cultures, pick up familiar phrases and take part in recurring refrains. That makes listening an active experience, with children contributing words as well as hearing them.
Within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), the emphasis here includes communication, independence and curiosity. In January 2026, language development was a priority, including for children learning English as an additional language. Children generally made good progress from their individual starting points. Established routines also helped them take part confidently in daily life.
The two nursery rooms have outdoor areas, allowing activities inside and outside. Access to the sports pitch, playground and hall adds shared school facilities to those room spaces. Raindrops organises provision around developmental needs: as younger children’s needs change, staff support a move towards a room with older children. Progression between rooms therefore takes account of development rather than age alone.
Settling begins before the first nursery session. The induction includes a home visit and three stay-and-play sessions, giving families opportunities to build familiarity with staff and the setting. Every child receives a key person. In January 2026, early years staff established close relationships with families and addressed obstacles to learning or wellbeing early, helping children settle and feel secure.
Tapestry connects home and nursery. Parents can see accounts of their child’s activities, respond to them and contribute experiences from home. Both rooms have their own teams and room leaders, while the wider nursery team includes qualified staff who adapt care to individual needs.
Support for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) includes an early years coordinator and an Assess, Plan, Do, Review process. Early years plans are reviewed with children and parents at least three times a year, making family involvement part of the support cycle. The site has ramps at the main entrance and between the playground and building.
For food, the school’s meal service uses Aspens, which cooks meals fresh on site. Its packed-lunch policy excludes nuts, and children needing dietary adjustments require a form before receiving school meals.
Attending this nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet the deadline for their entry year. Bristol City Council manages school admissions, and the school directs families to the council’s admissions service.
Transition support is a separate matter from securing a place. Children joining Reception have a home visit and a chance to visit their new classroom during the summer term. For children needing more help with change, enhanced transition includes meeting the next teacher and using transition booklets. These activities help children prepare for a new stage; they do not replace an admissions application.
Term-time provision has a nursery day running from 8am to 5pm. The core morning session lasts from 8.45am to 11.45am; the afternoon runs from 12.15pm to 3.15pm. This gives families distinct session windows within the longer operating day.
Funded places are offered to eligible two-year-olds and all children aged 3 to 4. Refer to the school for current charges. Places depend on availability, with usual intakes in September and January. Raindrops entry begins in the term following a child’s second birthday, while Rivers entry is in September of the preschool year.
To enquire, request an expression-of-interest form from the main office. Nursery tours can be arranged by calling or visiting the office. The contact number is 0117 9031281.
Raindrops caters for children aged 2 to 3, and Rivers for children aged 3 to 4. Raindrops entry is from the term after the second birthday; Rivers entry is in September of the preschool year.
The core morning session is 8.45am to 11.45am, and the core afternoon session is 12.15pm to 3.15pm. The nursery day runs from 8am to 5pm during term time.
Induction includes a home visit and three stay-and-play sessions. Each child is assigned a key person, and parents can exchange updates with nursery staff through Tapestry.
No. A separate Reception application is required through Bristol City Council’s school admissions process, by the deadline for the relevant entry year.
Call or visit the school office to make an appointment for a nursery tour. The telephone number is 0117 9031281; expression-of-interest forms are also available from the main office.
