We’re thrilled to share the launch of a very special project – the new website for Bristol’s Maintained Nursery Schools. This comprehensive digital platform celebrates nearly a century of exceptional early years education across Bristol, showcasing twelve remarkable nursery schools that have been cornerstones of their communities for generations.
A Decade-Long Partnership
Our relationship with Bristol’s nursery schools began over a decade ago when we first worked with St Pauls Nursery School. Since then, we’ve had the privilege of building individual websites for many of these outstanding early years settings, each time gaining deeper insight into their unique approaches and the incredible impact they’ve on children and their families.
When we were approached about this ambitious new project last year, we knew it was something special. The aim was to bring the nursery schools together digitally, spread the word about the fantastic work they do, and showcase what makes Bristol’s Maintained Nursery Schools so special and unique. The schools were already collaborating closely and working together as a network, so the website would help amplify this collective approach while presenting their shared vision to families and the wider community.
Collaborative Design Process
Over the past few months, we’ve worked incredibly closely with headteachers across all twelve schools. These are educational leaders with decades of experience. The collaborative approach was essential, and it built naturally on the existing partnerships between the schools. Each headteacher brought a unique perspective on what families in their communities needed to know, how to communicate their school’s values effectively, and what would genuinely serve the children and families they support. But more than that, they were united in their vision of what makes Bristol’s nursery schools uniquely valuable.
The new website thoughtfully balances the collective strength of Bristol’s nursery schools with the unique personality of each setting. Families can easily discover their closest school and explore the individuality that makes each one special. We were deliberate in ensuring each school retains its own identity on the website, showcasing their distinct personalities, values, and approaches while demonstrating how they all contribute to Bristol’s exceptional early years landscape. The site also includes a comprehensive jobs section for educators looking to join these outstanding teams, and an easy way for families to register their interest and begin their journey with Bristol’s maintained nursery schools. We also worked hard to present the options for free and funded childcare at Bristol’s nursery schools clearly and concisely.
A Special Launch Moment
The website officially launched at the monthly meeting of Bristol’s Maintained Nursery School headteachers at Engineers House in Bristol. In a moment that perfectly captured the collaborative spirit of the project, we spun a wheel and Kate Tector, headteacher at Filton Avenue Nursery School, pressed the big button to take the website live. It was genuinely exciting to see months of collaborative work come together in that moment!
What Makes These Schools Extraordinary
Through our work on this project, we’ve been reminded of just how special Bristol’s nursery schools are. These aren’t just childcare providers – they’re educational institutions led by qualified headteachers and staffed by dedicated teachers. Schools like St Pauls have maintained “Outstanding” Ofsted ratings for 15 years, while others like St Werburgh’s Park date back to 1931, built as an open-air nursery school inspired by pioneering educator Margaret McMillan.
What strikes us most is their holistic approach. These schools don’t just focus on early years education; they take a “whole family” approach, working with parents and caregivers, offering family support, and often serving as community hubs. The testimonials from families speak volumes about the transformation these schools bring to children’s lives.
Looking Forward
This launch is just the beginning. We look forward to further developing the website and continuing our support for Bristol’s Maintained Nursery Schools. These institutions represent something precious – high-quality early years education that’s accessible to all families, delivered by passionate professionals who understand that giving children the best possible start in life has ripple effects that last generations.
The new website serves not just as an information resource, but as a digital embodiment of their collective vision, bringing together twelve schools under one roof to spread the word about their excellent work and showcase what makes them so special and unique in the early years landscape.