If you are a parent of young children currently researching local nurseries and pre-schools, then an honest review from another parent can be helpful.

Today Bishopston Mum features a mum’s experiences of Filton Avenue Nursery School & Children’s Centre on Blakeney Road, Horfield.  Filton Avenue Nursery School provides early years learning and care for 2-4 year olds and has an “outstanding” Ofsted rating.

This nursery school has been running for an amazing 81 years, and also offers a wide range of family support services and community learning, thus it is an integral part of the local community.

Read on to learn more about this lovely nursery school.

Why Filton Avenue Nursery School?

The first nursery we went to look round was Filton Avenue Nursery. I was immediately amazed by the garden and outdoor space, impressed with the wide range of learning opportunities and activities, the smiling busy children and the warmth of the staff and the quality of the provision. We knew we need look no further and that we had found the right nursery. Since then our first daughter is now in reception and our second daughter is in Willow room and absolutely loves it.

They offer wrap-around care – a breakfast and after school club. Offer childcare from age 2 – pre school. It’s a term-time only provision.

How did the staff manage your child’s settling in?

Before our daughter started in Acorns (aged 2), we were visited at home by two staff members. This was a lovely introduction the nursery and to introduce familiar faces to her. Even at 2 my daughter was very chatty and a list on her head of questions to ask the staff, their manner was so lovely, they answered the questions, talked to her and played.

We then were invited to a session at Acorns where we we could stay, watch and talk to staff while my daughter played. It felt very comfortable, all the staff were extremely kind and caring and all the children were very happy. I told them that daughter loves playing with water, so on her first day they had set up a water activity which was such a lovely touch. After her first day she said “Nursery is amazing”.

When she moved up to the preschool, we had a home visit from her new key worker and she went to visit Willow room on different occasions, the transition went smoothly.

What do you like best about Filton Avenue Nursery School?

The outdoor space just doesn’t compare to any nursery in this area, it is enormous! The garden has a mud kitchen, a brand new park area, bikes, a huge sand pit, rope swings and much more.

That they put the children first. There is lots of child initiated play. It is a very inclusive setting Children with SEN are welcomed and 5 different languages are spoken by the staff. I really feel that my child is important to them and that every child matters. They celebrate individuality and diversity.

I like the ethos and the community feel. Parents are invited in one Tuesday every month for ‘Together Tuesday’ to spend some time at the nursery with their children. Last time I went in at the end of the day they had set up a stage and let children take turns performing a song of their choice on a microphone, it was absolutely lovely, and hilarious.

I also think it’s lovely that they have a pretend cake with real candles that they light for the children to blow out on their birthdays.

What kind of activities are on offer for children?

I can’t think of any activities they don’t have on site. They have a home corner, colouring tables, sand water play, babies, trains, building blocks – you name it!

They do forest school trips and also trips to see the nearby trains. It is a great preparation for reception.

What do you think of the staff?

One of the best assets of the nursery are the amazing staff, they are all very kind and caring, they genuinely all seem to love children and really enjoy working there which makes for a lovely atmosphere and feeling. They know the children so well and treat them kindly and fairly. I have not heard another parent have anything but positive things to say. They are always on hand to give support or advice if needed.

My daughters love it so much they even play ‘Acorns” at home and take on roles of the different key workers.

Anything you would like to add?

The headteacher has just recently retired and her leaving message to the parents was testament to this nursery: ‘I have spent all my professional career in teaching and education, but with the greatest pride say I left the best till last. Filton Avenue Nursery School and Children’s Centre was the icing on the cake!’ Her full message can be watched at filtonave.org.uk.

As a parent I already know this nursery is outstanding. In January (the first day my child, and many others moved up to preschool room) they had an Ofsted visit and were officially awarded outstanding: https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50143584

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If you would like to contact Filton Avenue Nursery School please phone 0117 377 2680 or email filtonavenuen@bristol-schools.uk.

You can also find out more by visiting https://filtonavenue.org/.