Three Exceptional Nursery Schools in the Heart of Bristol
Welcome to Central Bristol Nursery Schools
Where Every Child’s Journey Begins with Care, Learning, and Community
The Limes Nursery School
Serving the diverse Whitehall community for 40 years with a holistic approach to child development through open-ended play. This inclusive nursery helps children become enthusiastic learners and confident communicators in a supportive, caring environment.
Rosemary Nursery School
Bristol’s oldest nursery school, nestled in the heart of St Jude’s since the 1920s. This beautiful urban oasis offers children a tranquil garden space where they can explore nature through gardening and forest school activities.
St Werburgh's Park Nursery School
Built in 1931 as an open-air nursery inspired by pioneer Margaret McMillan, this spacious school features specialist rooms and exciting outdoor areas. Recognised as a Centre of Excellence, it combines historical heritage with outstanding modern early years practice.
About Central Bristol Nursery Schools
The Central Bristol Nursery Schools Federation brings together three outstanding nursery schools – Rosemary Nursery, St Werburgh’s Park Nursery, and The Limes Nursery – each with decades of experience in early years education. Together, we serve Bristol’s diverse communities, creating nurturing environments where children develop independence, confidence, and a genuine love of learning. Our experienced practitioners work in partnership with families to ensure every child receives the very best possible start in life.
About Us
At Central Bristol Nursery Schools, we offer a range of services designed to support the growth and development of young children.
A Rich Heritage of Early Years Excellence
Our federation combines nearly two centuries of collective experience in early childhood education, with roots stretching back to the 1920s. From Rosemary Nursery’s distinction as Bristol’s oldest nursery school to St Werburgh’s Park’s heritage as a 1931 open-air nursery inspired by pioneer Margaret McMillan, and The Limes’ four decades of service to the Whitehall community, we bring time-tested wisdom together with contemporary early years practice. This remarkable legacy represents generations of Bristol families who have trusted us with their children’s first educational experiences.
Celebrating Diversity in Learning
We are proud to serve Bristol’s wonderfully diverse communities, welcoming families from many different backgrounds and cultures. Our inclusive approach enriches the learning environment for all children, exposing them to various perspectives, languages, and experiences from an early age. This diversity is one of our greatest strengths, creating vibrant learning communities where every child and family feels valued and respected. Our experienced practitioners understand that each child is unique, and we celebrate the different ways children learn, play, and grow.
Nature and Learning in the City
Despite our urban locations, each of our nursery schools offers children exceptional opportunities to connect with nature and explore the outdoors. From Rosemary Nursery’s hidden gem of garden space behind Cabot Circus to St Werburgh’s Park’s exciting outdoor areas and The Limes’ spacious garden for exploration, we believe outdoor play is essential for healthy development. Our children enjoy gardening, forest school activities, and exploratory play, experiencing the benefits of nature connection while remaining in the heart of Bristol’s vibrant communities.
What Parents Are Saying
Lovely staff. I especially want to thank Dana for being so patient and understanding when my child had some difficulties. Wonderful teacher.
We have moved to the other side of Bristol but still want to send [my child] to Rosemary as she loves it so much!
It’s a wonderful little nursery school which has served the good people of this deprived city centre area for a generation.
News
Central Bristol Nursery Schools Staff Clay Day
On Friday, staff met from across all three nursery school sites to attend training led by Pete Moorhouse on Clay! Staff had an opportunity to learn more about how we can use clay with children in a variety of different ways and the benefits of doing this. We explored...
Bristol Family Hubs, Antenatal, Welcome to The World
If you are a parent at around 22 weeks of pregnancy onwards, join us at St Werburghs Park Nursery School & Children's Centre each Thursday, starting from the 26th of February running until the 26th of March. Each Thursday the Free 5 week group starts at 3.00pm and...
Free Ten Week Parenting Group for Parents of Children Aged Two to Eight
Bristol Family Hubs are running a free 10 week parenting group, starting on the 15th of January 2026 up until the 26th of March, come along to St Anne's Park Children's Centre on Lichfield Road (BS4 4BJ) every Thursday. Each Thursday the group starts at 9.45am and...
Primary School Places Reminder
If your child was born between 1 September 2021 and 31 August 2022, you will need to apply for a school place by 15 January 2026. You can apply online here. Please talk to your keyworker if you have any questions or need any support. Download the flyer below for more...
Hannah More Primary School Reception Open Evening
Hannah More Primary School invites families to attend their Reception 2026/27 Open Evening on Thursday 27th November 2025 from 5pm to 6pm. This is an excellent opportunity for parents and carers to visit the school, meet the staff, and find out more about their...
Inset Day Reminder
Just a reminder that we will be closed in the afternoon of Friday, 28th November. If your child usually attends on a Friday, they are welcome to come in for the morning session, but will need to be collected by 11:30am (Rosemary) or 11:45am (The Limes and St...
Headteacher's Welcome
Welcome! I’m Rachel, and I’m delighted to serve as Acting Head Teacher for Central Bristol Nursery Schools Federation. Having had the wonderful opportunity to teach at all three of our schools – Rosemary Nursery, The Limes Nursery, and St Werburgh’s Park Nursery – I’ve come to deeply appreciate the unique character and community spirit that makes each one special.
For over twenty years, I’ve been privileged to work in Bristol’s early years education, taking on various roles that have all reinforced my passion for this crucial stage of learning. I truly believe in the transformative power of quality early education and the essential role our nursery schools play, both within Bristol’s early years community and in supporting the families in our local neighbourhoods.
What fills me with pride every day is working alongside such dedicated and brilliant teams who are committed to providing inclusive, nurturing education where every child can flourish and reach their potential.
Register Your Interest
Discover the nurturing environment at Central Bristol Nursery Schools. Request a tour or contact us for more information to learn how we can support your child’s early education journey.