Welcome to St Werburgh's Park Nursery School

Welcome to St Werburgh’s Park Nursery School, where nearly a century of educational excellence meets modern early years practice in a truly inspiring environment. Built in 1931 as an open-air nursery school inspired by pioneering educator Margaret McMillan, we continue to honour this progressive vision while serving today’s families with outstanding care and education.

Our spacious facilities include dedicated areas such as an art studio, library, and cooking room, alongside large classroom spaces that provide children with rich learning opportunities. The heart of our nursery lies in our exciting garden space, where children can engage in physical activities, explore nature, and tend to our own vegetable allotment.

As a term-time nursery offering 15 or 30-hour places depending on eligibility, we have been recognised by Ofsted as friendly and inclusive, proudly welcoming families from diverse backgrounds. Our experienced practitioners create a caring and nurturing environment where children develop independence, resilience, and confidence, supported by our role as an Early Years Centre of Excellence and our participation in the National Teaching School partnership since 2013.

Partnership with Families

Our partnership with parents is a big part of our work.

You know so much about your child.

Your support and encouragement will make a big difference to their learning.

Educational Heritage and Innovation

St Werburgh’s Park Nursery School carries forward a remarkable educational legacy, having been built in 1931 as an open-air nursery school inspired by Margaret McMillan’s progressive vision for early childhood education. This historical foundation continues to inform our approach today, as we blend time-tested educational principles with contemporary early years practice. Over nine decades of continuous service, we have evolved and expanded our facilities while maintaining our core philosophy of providing healthy, nature-connected learning environments. Our rich history provides depth and wisdom that enhances every child’s educational experience, creating a bridge between pioneering educational ideals and modern understanding of how children learn and flourish.

Centre of Educational Excellence

Our designation as an Early Years Centre of Excellence in 2012 and participation in the National Teaching School partnership since 2013 reflects our commitment to outstanding early years education that extends beyond our own children. We serve the broader educational community by offering training and support to other professionals and students, ensuring we remain at the forefront of early years practice. Our specialised facilities, including an art studio, library, and cooking room, allow us to provide developmentally appropriate experiences tailored to each child’s needs. This role as a centre of excellence means our staff continuously develop their expertise and share knowledge with others, creating an environment of continuous learning and improvement.

Strong Family Partnerships

St Werburgh’s Park Nursery School places tremendous value on building meaningful partnerships with parents, recognising them as children’s first and most important educators. We understand that parents know their children best, and their support and encouragement make a substantial difference to learning outcomes. This collaborative approach ensures continuity between home and nursery experiences, strengthening children’s sense of security and enhancing their development. Through Bristol Children’s Centres parenting groups and our well-established family support drop-in sessions, we create opportunities for families to connect with each other and access additional support, fostering a strong community that extends well beyond the nursery walls.

Nursery Places

Funded Places Available

We offer 15-hour free places for funded eligible 2-year-olds and15-hour places for 2-year-old children of working parents. 15 hours free for children the term after their third birthday and 30-hour places for eligible (working) parents of both 2-year-olds and 3-year-olds.

​Core Sessions (15 Hours)

Monday to Friday: 8:45am to 11:45am

OR

Monday to Friday: 12:30pm to 3:30pm

OR

2 ½ days – Monday, Tuesday 8:45am to 3:30pm and Wednesday 8:45am to 11:45am

OR

2½ days – Wednesday 12:30pm to 3:30pm and Thursday, Friday 8:45am to 3:30pm *

​30-Hour Sessions (for eligible working parents)

Monday to Thursday: 8:45am to 3:30pm and Friday: 8:45am to 11:45am

Paying Places

The above sessions are also available as paid places.  Our fee is £8.00 per hour.  We do not offer ad hoc sessions or alternative session times.  Places are allocated in line with our admissions policy.​

After-School Club

We offer an After School Club which is available Monday to Friday, 3:30pm to 4:30pm.

The cost is £8.00 per child per session

* We will only invoice parents who incur a charge for their child’s sessions – Paying daycare and after-school club

Free and Funded Childcare

Good news! There are lots of options for free and funded childcare at Bristol’s nursery schools. Every family’s situation is different, so explore the options on the Bristol Nursery Schools website to see what applies to you.

What Parents Are Saying

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Lovely staff. I especially want to thank Dana for being so patient and understanding when my child had some difficulties. Wonderful teacher.

Halima
Parent/Carer
St Werburghs's Park Nursery School

News

7
Jun 19, 2026

Heatwave Preparation: Keeping Children Safe and Comfortable

News

With warmer weather expected, we would like to share some helpful reminders for families to support children during periods of high temperatures. This guidance is designed to help children stay safe, comfortable and able to enjoy their time at nursery. Parents and...

Jun 19, 2026
7
Jun 12, 2026

Caring for Our Allotment in Yellow Room

St Werburgh’s Park Nursery School

Children in Yellow Room at St Werburgh's Park Nursery School have been busy spending time in the allotment this week, taking on the important role of caring for the plants. They have been watering, pulling out weeds, and carefully looking to see which vegetables...

Jun 12, 2026
7
Jun 12, 2026

Bristol Family Hubs Help, Advice and Information

Community News, News

Family Hubs offer information, advice and help to all families in Bristol. They run activities and support you and your family to access services and information both at Family Hub centres and online. There is a Family Hub based at St Werburghs Park Nursery School,...

Jun 12, 2026

St Werburgh's Park Nursery School Team

  • All
  • Admin and Premises Team (St Werburgh’s)
  • Early Years Practitioners (St Werburgh’s)
  • Leadership Team (St Werburgh’s)
  • Senior Leadership Team
Mrs Rachel Barnwell
Head Teacher and Strategic Safeguarding Lead/DDSL
Jacqui Macfarlane
School Business Manager
Jo Chambers
Assistant Head Teacher and Designated Safeguarding Lead (The Limes Nursery School)
Kate Ticehurst
Assistant Head Teacher (The Rosemary Nursery School) and Staff Governor
Mrs Lucy Freeman
Acting Deputy Head Teacher and Associate Member (FGB)
Maria Melo
Bursar
Nicky Brinkworth
Assistant Head Teacher (St Werburghs Park Nursery School)
Rosie Armistead
SENDCO
Sam Trace
Assistant Head Teacher and Designated Safeguarding Lead (The Limes Nursery School)
Angela
Early Years Practitioner
Susan Brain
Admin
Rosie Duckett
Admin
Atthia
Early Years Practitioner
Aga
Early Years Practitioner
Fiona
Early Years Practitioner
Houda
Early Years Practitioner
Joanne
Early Years Practitioner
Nyra
Early Years Practitioner
Zerish
Early Years Practitioner
Balazs
Teacher
Jane
Early Years Practitioner
Cassie
Teacher
Lisa
Early Years Practitioner
Nadia
Early Years Practitioner

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.