By Rosie Watson
STAFF, parents and children of Filton Avenue Nursery School are delighted to have “maintained the highest standards” from Ofsted following their first full inspection since Covid.
The 153-pupil nursery in Horfield caters for children aged from 2 to 5 and has successfully taken “effective action” to ensure that it maintains its standards from the last inspection in 2016, when it was rated outstanding.
The inspectors noted that “children love coming to this friendly and inclusive school. They achieve well because staff take care to learn about every child. This is particularly the case if a child has special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). The school wants the very best for all children.”
Parents agree that this is the case, with one typical comment stating: “They know the children in their care inside-out.”
The commitment to its vision of “welcoming and valuing all” was praised, identifying that “children develop into independent learners who sustain interest in their activities”, while celebrating cultural differences and learning tolerance and consideration.
The “passion and motivation” of a “highly effective leadership” was deemed to provide a stimulating education, with communication, reading/language and personal development highlighted as particular strengths.
Headteacher Kate Tector said: “I’ve been the headteacher of this wonderful setting since last September (2024) and as my first headship, I’m over the moon with our Ofsted outcome. The team are incredible, passionate and dedicated and I’m so proud of them all.
“We were awarded the School of Sanctuary award this week as well which is also a proud achievement. It celebrates our inclusive value that says: ‘everyone is welcome’ and recognises the warm, welcoming environment we strive to create each day.” The nursery is the first in Bristol to achieve this award, which it did at a special ceremony at the end of June.
The nursery still has places for 3-4 year olds (15 and 30 hours) for September, as well as limited funded places of 15 hours for 2-year-olds. Register interest at: filtonavenue.org/register-your-interest/