Southmead Saplings
GoodBirth to 8+Open for decades
A day nursery in Bristol for children from birth to 8+, open 07:00 to 18:00, 5 days a week. They do not publish prices, so that is the first thing to ask. Rated Good by Ofsted in February 2023. Open since 2002, with 91 places.
Places, hours and the day
Who they take, when they are open, and what a day there includes.
Where it is
BS10 5NBWhat the inspector found
One grade is one visit. A run of them tells you whether it has been good for years or has only just got there.
Ofsted inspector, 16 February 2023 · read the full report
What it is like to attend
Children arrive eager and keen to learn. They separate well from parents, as staff welcome them warmly and settle them into the nursery. All children show high levels of involvement in activities. Staff working with the babies use different tones of voice to engage and encourage them to focus on toys. They talk excitedly with the children letting them hear lots of words and encouraging them to attempt to say them back. Toddlers have fun outdoors in the ball pit. Staff talk about the different-coloured balls and ask children to point them out. Children are considerate and know to check that their friends have moved out of the way before they jump into the pool. Pre-school children shout and laugh with each other and staff. They excitedly choose from the wide selection of different resources and activities.
The manager and staff use children's interests and the knowledge of what children know and can do, to provide activities that engage children well. They know what children need to learn next and quickly identify when they may need extra support.
They make sure they provide an inclusive curriculum that is ambitious for all children in their care, particularly those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). All children are making good progress in their learning and development.
What Ofsted told them to improve
To further improve the quality of the early years provision, the provider should:
- build on the way staff support children to respect their environments and resources, to help them to better manage risks and keep themselves safe n make sure staff provide clear messages and encourage children to listen, so children know what they need to do next and can further their learning and development.
- 16 February 2023Good
- 30 May 2018Good
- 11 August 2015Good
Rated Good or Outstanding at 3 of the last 3 graded inspections.
Still missing for Southmead Saplings
- What it costs
- Funded hours
- Youngest age taken
- Meals
- Nappies
- Waiting list
No dataset holds any of this. Two parents telling us the same thing puts it on the page for whoever looks next.
What to ask them
None of this is in any national dataset and this setting has not published it, which is exactly why it is worth asking.
- What does it cost, all in? What is on top: meals, nappies, late pick-up, and what happens if you are late.
- Can I use my funded hours here? Whether they stretch them over the year, and the minimum days you have to book.
- Is there a place for my child's age? Baby rooms fill first and waiting lists are common.
- Who would my child's key person be? And how long have the staff been there. No dataset holds this and it matters more than anything above.
- Can I visit at a busy time? Mid-morning on a weekday tells you far more than an empty room after hours.
Day nurseries within a couple of miles
This one is first. Tick it and one or two others to see them side by side.