Red Bus Nursery & Pre-School - Downend

Wendover House, 170 Downend Road, Bristol BS16 5EB
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8.2 21 Reviews
  • Red Bus Nursery & Pre-School - Downend, Bristol
Red Bus Downend was once a maternity hospital - now the large rooms and original features provide a backdrop to fantastic childcare provision!

Set back from Downend Road, it is easily accessible from Emersons Green, Fishponds, Frenchay, Mangotsfield – and with the Ring Road only a 5 minute drive away, much further afield too. It sits directly on a bus route from the city centre, there’s as dedicated parent car park as well as plenty of free street parking, as well as bike racks.

The Grade II listed building runs over four flours, including a bespoke kitchen and dining area in the basement. Each room is bright and open, with a unique layout which only adds to the charm. With calming sensory areas in Nursery, the 21 foot glass fronted yurt in Kindergarten, a one-of-a-kind Sensory Room in Pre-School and the huge freshly landscaped gardens that sweep around the building - there’s something for everyone at Red Bus Downend.

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Care Provided by Red Bus Nursery & Pre-School - Downend

  • Type of Service
  • Day Nursery – Privately Owned
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care
  • Sessional Day Care

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Lynsey Elliott (Manager)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 74
  • Total Places for Children
  • 116
  • Age Range
    • from 0 years 3 months
    • to 5 years 0 months
  • Opening Times
  • Monday 07:30-18:30
    Tuesday 07:30-18:30
    Wednesday 07:30-18:30
    Thursday 07:30-18:30
    Friday 07:30-18:30
  • When Closed
  • Bank Holidays & 1 week at Christmas

Funding & Fees Guide for Red Bus Nursery & Pre-School - Downend

  • Please contact the setting directly for a copy of their fees
  • Parking

  • They have a private car park for parents directly outside the nursery. Residential parking is also available.


Red Bus Nursery & Pre-School - Downend Reviews (21)

Total of 21, showing 1-20
8.2

Red Bus Nursery & Pre-School - Downend has a Review Score of 8.2 (8.169) out of 10, based on 2 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Red Bus Nursery & Pre-School - Downend has 21 reviews.

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Review from Rebecca G (Mother of Child) published on 14 March 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our son has been going to Red Bus in Downend for 2 years now and they've been so helpful and caring every step of the way. Their admin staff are so prompt and knowledgeable and all the staff in each room we've encountered have been great. Especially since our son's move to the kindergarten room, they've
helped so much with his development and bringing him out of his shell.
The staff genuinely really care for the kids and the food is always lovely too. They make the funding and free hours really easy to process too. I've got friends and family who also send their children here and really glad I listened to their recommendations.

Reply from Alice Thres, Marketing Assistant at Red Bus Nursery & Pre-School - Downend

Thank you so much for your kind review! We're pleased to hear we came recommended, and that you've enjoyed your time with us so far.


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Review from Kathryn E (Mother of Child) published on 13 March 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This review relates to a specific incident that was so amazingly dealt with, I had to share!
There was an incident where a child became quite poorly when having lunch in a communal area, and as a mum of another child who goes to Red Bus, I'm really comforted to hear how amazing the situation was dealt
with. I can only imagine how scary those kinds of situations are, and I have no idea how I would react, so fair play to the team for confidently and compassionately managing the situation and the other children!
For some context, I have a nephew with additional physical needs (easily choked when he was younger and needed supervision) and I remember my sister feeling upset when a couple of nurseries she looked at for him were obviously (and understandably) not confident in managing him, and the relief she felt when finding a nursery that was able to react to medical emergencies. I really appreciate, and I'm so grateful for, the Red Bus team and hope they know how amazing they are.

Reply from Alice Thres, Marketing Assistant at Red Bus Nursery & Pre-School - Downend

Thank you so much for your kind words! We are also incredibly proud of our amazing team for how they managed that incident, it means a lot to know families appreciate it too.


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Review from Hannah P (Mother of Child) published on 30 March 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both our children attend Red Bus Nursery & Pre-School - Downend. Our eldest has been there nearly four years now and absolutely thrives, he’ll be sad to leave in September I am sure! Our youngest started in January and considering the circumstances, has settled brilliantly.

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Review from Amy F (Mother of Child) published on 21 November 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

So pleased with Red Bus Nursery & Pre-School - Downend - staff are friendly and always happy to help and hear and deal with any concerns and worries. My daughter has been attending for over a year and asks every day if she’s going to nursery today! She comes running to me when I collect her telling
me all the activities she has done that day and who she’s played with. Happy child happy mummy!

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Review from K L (Mother of Child) published on 14 January 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The nursery seems to provide a good level of learning, care and resources. The nursery staff have been very supportive and caring of my child. Initially, reception staff were a bit abrupt but have since been friendlier. I generally think the nursery provides a good level of service but I am unsure why
they are so more expensive than other nurseries.

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Review from Jennie R (Mother of Child) published on 18 July 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has been attending Red Bus since April 2017 and we’ve all been very happy with the nursery. The building is light and roomy and suits the different ages and activities well. There are a lot of activities offered such as a water room, forest school, a yurt with natural toys, plus chickens.
The best thing is the staff though, as they seem very caring, respectful, fun and attentive. It’s clear a lot of thought has gone into the structure, methods and training, but with the development of the child still at the centre. My daughter has gained so much with language, imaginative play, and friendships in a setting that has a great balance of letting children learn through play, and I love how much she can go outside to play. She also enjoys the variety of food which seems to be nutritious and good quality.

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Review from Lisa A (Mother of Child) published on 12 April 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Absolutely fantastic nursery and pre school. My little one has been there since it opened and I wouldn’t dream of sending her anywhere else. They help so much to her development and her character. Wonderful staff and extremely helpful and caring.

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Review from Louise S (Mother of Child) published on 12 April 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Red Bus Nursery & Pre-School is a fantastic nursery. My son has been so happy in the nursery and now in kindergarten. The facilities and setting are excellent, the range of activities are brilliant, communication to parents is great. But what really makes this place are the amazing staff: kind, helpful,
friendly, professional. My son adores them. Since starting at nursery he has become more confident and is thriving.

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Review from Genna T (Mother of Child) published on 25 April 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

From day one my son has absolutely loved Red Bus, Downed.


His carers are friendly, experienced and genuinely want to nurture and develop the children.


Communication and regular one to one carers are excellent, Red Bus has helped my son for school and I am truly grateful.


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Review from Louis J (Father of Child) published on 20 April 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Fantastic facilities and staff. My daughter loves going to nursery! She'll miss it when she goes to school.

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Review from Lisa B (Mother of Child) published on 20 April 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Our daughter started in pre-school in January 2017. She settled well and has a great keyworker. We are so impressed that in only 2 months she has cracked potty training, know her phonics and is writing letters. My daughter is 2 turns 3 in 25th March. We love all the space for the children and diversity
of activities. Improvements would be better communication with home/parents, better registration i.e signing children in and out at the moment no consistency, closer monitoring of child cleanliness and changing their clothes if covered head to toe in mud. Also for children to have their own drawer for pictures they do.

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Review from Helen D (Mother of Child) published on 16 February 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our Daughter has been at Red Bus Nursery since June 2015. She loves going to nursery and has made lots of friends. The staff are great with her and really seem to know and understand her. She loves the food there, they have lots of lovely things on the menu that are ideal for young children. I cannot
recommend them enough! Thank you Red Bus for taking such good care of our daughter while we are at work, it is so reassuring knowing that she is in safe hands and is having lots of fun!

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Review from Kirsty H (Mother of Child) published on 16 February 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I'm very happy with Red Bus - my daughter has settled in so well - she's developed so much since starting. They take her to forest school and she really enjoys the water room. The staff are very welcoming and friendly and the food is amazing. I recommended this nursery to all my friends and family.

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Review from Amy H (Mother of Child) published on 17 June 2016
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Sending our little girl to nursery had been an anxious time for us as I was returning to work at the same time but the staff has been so reassuring and taken extra time with our little girl to help her settle in.
It only took her a month of half days to really settle into nursery. Having naps, eating
all her meals and playing with all the toys.
Now she has been going to Red Bus for 3 months now and every morning when my husband drops off she can not wait to go in and play and smiles and waves us goodbye.
We also really love the app they have where we get updates during the day with photos and videos, and she is always happy, which makes us happy parents. We love the secure roof top garden and the water room.
We pick her up a happy baby and giggles and smiles all the way home.


The staff are amazing at what they do, always smiling and friendly. Knows each individual child very well and cares about learning and development.
Thank you Red Bus Downend!


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Review from Wendy W (Mother of Child) published on 10 June 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Red Bus Nursery Downend opened in June 2015 so everything is nice and new which is a big bonus. The nursery staff are extremely warm and welcoming, each person is very caring and I've only ever experienced throughout interactions. Our key worker looks after our little one in with how we do things
at home (you fill in a form on their 'settling in' sessions) and is always open to hearing how we're during each morning and ready with an update when we ask each evening.
I've only marked the staff as good as the admin support can sometimes be a little brusque, although that could just be a difference in communication styles. Overall, I think that Red Bus Downend is a wonderful nursery and I feel extremely happy with their care of our little one.

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Review from Rizwana A (Mother of Child) published on 23 March 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

There is nothing I can complain about. The setting is beautiful, the staff are fantastic. Red Bus has a very welcoming environment and perfect structure to help children settle in. The activities are fun and makes learning fun. My daughter loves it at Red Bus from day one, although it take her a few
days to settle in. She enjoys going and has made lots of friends. She has become more confident.

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Review from Bex B (Mother of Child) published on 23 February 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I'm so happy that Red Bus operates in our area. I feel that my son is both well cared for and nurtured by both the knowledgeable and friendly staff, and the well designed environment. They have plenty of outside space (where even the babies are taken out at least twice per day). Chickens, fruit trees,
a mud kitchen all outdoors. Indoors there is a wet room! I feel that this is the best nursery I could've hoped for, and he gets things he doesn't have access to at home. A fantastic place.

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Review from Sarah P (Mother of Child) published on 21 February 2016
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Lovely building and grounds. The staff are all so kind, friendly and welcoming and my daughter loves it (particularly the chickens!) I love the updates we get from the parent zone app. This was particularly helpful in the first few weeks when my daughter, and myself, were getting used to being apart
and the staff were so good at letting me know early on in the day that she had settled well and was enjoying herself. They have been very supportive with potty training too. When I have any queries and have to contact the office they are always prompt in responding and incredibly helpful. I cannot fault this nursery. It's excellent!

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Review from Jason D (Father of Child) published on 3 February 2016
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our daughter has been at Red Bus since June 2015. She has loved every minute, the staff are friendly and welcoming, there is so much for her to do. The rooms have lots of fantastic equipment and the building itself is absolutely stunning. The garden is huge and our daughter loves going out to see the
chickens! Not a bad word to say, would recommend to anyone.

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Review from N N (Mother of Child) published on 2 February 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I feel that Red Bus Downend is a great nursery. I'm really happy I've sent my daughter there. The staff are friendly and caring. The parent zone is great and the facilities are awesome.

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Current Review Score: 8.2 (8.169)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 8.2 (8.169) out of 10 for Red Bus Nursery & Pre-School - Downend is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 5.0 out of 5 from 2 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 3.2 out of 5 from 2 positive Reviews in the last 24 months.

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

The maximum Review Score for a Day Nursery is 10, which is made up from the Average Rating of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) and the Number of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) in the last 24 months:

  • a) 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months.

    The Average Rating of 4.958 for Red Bus Nursery & Pre-School - Downend is calculated as follows: ( (23 Excellents x 5) + (1 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 24 Ratings = 4.958

  • b) 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5').

    The 3.211 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Red Bus Nursery & Pre-School - Downend is based on 2 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    • i) 4 points are available for the first 10 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, and then 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews and then 0.1 Points for the next five Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.100, 7th = 0.100, 8th = 0.100, 9th = 0.100, 10th = 0.100) 3 + 0.125 = 3.125

    • ii) 1 point is available for the number of Positive Reviews reaching 20% of the number of registered child places in the last 24 months. If this number is partially reached, then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Day Nursery registered for a maximum of 50 child places has to reach 10 Positive Reviews to receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews it will receive 0.7 points. 20% of the 116 number of registered child places is 23.2. 2 Positive Reviews ÷ 23.2 = 0.086

  • When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.

  • If a Day Nursery does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Child Vacancies

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Awards / Recognitions (1)

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Meet the Team (2)

Lynsey

Lynsey Elliot

Job Title: Early Years Manager

Joined: 2023

Lynsey is a very experienced manager, working in nurseries for over a decade. She joined us in January 2023.


In addition to her holding a BTEC Diploma in Early Years and a Degree in Educational Studies, she also has Early Years Professional Status (EYPS), Level 3 Forest School accreditation, Level 3 SENCO award and Level 3 Business Management. This is all a testament to Lynsey’s eagerness to keep learning and developing!


Rhiannon

Rhiannon Millett

Job Title: Practice Manager

Joined: 2016

Rhi started her Red Bus journey in 2016 as a Level 6 Practitioner, after completing her degree in Early Childhood Studies. In 2017 she was promoted to Nursery Lead Practitioner and in 2020 became Practice Manager. Her role is all about managing and maintaining a high level of good-quality practice across the setting.


Frequently Asked Questions about Red Bus Nursery & Pre-School - Downend

What is the Age Range of Children that Red Bus Nursery & Pre-School - Downend accepts?

Red Bus Nursery & Pre-School - Downend accepts Children aged from 0 years 3 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Red Bus Nursery & Pre-School - Downend Open?

Red Bus Nursery & Pre-School - Downend is open: Monday 07:30-18:30, Tuesday 07:30-18:30, Wednesday 07:30-18:30, Thursday 07:30-18:30, Friday 07:30-18:30.

How many Children does Red Bus Nursery & Pre-School - Downend have capacity for?

Red Bus Nursery & Pre-School - Downend has capacity for a total of 116 Children.

How far is Red Bus Nursery & Pre-School - Downend to the centre of Bristol?

3.9 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of daynurseries.co.uk. Please contact Red Bus Nursery & Pre-School - Downend to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Red Bus Nursery & Pre-School - Downend has an Enhanced Service – more info.