About The Bristol Standard

The Bristol Standard is recognised nationally as an outstanding self-evaluation framework and the benefits and impact of its approach have been well evidenced. Through team reflection and discussion, the strengths of the setting are celebrated and future priorities become clear. The Bristol Standard enables practitioners to talk more knowledgeably about what they do, why they do it and the difference it is making for children and families in their care. Settings who engage with the process are more likely to be judged as good or better.

Framework for Play Settings

The Bristol Standard has a framework for Play Settings which is supported by mentors from BAND. The framework can be used by after school clubs, breakfast clubs, holiday clubs and childminders. We often get joint submissions from settings where they have early years and play provision. A play setting that has engaged with the Bristol Standard and recently been successful at validation is KHASS.  Read more…

What one setting thinks about the Bristol Standard 6th edition:

The new edition is great. It’s lovely to read so many inspiring quotes alongside the detailed explanations of each dimension.
The paperwork has been really simple. It was our first online submission which appeared daunting but was actually very straightforward.
Our mentor provided great support. Everything was clearly explained and she is always reassuring during communication.
The Bristol Standard continues to form a large part of our staff reflection process. It informs the Practice Development Plan for the whole setting as well as individual room action plans. This holistic way of reflecting adds rigour to our way of working and provides joined up evidence of our strengths and areas for development.
The ongoing and thorough reflection has ensured that the children remain exactly where they should be, at the centre of every decision that we make both daily and on a long term basis.
Read more…

Amazing Communicators

The Bristol Standard Development Group was pleased to work in collaboration with St Paul’s Children’s Centre and Teaching School to write the Amazing Communicators supplement (see below). This follows the courses that ran at the teaching school during 2016. The booklet can be used in conjunction with your current submission to support in-depth reflection in Dimensions 2, 3 and 5 or can be used as a separate focus in your Interim 2 year. If you would like further advice on how to use the materials please contact Nicky Bale.