Swavesey Primary School Nursery Review

Play shapes the pre-school provision at Swavesey Primary School’s Early Years and Playwork Centre. Children can join from two and a half, with the school’s homepage giving a capacity of up to 30 preschoolers in each session. It sits within the school on Middle Watch, rather than operating as a separate nursery.

Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Good at its inspection on 5 and 6 November 2024. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.

Three-hour sessions give the day its practical shape, with morning and afternoon options for three- and four-year-olds. Learning through play is the centre’s starting point. The early years curriculum develops children’s knowledge and skills through activities they can investigate: in November 2024, rangoli patterns provided a concrete way to explore letters and numbers. Children sustained their attention, enjoyed exploring and worked cooperatively. Familiar classroom routines helped them take part.

Books have a place from pre-school onwards. Early years children discussed stories enthusiastically, including books adults had read to them. For parents, the emphasis is on enjoying stories alongside developing early recognition skills.

The centre’s activity spaces support making and movement. Craft materials allow children to create independently, while open areas accommodate balancing, climbing and ride-on toys. Cooking brings ingredients into the learning, and festival activities include Diwali and pancake making for Shrove Tuesday. These are examples from the centre’s activities, which also serves older children, rather than a fixed daily timetable for every preschooler.

For children with additional needs, the school’s SEND approach involves parents in identifying needs, planning support and reviewing progress. The SEND coordinator provides a point of contact, and specialist agencies can contribute advice. This gives families a route to discuss adaptations around their child’s needs.

Physical access is also relevant: the school site is on one level, with ramps to mobile classrooms and a wheelchair-accessible toilet that can accommodate changing. These school facilities give families concrete features to consider alongside individual support arrangements.

Attending this nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline. Choosing familiar surroundings for the nursery years should therefore be a decision about the provision itself.

For children with SEND moving between classes, the school’s transition arrangements include passing information to the next teacher in advance. A book or passport can also be prepared where it would help a child understand the change. That support is separate from admissions.

Pre-school operates Monday to Friday during school terms. Three- and four-year-olds have sessions from 9am to noon or noon to 3pm; the younger age band has a morning session. A separate one-hour lunchtime session is also listed. Booked sessions are invoiced monthly.

Wraparound age limits. Breakfast Club starts at 7.30am and accepts children from three, while Afterschool Club finishes at 6pm and is for primary-school-age children. Families should factor those different age limits into their childcare plans.

The centre accepts Early Years Funding, the extended funded hours, Targeted 2’s funding and working parents funding. Contact the school for current charges. To begin an enquiry, email eyandp@swavesey.cambs.sch.uk to check session availability before completing the admission form. The centre can also be reached on 01954 273312, extension 2.