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Nursery at River Mead School
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Inspection data and key information above update regularly, however, this review below is refreshed bi-annually and may not reflect recent changes. Contact the nursery directly to confirm current arrangements. If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Butterflies, River Mead’s nursery class, combines a purpose-built space with learning through play and a clear emphasis on language. It belongs to River Mead School in Melksham. The nursery offers childcare for three-year-olds; in October 2024, its on-site provision also included two-year-olds.
Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Good at the inspection on 1 and 2 October 2024. The nursery’s focus on communication prepared children well for subsequent learning. That gives families a useful starting point: talking and listening have a clear educational purpose here.
Children’s interests help shape the curriculum, with play alongside activities guided by adults. Learning uses both the indoor environment and outdoor space. Early years classes can use outdoor play areas throughout the year, giving children opportunities to explore beyond their classroom.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together seven learning areas. For parents, this means attention to movement, relationships and communication alongside early literacy, maths, creative expression and understanding the world. Adults observe children playing, and parents’ observations also help inform what children work on next. The approach connects learning with what a child can already do and what interests them.
Read Write Inc begins gently in nursery. Fred Games introduce oral blending from the beginning of a child’s nursery experience: listening to separate sounds and putting them together. From term 5, when appropriate, children encounter initial sounds and matching letter pictures in five-minute activities. These are short introductions rather than lengthy lessons.
Poetry also has a daily place. The Poetry Spine extends to nursery, and each class hears a poem read aloud every day. Enrichment has included farm trips, visits by police and firefighters, and local walks to notice seasonal changes. These experiences give children real things to discuss and connect with their learning.
Seesaw gives parents a regular glimpse of learning through photographs shared each week. Parents’ own observations contribute to curriculum planning, so communication can help staff understand children’s development beyond the classroom as well as within it.
Lunch brings nursery children into the main hall, where they eat in the first sitting. Older pupils help younger children with table manners, drinks and clearing away. This makes the meal part of learning to manage everyday routines with others.
Hot meals are cooked on site each day. Typical menus may include pasta bolognaise, a roast or homemade pizza, with a daily meat-free choice. Water is freely accessible. Families select meals through Arbor and pay in advance.
For additional needs, the school aims to identify support needs early and checks children’s progress continually. Parents can contact the inclusion lead through the office, providing a route for discussing their child’s needs.
A nursery place does not guarantee admission to River Mead’s Reception class. Families must make a separate application to Wiltshire Council and follow its current admission criteria. Treat choosing nursery and applying for Reception as separate decisions.
Preparation for starting school includes opportunities to meet staff and become familiar with the learning environment. Before starting Reception, children receive a home visit from two Reception team members, and parents are invited to an evening introduction. These arrangements support familiarity; they do not secure admission.
Universal and Extended funding are accepted. The nursery offers 30 hours of Free Entitlement, subject to space being available and verification of the 30 hours code.
Wraparound care includes Breakfast Club and After School Care, which finishes by 4.15pm at the latest. Both must be reserved and paid for ahead of time through Arbor. The afternoon finish is a practical consideration for families matching childcare with work or study.
For nursery enquiries, contact the school office on 01225 703428 or email office@rivermead.equamead.org. School visits can also be arranged. Contact the school for current charges.
No. A separate application to Wiltshire Council is required, following its current admission criteria.
Universal and Extended funding are accepted. The 30 hours of Free Entitlement depend on availability and verification of the 30 hours code.
Yes. Breakfast Club and After School Care are offered, with afternoon care ending by 4.15pm at the latest. Sessions must be booked and paid for in advance through Arbor.
Photographs are shared weekly through Seesaw. Parents’ observations also contribute to planning children’s next learning steps.
Children practise oral blending through Fred Games from the start. From term 5, when appropriate, five-minute sessions introduce initial sounds and corresponding letter pictures.
