Swanbourne House School Nursery Review

Short sessions and an optional longer day give Swanbourne House’s Pre-Reception provision its practical character. This is the school’s nursery for children aged three and over, with morning and afternoon sessions organised around a separate lunch period.

The early years provision sits within the pre-prep, in a separate building on the school site. In November 2023, it comprised two nursery-age classes with 32 children. That is an inspection-time roll, rather than a measure of places available today.

Learning begins at 8.30am, after registration at 8.15am. The morning finishes at 11.30am; lunch separates it from the afternoon session, which begins at 12.30pm. Families can therefore build attendance around distinct parts of the day.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines learning with everyday development here. In November 2023, children practised recognising word sounds through different prompts and activities, used learning resources to develop their understanding, and made good progress. Activities were shaped around individual interests and needs. This gives early learning a personal starting point.

Swanbots is the named skills programme within the school’s foundations stage, covering ages three to eight. Its focus includes independence, curiosity and confidence alongside early literacy and numeracy. These habits matter beyond a particular classroom task: children also learn to manage their belongings, share equipment and wait for a turn.

ISI’s November 2023 inspection found that early years children were supervised effectively, staffing ratios were appropriate and safeguarding procedures were followed. Early years staff also had paediatric first aid training. These are concrete foundations for daily care.

Food brings another opportunity to practise independence. Children were encouraged to make sensible food choices and join physical activities. The 2025-26 fee schedule separates a school meal at lunchtime from supervision for children bringing a packed lunch. For those staying later, the nursery timetable includes snacks and hot tea at 5.30pm.

Support for additional needs follows an Assess, Plan, Do, Review process under the SEND and EAL policy, which includes EYFS. Time to Talk specifically supports language and social skills at Foundation Stage. Parents can raise concerns directly, and Individual Education Plans are reviewed each term with families. Additional support costs. Out-of-class learning support attracts an extra charge and requires written parental agreement before it starts; families should include this in their planning.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet the relevant deadline. Learning continuity and admission entitlement are separate questions.

The preparation described in November 2023 was practical: children developed independence, listened to other people’s views and learned kindness through sharing and taking turns. These everyday habits help prepare them for their next educational stage.

The 2025-26 fee schedule describes Pre-Reception as term-time provision. It makes Universal Funded Entitlement available for afternoon attendance from the term following a child’s third birthday; children who are ineligible are charged the standard rate. Ask the school for current charges.

Breakfast Club starts at 7.30am. Cabin Club begins at 3.30pm, with final collection at 6.30pm, extending care around the nursery sessions. To arrange a personal tour or make an enquiry, email admissions@swanbourne.org or call 01296 720264. Saturday tours can also be arranged.