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Nursery at St Swithun's 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
In March 2024, a mud kitchen, bikes and learning about bean plants gave St Swithun's early years provision a practical character. Alongside that preschool, a new nursery is planned on the school site in Winchester, extending provision to boys and girls aged nine months to four years. Its expected opening falls between September 2026 and January 2027, conditional on final approvals. That distinction matters when planning childcare.
The existing preschool admits children from the half term after their third birthday. In March 2024, the early years provision included one nursery class. The planned younger-age provision is a different development, so findings about the existing early years should not be read as an assessment of the new nursery.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together communication, early number skills, physical development and learning about the world. In the March 2024 ISI inspection, the early years curriculum was led effectively and children progressed well towards their learning goals. Teachers used observation and discussion to assess learning, then adjusted the next steps for individual children. That gives learning a personal direction.
Planting provided a concrete route into language and understanding. Children responded to a sunflower story with gestures and vocabulary, identified parts of bean plants and discussed an arboretum visit. These examples connect listening and speaking with things children can examine and remember.
Physical learning had equally tangible equipment: the sand pit and mud kitchen, bikes, brushes and child-friendly hammers. In March 2024, these activities supported both larger movements and hand control. Children also voted on outdoor activities, giving them a practical introduction to making choices together. An outdoor classroom forms part of the early years learning spaces.
Before starting, children are invited to familiarisation sessions and visits, helping them become accustomed to the setting. The prep school's learning support department, The Nest, works with the SEND coordinator and classroom staff. Early years identification tools include the Pupil Language Profile and Speech Sound Inventory from Black Sheep Press, giving staff specific ways to investigate communication needs.
When concerns arise, parents can meet the class teacher and SEND coordinator; support is planned and reviewed with them. Additional services for disability or learning difficulties, where agreed with the school, carry supplementary charges. Families need to factor that condition into their choice.
In March 2024, early years staffing ratios satisfied requirements, children were learning to handle emotions and relationships, and safeguarding procedures were applied effectively in early years. The safeguarding team included an early years deputy. A school-wide recruitment reference-verification error was corrected during that inspection, with stronger oversight recommended. This is relevant context for parents assessing care arrangements.
In March 2024, staff received regular training in paediatric first aid, and visiting professionals spoke to early years children about dental hygiene. Health learning therefore included looking after teeth.
Preschool attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Contact the admissions team to confirm the application steps for a child already attending preschool. Places are allocated by registration date, with siblings receiving priority; nursery attendance is not a priority criterion. Applications use an online registration form supplied by the admissions team.
Boys' next step. Nursery and preschool admit both sexes, while Reception is girls-only. Families with boys therefore need to plan for another school after preschool. Familiarisation and pre-start visits support starting school; they do not confer an admissions advantage.
The planned nursery hours are 7.30am to 6.00pm across 50 weeks annually. Preschool is also due to move to a 50-week model, with a term-time option retained. These are planned arrangements tied to the nursery development, rather than confirmation that the new provision has opened.
Contact the prep admissions team at PrepAdmissions@stswithuns.com to arrange a visit. Open afternoons can also be booked, and Stay & Play sessions let toddlers explore the early years spaces with a parent or carer. For current charges, contact the school.
The planned nursery will admit boys and girls from nine months to four years. The existing preschool admits children from the half term following their third birthday.
Its expected opening window is September 2026 to January 2027, subject to final approvals.
Early years spaces include an outdoor classroom. In March 2024, children used bikes, a mud kitchen and a sand pit, and voted on outdoor activities.
No. Reception places are offered by registration date, with priority for siblings. Contact the admissions team to confirm the steps for existing preschool families. Reception is girls-only.
Contact PrepAdmissions@stswithuns.com for a prep visit, or book an open afternoon. Early years Stay & Play sessions also provide an opportunity to explore with a toddler.
