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Nursery at Brimble Hill Special 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Sensory stories, play and small steps towards independence give Brimble Hill’s early provision its character. Children can join from age two. This is nursery provision within a specialist primary school for children with severe learning difficulties or profound and multiple learning difficulties, so the child’s developmental needs shape the learning.
Brimble Hill belongs to Brunel Academies Trust and operates across Tadpole Lane and Walsingham Road in Swindon. Its approach starts with what each child needs to access education, rather than assuming that children of the same age should follow identical activities.
Play provides the starting point for younger children’s learning. Topics bring exploration and creative activities together, while the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) gives a framework for developing communication, movement and social skills alongside early literacy, number work, creative expression and understanding the world.
Three pathways organise learning across Brimble Hill: Formal, Pre-Formal and Semi-Formal. Placement depends on development and individual needs, and children can move between pathways following assessment. For families, that means the approach can change as a child’s needs change.
Sensology, Tacpac and sensory stories are examples within the Pre-Formal approach. Semi-Formal learning combines sensory experiences with guided play, individual work and small groups. Read, Write, Inc. provides phonics adapted to each child’s level across the pathways. These are different ways of making learning accessible, rather than a single programme delivered identically to everyone.
Physical learning also has a concrete setting: children have access to regular swimming in Brimble Hill’s hydrotherapy pool, or a public pool when that is more appropriate. Personal care and independence skills are worked on during the day, making everyday routines part of learning.
Support extends beyond the class team. All children work with a Speech and Language Therapist, with targets connected to their education, health and care plan (EHCP). Physiotherapy and occupational therapy are accessible through referral when needed. Individual Education Plans break EHCP outcomes into smaller targets, which are practised across learning activities.
Across the school, classes contain between six and twelve children, and adult support is usually one adult to two children or higher. In classes for children with profound and multiple learning difficulties, feeding, intimate care, changes of position and therapy targets form part of the daily structure.
ClassDojo carries information and documents between school and home; class teachers invite parents to join during the first few days of term. The school’s lunchtime routine includes eating between noon and 12.30pm. Families can also use the Families Forum for help with support paperwork and questions about SEND provision.
Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. The next placement is a separate admissions matter: Swindon Local Authority makes placement decisions through SENRAP, the Special Educational Needs Resources and Assessment Panel. Children normally have an EHCP, although some may attend Nursery or Reception while statutory assessment is being completed.
Transition sessions offer families a way to get to know the school, and a virtual tour can be shared with children. Familiarisation and the placement decision serve different purposes.
The school day runs from 9.10am to 3.10pm, Monday to Friday. These are school opening hours rather than a choice of nursery booking packages.
Uniform is optional. Choices include a branded polo shirt with a sweatshirt or fleece, while plain coloured alternatives are also permitted. Visits can be arranged by appointment through the school office. For enquiries, call 01793 493900 or email admin@brimblehillschool.org.uk.
Children can join from age two. They normally have an education, health and care plan (EHCP), although some nursery placements can begin while statutory assessment is completed.
Younger children mainly learn through play and topics. The school’s pathways include sensory experiences, guided activities and learning adapted to developmental needs.
No. Swindon Local Authority is the placing authority, and placement decisions go through SENRAP. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place.
ClassDojo is used to exchange information and documents. Parents receive an invitation through their child’s class teacher during the first few days of term.
Yes. Visits are by appointment through the school office on 01793 493900.
