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Nursery at Chiseldon Primary & Nursery 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Morning yoga, squiggle dancing and play chosen by children give Chiseldon's nursery its character. Children join from age 2 through to pre-school age, within the school's shared early years provision, where nursery and Reception children learn through play together. This makes the nursery part of school life from the start: children also participate in whole-school lunches and OPAL playtimes.
Ofsted judged early years provision Good at the inspection on 8 and 9 March 2022. That is the early years judgement within the school inspection, rather than a separate nursery rating.
Choice shapes the day. Children move between activities through free-flow provision, following their interests, while adults also lead tasks adapted to individual needs. Morning activities can include yoga or squiggle dancing. The balance gives children opportunities to make decisions alongside learning guided by an adult.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) connects learning about feelings, relationships, movement and conversation with early reading, number, creativity and discovering the world. Here, those areas meet in practical activities. In February 2026, nursery children explored Mr Wolf’s Pancakes, repeating phrases and acting out parts of the story. Counting involved 10 Green Bottles, with props and actions supporting work on numbers to 10.
A garden-centre role-play area in the shared early years classroom included watering cans, pots, seeds and plants. Children could care for plants, organise flowers and make labels, bringing conversation and early writing into their play. Outdoor activity continues whatever the weather, with wellies kept at school. Early years children also explore the local wash pool, linking learning to a real place nearby.
Reading practice. In March 2022, nursery children already recognised sounds used to read simple words, and early years children used maths knowledge successfully during play. However, early years reading needed more consistent practice with books matched to taught sounds to develop fluency and stamina. That remains a useful focus for families discussing early reading.
Settling starts with a stay-and-play activity. Parents and children meet staff together, and children can explore the nursery as part of joining. It gives families a shared introduction to the people and surroundings involved in the next step.
A qualified teacher plans and teaches nursery learning. For children aged 3 to 4, the staffing arrangement includes one qualified teacher per 13 pupils, with Early Years Practitioners working with groups of up to eight. Two-year-olds have one practitioner per five children. These are age-specific arrangements, so the younger children have the smaller practitioner ratio.
For children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), the school uses assess, plan, do, review: understanding needs, planning help, putting it into practice and checking progress. Teachers meet parents regularly about Individual Education Plans. A sensory room is accessible to all pupils during the day, with tactile resources, sound and lighting providing different sensory experiences.
Nursery children take part in school lunches. Families supply nappies where needed and spare clothing for accidents or messy activities. Parents can speak with class teachers or the SENCo at the beginning and end of the day; longer conversations can be arranged by appointment.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application to Swindon Borough Council, including when their child already attends Chiseldon's nursery. Families must apply by January each year for the academic year in which their child turns five. Treat this as a separate task from arranging nursery sessions.
Familiarity and admission are different matters. Nursery children already share play-based learning with Reception children, while the school's summer transition programme includes three Wednesdays when classes work with their next teacher. Those experiences support getting to know people and routines; they do not secure admission.
Nursery applications go directly to the school through an online form, with parents indicating their preferred sessions. Visits with children are arranged by appointment. Contact the office on 01793 740349 or email admin@chiseldon.swindon.sch.uk to make an enquiry.
Uniform is optional for nursery: clothes suitable for getting messy are also acceptable. Comfortable footwear should allow running and climbing. Pack a coat, a water-only bottle, spare clothes and weather protection, and label belongings. Wellies stay at school, making outdoor play easier to prepare for.
Children can join from age 2 through to pre-school age.
As part of joining nursery, a stay-and-play activity lets parents and children meet staff while children explore the nursery.
No. Families must apply separately to Swindon Borough Council by January each year for the academic year in which their child turns five.
No. They can wear school uniform or clothes suitable for messy activities, with comfortable shoes for active play.
Yes. Parents can visit with their child by appointment. Call 01793 740349 to arrange a visit.
