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Nursery at Drove Primary 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Books give Drove’s nursery its clearest character: children hear stories from the start and join in familiar repeated phrases. The provision serves two-, three- and four-year-olds within Drove Primary School on Drove Road in Swindon. Blue Nursery caters for two-year-olds, alongside Green and Yellow Nursery.
For 2026/27, the nursery allocation is 104 places, split into 52 morning and 52 afternoon places. The separate two-year-old provision has 20 places, divided equally between morning and afternoon. These are session allocations, rather than numbers attending together. Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Good following its inspection on 2 and 3 July 2024.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum guides learning. For parents, the July 2024 findings give this a concrete shape: children developed skills across the learning areas, with most staff helping them build communication, early maths and movement skills. Story listening and joining in repeated passages give children a way to participate before they can read independently.
Everyday health and relationships also form part of learning. Adults explain the reasons for taking rest, being active, eating and drinking, and treating others kindly. Learning therefore includes understanding personal needs and how to live alongside other children.
Teaching expertise. In July 2024, some early years staff lacked the expertise needed to teach the curriculum effectively. Families should weigh that concern alongside the Good early years judgement: the finding means teaching support was not equally secure across the team.
Settling begins at home. A teacher and another staff member visit before a child starts, giving parents time to discuss their child and complete forms. Nursery children then attend a sequence of introductory visits. The teacher discusses the next stage with parents when the child is ready, allowing the start to develop around the child’s readiness.
For additional needs, the school’s SEN team works with teachers, using support within class or separate individual and small-group sessions. Parents can discuss progress with the class teacher and special educational needs coordinator. Classroom doorways accommodate wheelchairs, as do the school’s designated entrances, providing a concrete accessibility feature.
Stickers recognise positive behaviour in Blue, Green and Yellow Nursery; Green and Yellow also display children’s work and positive comments. The nursery aims to build independence, empathy and emotional regulation. Behaviour consequences include an immediate timeout, lasting one minute for each year of age, followed by a conversation with the same adult. That is a practical point for families to consider when assessing the approach to behaviour.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Parents must make a separate application through Swindon Borough Council, using the Primary Common Application Form and meeting the deadline for their entry year.
For the 2026/27 admissions cycle, nursery attendance confers no Reception priority. Applications are considered against the school’s oversubscription criteria. Choosing the nursery and applying for Reception remain separate decisions.
Morning sessions run from 8:30am to 11:30am, with afternoon sessions from 12:30pm to 3:30pm, Monday to Friday. The two-year-old provision is for children who qualify for the Early Education Entitlement; applications are assessed individually against the child’s medical, emotional and physical needs.
Contact the nursery office on 01793818600 for an enquiry. School tours can be arranged through the school office. For collection by an authorised adult other than the parent or guardian, a parent-chosen code word is required. It is also required when a supply teacher handles dismissal, helping staff check collection arrangements.
The nursery caters for two-, three- and four-year-olds. Blue Nursery is the two-year-old provision.
Sessions run Monday to Friday, from 8:30am to 11:30am or from 12:30pm to 3:30pm.
A home visit takes place before starting. Children then attend introductory visits, with the teacher and parents discussing the next stage when the child is ready.
No. A separate application through Swindon Borough Council is required. Nursery attendance gives no priority under the 2026/27 Reception arrangements.
It is for children who qualify for the Early Education Entitlement. Each application is assessed individually to check whether the child’s needs can be met.
