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Nursery at Eldene Nursery and 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Woodland exploration, play and a focus on communication give Little Owls its character. This is Eldene Nursery and Primary School’s nursery for three and four year-olds in Swindon, with 26 places per session and qualified teacher leadership. It operates Monday to Friday in term time.
Little Owls belongs to the school’s Early Years Family setting alongside Robins. That shared organisation connects nursery life with the next stage of school, while keeping the question of a Reception place separate. At the Ofsted inspection of 29 and 30 March 2022, early years provision was graded Good within the school inspection.
Play carries the learning. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework and Development Matters guidance shape a mixture of activities chosen by children and teaching directed by adults. Children learn individually, in small groups and together as a class. The aim is to build communication, emotional understanding and the ability to manage feelings, giving children foundations for joining in and learning with others.
There are concrete examples of that approach. Little Owls children explore books, and practise drawing marks with chalk, crayons, pencils and pens. Dots, curves and zigzags give them ways to experiment before writing becomes more formal. Across the early years setting, music includes singing, dancing, listening and exploring sounds, using Musical Development Matters in the Early Years.
The grounds include woodland, bringing outdoor discovery into the nursery’s learning environment. Early years activities have included searching for autumn changes and combining woodland walks with storytelling. Outdoors therefore provides material for conversation and imaginative play as well as movement.
In March 2022, children in nursery learned successfully alongside adults and other children, followed familiar routines and developed independence. Independent learning needs attention. Staff needed to consider more carefully how activities chosen independently developed early literacy and number knowledge. Curriculum delivery also needed greater consistency, including in early years. For families, the distinction matters: purposeful play needs clear learning behind it.
Language support has named programmes behind it. Nuffield Early Language and Talkboost interventions support communication in early years, alongside adult interaction and help with conversations between children. These give additional ways to support children who need help expressing themselves or participating in play.
Partnership with families includes using children’s interests and family knowledge to inform learning. A weekly bulletin explains activities, and home activity sheets provide ideas to continue beyond nursery. The early years approach also draws on the languages and cultures children bring with them.
Care routines include toothbrushing through Big Brush Club. For wider family concerns, the school’s Family Support Advisor is based in the Acorn building and can help with parenting, children’s health, housing and referrals. Parents can contact the school office to discuss additional needs with the special educational needs coordinator.
Attending Little Owls does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process; school admissions are handled by Swindon Borough Council. Treat that application as a separate task from arranging nursery attendance.
The Early Years Family organisation provides a connection between Little Owls and Robins in everyday provision. That shared setting is an educational arrangement, rather than an assurance about admission.
Morning and afternoon nursery sessions are offered. The morning runs from 8:45am to 11:45am. The term-time pattern makes the school calendar relevant when planning childcare.
Nursery applications can be made online or by returning a completed form to school, either on paper or by email. Families claiming 30 hours funding must complete Swindon Borough Council’s Parental Declaration Form and return it by the relevant cut-off date.
For enquiries, contact the office on 01793 525908 or admin@eldene.swindon.sch.uk. Visits can be arranged through the office, giving families an opportunity to see the setting before applying.
Little Owls is for three and four year-olds, with space for 26 children in each session.
Learning combines play chosen by children with activities led by adults. Examples include books, mark making, music and exploration in the grounds and woodland.
Early years provision uses Nuffield Early Language and Talkboost interventions, alongside support for interaction with adults and other children.
No. A separate Reception application is required through the normal process. Swindon Borough Council handles school admissions.
Apply online or return a nursery application form on paper or by email. To arrange a visit, contact the school office on 01793 525908 or admin@eldene.swindon.sch.uk.
