Ferndale Primary School & Nursery: Nursery Review

Tiny Acorns comes first, then Little Ferns: Ferndale’s nursery has a named progression of its own before children reach school age. Early years begins at two, with children moving into Little Ferns as they grow. The nursery caters for two-, three- and four-year-olds.

An on-site nursery opened in September 2015. It sits within Ferndale Primary School & Nursery in Swindon, giving this provision a school setting while retaining its own nursery classes.

Conversation and practical exploration give the learning its shape. In July 2024, Ofsted found that nursery children began well, with learning covering their development broadly and adults using conversation to build communication. Exploring animal habitats in the school grounds was one concrete example. Children could connect new knowledge with something they could investigate themselves.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the framework. Ferndale aims to develop children socially and physically, alongside their thinking and emotional development. Hands-on experiences, independence and learning to cooperate are part of that ambition. The emphasis is on building skills for learning and everyday life together.

Bug Club supplies the phonics approach, with nursery children playing games that help them distinguish sounds. This is preparation for reading through listening. Daily stories give another opportunity to hear words and discuss their meaning, while each class has a reading corner and a Book Swap Box for choosing books.

At home, nursery families are encouraged to share rhymes and stories. That gives parents a straightforward way to continue the language emphasis beyond the classroom.

Working with parents forms part of Ferndale’s early years aims. The nursery seeks to recognise individual learning needs and adapt teaching accordingly, rather than expect every child to approach an activity in the same way. Its stated emphasis on sharing and cooperation also addresses the social side of learning together.

For concerns about special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), parents can arrange a discussion with their child’s teacher or the SENCo through the school office. This gives families a direct route to discuss the support their child needs.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal school admissions process; Swindon Local Authority administers admissions for Ferndale.

For the 2026–2027 admissions cycle, the on-time Reception deadline was 15 January 2026. That deadline has passed. It belongs to that cycle, rather than serving as a deadline for a future nursery family.

Transition activities serve a different purpose from admission. A past Stay & Play event welcomed new families into the Foundation Stage area to begin their September transition. Such introductions help families become familiar with the next setting; they do not secure a place.

Parking. There is no parking outside the school on Wiltshire Avenue. Families driving to drop off are directed to park on another street and complete the journey on foot, so allow time for that final walk. Blue badge holders can use the yellow parking space within the car park.