Holy Family Catholic Primary School Nursery Review

Mixed ages, movement between rooms and a separately secured outdoor area give Bush Babies Nursery its character. This Catholic provision takes children aged 2 to 4 within Holy Family Catholic Primary School’s building on Marlowe Avenue, Swindon. It runs in term time, so its calendar follows school life rather than providing year-round childcare.

The early years provision received an Outstanding judgement at Ofsted’s inspection on 1 and 2 July 2025. That judgement covers the school’s early years, rather than a separately inspected nursery. The nursery-specific findings give parents something concrete to consider: support for communication helped children share their ideas confidently.

Children move between the available rooms in a mixed-age group. Staff are assigned separately to the two age groups, with a qualified teacher overseeing the provision. Older preschool children act as examples for younger children, while the staffing arrangement supports the move from the two-year-old provision into preschool.

The early years foundation stage (EYFS) learning described in July 2025 connects children’s interests with early skills. Activities develop counting and writing, and nursery children begin recognising and saying letter sounds. Reading starts early. Children’s enthusiasm for books was evident across the early years, giving the work on sounds a context beyond isolated practice.

Outside, the nursery has an area secured independently of the rest of the school, as well as use of school outdoor spaces and play equipment. This adds room for physical play alongside learning indoors. Catholic practice also shapes the day through prayer, meditation and celebrations linked to the liturgical calendar. The Sanctuary provides a place for reflection and prayer.

Rest and personal care have practical arrangements within the classroom. Sleeping mats are available for children who need a break or a nap. The changing space sits within the toilet area, offering children privacy while keeping assisting staff visible. Families supply nappies, wipes and nappy sacks; each child’s supplies are kept in their own named basket. All nursery staff have paediatric first aid training.

Hot meals are prepared on site, and families can choose a school dinner or send a packed lunch. Dinners must be ordered through ParentPay on a Monday, a week ahead. Children receive snacks during the day, with charges applying; parents wishing to supply their own snacks can discuss arrangements with the office. A labelled water bottle comes from home.

For children with special educational needs and disabilities, support is planned around individual needs. Parents help set targets and take part in reviews, and specialist referrals require their permission. Children under 5 with an Education, Health and Care Plan have reviews every six months. These arrangements give families a role in deciding and checking support, rather than simply receiving updates.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and confers no nursery-based priority for September 2027 entry. Families must make a separate application through their home local authority. For that intake, the deadline is 15 January 2027. Swindon residents can apply through Swindon Borough Council, while families applying on religious grounds or because a parent qualifies under the staff criterion should also return a Supplementary Information Form by that date.

Transition support is a separate matter. For children with additional needs, the SEN coordinator and foundation stage lead liaise with nursery staff once a school placement is confirmed. Where needs require it, a longer transition can include extra visits and meetings between the adults supporting the child. Familiarity helps with the change; it does not alter admissions priority.

Morning sessions run from 8:30am to 11:30am, with afternoons from noon to 3pm, Monday to Friday. Full days are available for ages 2 to 4; the intervening lunchtime is free of charge and restricted to children attending a full day. Applications require at least two sessions and first and second preferences. Submitting preferences does not book a place.

Breakfast Club runs from 7:30am to 8:30am, and After School Club ends at either 4pm or 5:30pm. Both are for children aged 3 to 4, linked respectively to a morning or afternoon nursery session. Wraparound places are booked through ParentPay.

Funded hours can cover core sessions. Three- and four-year-olds receive universal 15-hour funding from the term after their third birthday; two-year-old funding and 30-hour working-family funding depend on eligibility. A two-year-old’s 30-hour place also depends on availability and discussion with the school. Provision operates over 38 term-time weeks and closes for school holidays, bank holidays and teacher training days. Ask the school for current charges for additional hours, meals and snacks. Nursery enquiries go to nursery@holyfamily.swindon.sch.uk or the school office.