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Nursery at Lainesmead Primary School and Nursery
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Marbles rolled through paint become planets at Lainesmead: a small, concrete example of nursery learning through making and exploring. This is the nursery within Lainesmead Primary School and Nursery in Old Walcot, Swindon, with 39 places for children aged three and four. Its character combines play children choose themselves with short, daily teaching sessions.
Ofsted judged the school's early years provision Good at the inspection on 17 and 18 May 2022. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Play and direct teaching share the day. Nursery children have phonics, vocabulary work and maths each day, alongside activities led by adults and opportunities to follow their own interests. Planning in the Moment is the named approach: children's interests help shape the learning, rather than every activity following a fixed script.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together learning, development and care. Here, its seven areas connect language, movement and social development with early literacy, maths, understanding the world and creative work. In May 2022, the early years curriculum developed foundational knowledge effectively. Children explored activities eagerly; making rockets involved identifying flat shapes, while a treasure-hunt activity gave them a reason to use phonics in writing. These are examples from early years across the school, with the marble-painted planets specifically belonging to nursery.
Indoor and outdoor learning areas allow children to choose and explore through free-flow access. Welly walks and visits nearby extend learning beyond those spaces. Creative activities mix children's own ideas with adult direction, including experimenting with textures, colour and simple tools. Touchscreen devices also introduce early years children to apps and basic programming. The day therefore includes both physical materials to manipulate and digital tools to explore.
Self-care is part of the nursery's aims, alongside communication and movement skills. Families can join Stay & Play sessions and parent workshops, giving them a way to take part in their child's learning. The Interactive Learning Diary records learning and shares it with parents; meetings take place in autumn and spring, followed by a written summer report.
For children staying for lunch, families can choose a hot meal ordered through ParentPay or send a packed lunch. That choice matters when planning a longer session. The kitchen uses wholemeal bread and pasta, with 50-50 rice, and provides bread alongside meals.
The school's SEND arrangements give parents a clear first contact: the class teacher, followed by the special educational needs coordinator if concerns continue. A meeting with the coordinator may be arranged for a child with additional needs joining the school. Parents can also contact the safeguarding team through the school or by email at safeguarding@lainesmeadprimary.co.uk.
A nursery place does not guarantee a place in Reception. Families must make a separate online application through Swindon Borough Council, which allocates places under its admissions policy. For the September 2026 intake, the deadline was 15 January 2026. That application cycle is past.
Move Up week takes place during the final week of the summer term, when children learn about the place associated with their next class. This is a transition activity, separate from the application and allocation of Reception places.
The 15-hour choices are five mornings, 8:30am to 11:30am; five afternoons, 12:30pm to 3:30pm; or two six-hour days, 8:30am to 2:30pm, plus one morning or afternoon. The 30-hour option uses five full days from 8:30am to 3:30pm. Breakfast Club and L’After Club also accept nursery children, extending the childcare choices.
Funded early education covers 15 hours for all three- and four-year-olds from the term after their third birthday, across 38 weeks annually. Eligibility for 30 hours depends on working circumstances. Additional hours and meals carry charges, and a voluntary consumables contribution is requested; contact the school for current charges.
Nursery applications go directly to the school at admin@lainesmeadprimary.co.uk. Offers arrive by email in the term before the requested start, with acceptance required within two weeks. Everyday Active Uniform became expected for all pupils in September 2026, including polo shirts, joggers or leggings and black trainers. Wellies must stay at school, supporting those outdoor activities.
Children aged three and four can attend. The usual starting point is the term after their third birthday.
The 15-hour pattern can combine two six-hour sessions with one morning or afternoon, rather than five separate half-days.
Nursery children have daily phonics, vocabulary and maths sessions, combined with adult-led activities and play they initiate themselves.
No. A separate online application through Swindon Borough Council is required, and a nursery place does not guarantee a Reception place.
Yes. Nursery children can attend both Breakfast Club and L’After Club.
