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Nursery at Mountford Manor 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Morning learning starts with play, conversation and experimentation at Mountford Manor’s nursery, which forms part of the school’s foundation stage unit in Swindon. There are two age strands: provision for eligible two-year-olds and nursery entry normally in the term after a child turns three, subject to places.
For 2026/27, the nursery admission number is 24, with another 10 places in the two-year-old provision. Both operate in the morning. Ofsted judged early years provision Good at the inspection on 13 and 14 June 2023; this judgement covers the school’s early years provision rather than a separately inspected nursery.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) approach combines practical exploration with activities guided by adults. Most activities give children scope to choose and act independently. That balance matters: children have opportunities to pursue their own ideas alongside focused teaching.
Play involves more than choosing an activity. Children investigate, ask questions, try things again and discuss what happens with adults and other children. Repetition and conversation give them ways to develop their understanding through experience.
In June 2023, the early years curriculum had a clear learning sequence beginning in nursery, including the development of number skills. Early reading also began here, with particular vocabulary selected for children to learn. These give the play-based approach a deliberate direction: building language and mathematical understanding from the nursery stage.
Settling begins before attendance. Families have the opportunity for a nursery home visit, allowing staff and parents to get acquainted in advance. Children are also invited for a visit before starting, giving them an initial introduction to the setting.
For additional needs, the school’s SENCO works with teaching staff and parents. Support follows a cycle of assessment, planning, action and review, so arrangements can change as a child’s needs become clearer. School SEND resources include visual timetables, sensory toys and a sensory room; these are school resources rather than a description of the nursery’s own rooms.
Applications for the two-year-old provision are considered individually against a child’s emotional, medical and physical needs. This makes discussion of those needs part of planning a suitable start.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Parents must make a separate application using the Primary Common Application Form through Swindon Borough Council, by the normal deadline for their child’s entry year. For 2026/27 entry, nursery attendance does not confer priority under the oversubscription criteria. Familiarity with the school and entitlement to a place are separate matters.
Once starting Reception, new children are offered an induction timetable lasting two weeks in September. New starters can also meet their teacher and see their classroom before beginning. These arrangements support the change of setting and routine; they do not alter admission decisions.
Nursery runs from 8:45am to 11:45am. The morning pattern means families need to plan collection before midday. Children in EYFS must remain with an accompanying adult until they go into class.
The two-year-old provision is for children who qualify for the Early Education Entitlement. For enquiries or to arrange a school visit, contact the office on 01793 536494. Visits can be arranged at a convenient time.
Collection uses a family-chosen code word when an authorised adult other than the parent or guardian collects. It is also required when a supply teacher dismisses children, providing a shared check when adults are less familiar.
There is provision for eligible two-year-olds. Entry to the older nursery strand is normally in the term following a child’s third birthday, subject to available places.
The nursery session runs from 8:45am to 11:45am.
No. A separate Primary Common Application Form is required through Swindon Borough Council. Nursery attendance does not confer priority for 2026/27 Reception entry.
Families have the opportunity for a nursery home visit, and children are invited to visit before starting.
Contact the school office on 01793 536494 to arrange a school visit at a convenient time.
