Rodbourne Cheney Primary School Nursery Review

Rhymes, stories and room to play outdoors give Rodbourne Cheney Nursery its character. Children aged 2 to 4 attend on the primary school site, with a refurbished nursery building, a playground built for outdoor play and a large playing field. School surroundings become familiar early, while the provision remains focused on young children’s first learning experiences.

Qualified teachers work alongside carers. Ofsted graded early years provision Outstanding at the inspection on 12 and 13 July 2023; that judgement covers the school’s early years rather than a separately inspected nursery. The nursery-specific findings highlighted early routines and a clear emphasis on spoken language, stories and rhyme.

Play provides the structure for learning, with planned experiences in the classroom and a designated outdoor area. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together language, physical development and learning to manage feelings and relationships, alongside early literacy, maths, creative expression and discovering how the world works. For parents, that means learning through practical activity and conversation rather than treating each subject as a separate lesson.

Hands stay busy. Threading, cutting, clay and dough develop the control children need for later writing; dance and games support movement and awareness of space. Counting, matching and sorting introduce mathematical ideas through play, songs and stories. Art, role play and music give children other ways to express an idea or feeling.

Language has a deliberate place in the day. In the pre-school room, daily phonics activities concentrate on careful listening, rhyme, vocabulary and recognising sounds within words. A different traditional tale becomes the focus every three weeks. This gives children repeated opportunities to hear language patterns and talk about stories before formal reading develops.

Adults combine activities they lead with experiences children choose. Observation and feedback from families help staff plan what a child should explore next, linking learning to individual interests rather than relying solely on a shared activity.

Routines begin as children join Nursery. In July 2023, children were learning to share and take turns, with singing and storytelling prominent in their early experiences. These are practical foundations for joining a group: listening to another child, waiting and participating together.

For children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), the school’s SEN team works with teaching staff. Support can take place in class, individually or in a small group away from the classroom. Parents are encouraged to discuss progress with teachers and the SENCO, giving families a route into conversations about their child’s needs.

Food includes a lunch option, charged separately under the arrangement for families receiving 15 funded hours who cannot claim 30. Nursery term newsletters and knowledge organisers help parents follow the learning focus and continue conversations at home.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal school admissions process, coordinated online by Swindon Borough Council, and meet the deadline for their child’s entry year. Treat this as a separate decision from booking nursery attendance.

Preparation is a different matter. Children starting Reception are offered classroom visits, preceded by a teacher’s home visit so parents can talk through the move. Familiarity with the school site may help children recognise their surroundings, but it does not secure admission.

Morning, afternoon and full-day attendance are offered. Nursery opening hours run from 8:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Monday to Thursday, with Friday finishing earlier at 2:00 p.m. That shorter Friday matters when arranging collection and work commitments.

The funding arrangements distinguish between 15 and 30 funded hours. Families who receive 15 hours but cannot claim 30 can purchase additional nursery sessions, with lunch charged separately. Refer to the school for current charges.

To enquire, complete the nursery enquiry form; the team will then make contact. Nursery tours can be arranged through the school office on 01793 534710. The school’s collection procedure uses a parent-chosen code word when an authorised alternative adult collects, and when a supply teacher dismisses children. Share it with anyone collecting on your behalf.