South Marston Church of England Primary School Pre-School

An outdoor wild area and books to share at home give South Marston Pre-School two distinct strands: space to explore and an early connection with reading. This is the school's nursery for children aged 3–4, based within its Early Years department on Old Vicarage Lane in South Marston, Swindon. Children can start after turning three.

School management and governors oversee the provision, while the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) leader has responsibility for both nursery and Reception. That shared structure connects the nursery with the next stage of school life, although admission remains a separate matter.

Exploration has room here. Children use indoor and outdoor learning spaces, including the wild area, and an interactive whiteboard adds another classroom resource. Resources are shared with Reception, and the two groups sometimes have outings planned together. These give children opportunities to learn beyond their own classroom.

The EYFS guides learning, development and care. For parents, that means the nursery's work includes children's growing independence and relationships alongside the beginnings of reading, writing and mathematics. In January 2025, the inspection identified these early years foundations, with children learning to work by themselves and get along with others. Children also became familiar with expected routines and behaviour.

Reading continues beyond the session: a book goes home each week for adults and children to enjoy together. This gives families a regular shared activity connected to nursery learning. Maths activities in the EYFS follow Early Years Framework objectives, with assessment recorded in individual learning journeys. The school uses Jigsaw for personal, social and emotional learning from ages 3–11; younger groups generally explore it through circle time.

Each child has a key person who plans their individual progress with the family. This gives parents a specific link between home and nursery, rather than leaving their child's development as a general conversation with the team.

Settling starts before the first session. Parents and children can arrange visits to meet adults and pupils, and start dates are often staggered to help newcomers adjust. Teaching staff are the contact for concerns about starting nursery. Staff can also be reached through the school office.

For sessions covering lunch, families supply a drink and packed meal in a labelled lunch box. Choosing a longer session therefore includes preparing lunch at home. The school also has a special educational needs and disabilities coordinator, giving families a school-level contact for additional needs.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate school application through Swindon School Admissions, with Swindon Borough Council managing the school's pupil admissions. Treat that application as a separate decision and submit it through the normal process by the applicable deadline.

Familiarity is the practical benefit of being here. Nursery children join assemblies, school events, theme days and lunchtimes, while shared resources and jointly planned trips connect them with Reception. Those experiences help children become accustomed to school routines. They do not secure admission.

Morning sessions run from 8.45am to 11.45am, or to 12.15pm with lunch. Afternoon choices start at 12.15pm and finish at 3.15pm, or begin at 11.45am with lunch. A full day runs from 8.45am to 2.45pm; adding 30 minutes of wraparound extends it to 3.15pm.

The nursery accepts 15- and 30-hour funding between 8.45am and 3.15pm. Lunch periods and wraparound can count towards that entitlement when attendance totals less than the relevant weekly allocation. Sessions beyond the allocation are charged. Ask the school for current charges.

Use the gate beside the EYFS building for nursery drop-off. To arrange a visit or apply for a nursery place, telephone the school office on 01793 823379.