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Nursery at St Francis CofE 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A school forest area, Little Wandle phonics and a Teddy Bears picnic give this nursery a character of its own. Play and practical exploration shape the early years provision at St Francis CofE Primary School, on Aiken Road in Taw Hill, Swindon. The school provides for three-year-olds, with nursery sitting within its Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
The school describes each child as a gift from God, bringing a Christian outlook to its early years aims. In the Ofsted inspection of 19 and 20 March 2024, early years provision was graded Good. That judgement covers the school's early years provision rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Adult guidance and children's own choices both have a place in the day. Planned activities address individual learning steps, while resources remain accessible for children to pursue ideas independently. Staff return to earlier learning during the session, giving children further chances to practise rather than moving straight to something new.
The EYFS brings together learning about relationships and emotions, movement, language, reading and writing, maths, creativity and the wider world. Planning responds to children's interests and development. Nursery phonics uses Little Wandle Phase 1; across early years, adults share stories and rhymes each day. In March 2024, adults were helping nursery children develop communication and language from the start. Early years children also used comparative mathematical vocabulary confidently.
Maths is practical. Nursery children count from one to 5, compare objects and quantities, and explore patterns. Group teaching leads into activities around the room, so children can apply an idea after hearing it explained. Across early years, Numicon and playdough sit alongside everyday objects as resources for mathematical exploration. Nursery art begins with testing materials and making marks that start to represent something meaningful.
Outdoor learning extends beyond the classroom. Early years children regularly use the school forest area, including managed opportunities for challenging play. Outdoor spaces are used throughout the year in most weather conditions, giving movement and exploration a continuing place in learning.
Settling starts before the first nursery session. An Induction Evening for parents is followed by a summer-term Teddy Bears picnic, with settling periods adjusted to individual children. Parents can meet staff in nursery or receive a home visit from the teacher and another early years team member. Conversations with a child's previous setting explore interests, needs and developmental stage, helping staff plan the start around the child.
Digital Learning Journals connect home and nursery: staff share learning and developmental milestones, and parents can contribute developments from home. Observations also inform each child's Next Steps, using Development Matters to guide planning and adult support. Early years teachers attend external training and moderation events.
For learning concerns, the class teacher is the first contact, with the SENCO accessible through the school office. Day-to-day support is teacher-directed, with teaching assistants contributing. The school aims to work with parents and involve external specialists, including speech and language therapy and the hearing impairment team, where appropriate.
Separate application. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply again through the normal Reception process. For the September 2026 intake, applications went through Swindon Borough Council, with a deadline of Thursday 15 January 2026. That cycle is now past. Church-place applicants also needed to return a supplementary form to the school by the same deadline.
Preparation for the change is separate from securing admission. Reception induction includes a parent evening and summer settling sessions; early years staff also discuss progression and continuity of experiences together. These arrangements help prepare children for a different classroom routine, but do not secure a place.
Morning nursery runs from 08:30 to 11:30, and the afternoon session from 12:30 to 15:30. A full day finishes at 14:30 after an 08:30 start; the full day with wraparound care extends to 15:30. The different finish times matter when arranging collection and fitting nursery around work.
Nursery enquiries go to admissions@stfrancis.swindon.sch.uk. Application forms can be returned by email or directly to the school office. The school is on Aiken Road, Taw Hill, Swindon, SN25 1UH.
St Francis has nursery provision for three-year-olds.
Morning sessions run 08:30–11:30 and afternoons 12:30–15:30. Full days run 08:30–14:30, or 08:30–15:30 with wraparound care.
There is a parent Induction Evening and a summer-term Teddy Bears picnic, followed by settling periods suited to each child. Parents meet staff in nursery or through a home visit.
Digital Learning Journals allow staff to share learning and developments, and parents to contribute updates from home.
No. Families need a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process. For the September 2026 intake, the route was Swindon Borough Council and the deadline was 15 January 2026.
