St Mary's Catholic Primary School Nursery, Swindon

New words and growing independence give St Mary's nursery its character. At the November 2024 inspection, children used newly introduced vocabulary to describe objects, responded positively to familiar routines and became increasingly independent. These are useful foundations for children learning to express themselves and manage a session away from home.

The provision serves three- and four-year-olds within St Mary's Catholic Primary School on Bessemer Road East in Swindon. Its Catholic character extends into early learning, with Bible stories, prayer and creative responses forming part of the EYFS religious curriculum.

Language has a clear place in the day. Staff introduce vocabulary that children then put into use, rather than leaving new words as something simply heard from an adult. In November 2024, early-years children also recalled basic number facts confidently. Together, these examples show learning through speaking, describing and remembering.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together children's communication, physical development, relationships and early learning. Here, the religious curriculum connects these areas through storytelling, songs, movement and making things. Children can explore Bible narratives through small world play and use creative materials to express their understanding. That gives them different ways to participate, beyond answering a spoken question.

Indoor and outdoor opportunities to act out Scripture stories are part of this approach. Conversations also explore friendship, sharing and feelings, connecting religious learning with how children treat one another.

A practical support space sits beside the nursery classes. The adapted Atrium includes a sensory spinning chair, a peanut ball and quieter areas for emotional regulation or individual learning. For children who find a busy classroom overwhelming, this provides somewhere to step back and work with an adult.

The SENDCo oversees special educational needs provision across both nursery and school and holds the National Award for SEN Coordination. Support follows the Swindon Core Standards, moving between universal teaching, targeted help and specialist support according to need. Parents' concerns contribute to identifying those needs; families are encouraged to begin discussions with their child's class teacher.

Children staying all day have a half-hour lunch period between 11.30am and noon. The lunchtime session itself is free for these children, while a hot dinner carries a separate charge.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal Reception process, initially handled by Swindon Borough Council. Treat that application as a distinct step when planning your child's next year.

Transition support is separate from allocation. Before a September start, parents attend a summer Open Evening and children are invited for short classroom visits. Staff also pass relevant information from the nursery to the school, helping the receiving team understand children's needs before the move.

The nursery operates from 8.30am to 3.00pm for 38 weeks, during term time, and closes on the primary school's training days. Morning sessions finish at 11.30am; afternoons begin at noon. Breakfast Club runs from 7.30am to 8.30am, while SMASH club runs from 3.15pm to 5pm.

Funding includes the universal 15-hour term-time entitlement for three- and four-year-olds and up to 30 hours for eligible working families. Families using the extended entitlement provide a funding code and reconfirm eligibility every three months. Contact the school for current session, club and meal charges.

For nursery enquiries, telephone 01793 523850 or email admin@st-marys.swindon.sch.uk. Joining the waiting list does not secure a nursery place: an application follows nearer the child's start.