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Nursery at Tadpole Farm CofE Primary Academy
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Stories, nursery rhymes and a summer farm visit give Hedgehogs its own identity within Tadpole Farm CofE Primary Academy. This nursery class serves three- and four-year-olds, with an admission number of 26 places. It sits within a Church of England primary academy in Tadpole Garden Village, Swindon.
The nursery aims to help children become independent learners, working with parents to make their first experience of education enjoyable. Ofsted judged the school's early years provision Good at the inspection on 30 and 31 January 2024. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Language has a clear place in the day. Nursery children enjoy stories and rhymes, while daily Monster Phonics teaching extends across the early years classes. In January 2024, adults helped children express their ideas, encouraged independent thinking and demonstrated vocabulary. For parents, that gives a concrete picture of learning through conversation as well as listening.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together these beginnings in language and practical learning. Nursery topics include Traditional Tales, Amazing Animals and All About Me! These give children familiar subjects and imaginative starting points for their learning. A farm visits the nursery during the summer term.
Practical maths also has a place in support for learning at home. Families are encouraged to make mathematical ideas visible and practical before moving towards pictures and abstract concepts; suggested resources include Topmarks and Numberblocks. This offers parents a way to continue exploring numbers beyond the session.
For children staying all day, lunch starts at 11:40am. Children eat together, then have time to play outdoors before the afternoon session begins at 12:20pm. The lunch break therefore includes both a shared meal and outdoor play.
Snacks are social occasions, held midway through both morning and afternoon sessions. Children can try different foods and discuss tastes with their peers. At lunchtime, families can choose a school meal or send a packed lunch. Packed lunches must exclude nuts, including chocolate spreads, so this restriction matters when preparing food at home.
The early years staffing structure includes a nursery nurse and class teacher role. In January 2024, adults understood children's individual needs and supported them in developing their own ideas. Families seeking help with special educational needs can contact the school's SENCo through senco@tadpolefarm.bluekitetrust.org.
There is also a teaching caveat. The January 2024 school-wide improvement actions concerned insufficiently precise checks on learning and teaching that did not always adapt enough to deepen understanding. These were school-wide concerns, rather than findings assigned specifically to Hedgehogs.
Nursery attendance neither guarantees a Reception place nor gives admission priority. Families must make a separate Reception application through the local authority's Common Application Form by the deadline for their entry year. For the 2025 entry cycle, the closing date was 15 January 2025. Treat nursery and Reception as two separate decisions and applications.
Places operate during school terms. The 15-hour pattern is five mornings or five afternoons, Monday to Friday; mixed sessions cannot be booked. Mornings run from 8:40am to 11:40am, and afternoons from 12:20pm to 3:20pm. A 30-hour place depends on availability and/or eligibility.
Funded provision covers 15 hours for three- and four-year-olds over 38 weeks, with some families eligible for 30 hours. Full-day attendance involves charged lunch supervision; hot meals are separate from the 30-hour funding, and Friday lunchtime and afternoon supervision also carry an additional charge. Snack and summer farm-visit contributions are voluntary. Contact the school for current charges.
Nursery drop-off uses the side gate beside the main entrance. Applications can be returned electronically or handed to the school office. For enquiries, call 01793 729740 or email school@tadpolefarm.bluekitetrust.org. Group tours can be booked; individual tours are not offered.
Hedgehogs serves children aged three and four, with an admission number of 26 places.
No. The 15-hour booking is five mornings or five afternoons, Monday to Friday. A 30-hour place depends on availability and/or eligibility.
No. Attendance gives neither a guaranteed place nor priority. A separate Reception application is required through the local authority's Common Application Form.
Children attending all day can have a school meal or bring a packed lunch. Packed lunches must be nut-free, including chocolate spreads. Lunch supervision is charged separately.
Yes. Group tours are available to book for families considering nursery places. Individual tours are not offered.
