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Nursery at The Chalet 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Communication and increasing independence shape the wider curriculum at The Chalet School, a specialist school for autistic pupils and children with SEND.
The early years provision moved onto the school site in September 2025. The Chalet School shares its location with Liden Primary School, bringing the possibility of inclusive links alongside its specialist provision.
The school’s Foundations pathway is the starting point for pupils aged 4–7. It connects the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) with five areas: My Thinking, My World, My Voice, My Emotions and My Independence. In parent language, these bring together early literacy and number work, exploration, communication, feelings and physical development. Learning how to make a request or manage a self-care task belongs alongside learning through stories and play.
Songs, rhymes and sensory stories form part of the Foundation pathway’s early reading work. Children practise listening, distinguishing sounds and developing vocabulary. For early maths, the Nursery element of White Rose supports the Foundations and Footsteps pathways, introducing mathematical ideas through play.
Total Communication uses several ways for children to express themselves. Across the school, these include Signalong, objects of reference, photographs, communication boards and Widgit picture symbols; some pupils use AAC devices. The practical purpose is to give children a usable way to communicate, with opportunities extending into snacks, play and outdoor activities.
Outdoor learning also has a place in the school’s curriculum. Pupils have sessions each week with a trained outdoor learning teacher and use outdoor spaces during the day. Activities include choosing resources and learning to dress for the weather, linking exploration with everyday independence. The school asks families to supply wellies and spare clothing because outdoor play can be messy.
Communication support involves class teams and visiting specialists. Two local authority speech and language therapists attend the site once a week, while a therapy assistant attends for one day each week. Their work includes assessing individual programmes, reviewing them and supporting classroom staff. This is a school-wide arrangement, rather than a promise of a particular amount of individual therapy.
Self-care and sensory needs sit within My Independence, with occupational therapy input across the curriculum. Cooking activities also introduce food through smell, touch and taste, allowing pupils to encounter unfamiliar foods at a stage suited to them.
For safeguarding concerns, families can contact the safeguarding team through the school telephone number or by email. Swindon’s SEND Information, Advice and Support service (SIAS) also offers free, impartial and confidential support; families can use it without an EHC plan.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. At The Chalet School, the local authority controls placement, with decisions made by the Special Educational Needs Resource and Assessment Panel (SENRAP). Pupils normally have an Education Health Care Plan, although some very young children can enter the foundation stage while statutory assessment continues.
Discuss what happens next with the Special Educational Needs Assessment Team at Swindon Borough Council, rather than assume that nursery attendance settles it.
The whole school operates Monday to Friday, opening at 9:10am and finishing at 3:00pm. Its timetable includes play, a snack break and a midday period divided between lunch and play. These are whole-school hours, rather than nursery session choices.
Uniform is expected but optional. Colours are navy or red for polo shirts and sweatshirts, with grey or black skirts or trousers. Label belongings and send spare clothes for messy play.
Visits are welcome, and the school can provide advice by telephone. Contact the office on 01793 534537 or officemanager@thechaletschool.org.uk. Transport applications go through Swindon Borough Council online; transport queries can be directed to TravelSouth@swindon.gov.uk.
No. Placement is controlled by the local authority, with SENRAP making decisions. Discuss what happens next with the Special Educational Needs Assessment Team at Swindon Borough Council.
The school’s Foundations pathway starts with pupils aged 4–7 and aligns with the EYFS. Within that pathway, sensory stories, songs and rhymes support early language, while Nursery White Rose introduces maths through play.
The school uses Total Communication, including signing, objects of reference, symbols and communication boards. Some pupils also use AAC devices.
No. Uniform is expected but optional, and families are asked to label belongings and provide spare clothes and wellies.
Yes. Visits are welcome. Contact the school office on 01793 534537 or officemanager@thechaletschool.org.uk; a visit does not secure a placement.
