William Morris Primary School Nursery Review

Play has a clear purpose at William Morris: a nursery rhyme game turns into practice in communication, while children’s own interests help shape the learning. This school nursery in Tadpole Garden Village, Swindon, serves three- and four-year-olds, with entry from the term following a child’s third birthday. Its two nursery classes are Daisy and Poppy.

At the Ofsted inspection on 22 and 23 November 2023, early years provision was judged Outstanding. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision, rather than a separately inspected nursery. The practical attraction is learning through exploration, with a structured routine around it.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) guides the nursery curriculum. In everyday terms here, children learn through play and discovery, developing their social, physical, emotional and thinking skills. They have opportunities to work alone and alongside others, with some activities chosen by children and others led by adults. There is room for both independence and guidance.

Staff watch what interests each child and use questions to take the learning further. In November 2023, nursery children practised rhyme and communication through silly soup, choosing objects whose names rhyme, such as bug and jug. Across early years, toy cars travelling along a pipe prompted investigation, and making Gruffalo crumble captured children’s interest. These examples show how practical play can give children something concrete to investigate or talk about. Early years teaching and assessment supported children to achieve consistently well at that time.

Learning takes place outside as well as indoors. Classrooms have doors leading directly to outdoor learning areas, making outdoor activity part of the learning environment rather than a separate destination. The daily routine combines independent activity with shared play, so children have opportunities to explore for themselves and learn with other people.

Settling starts before the first nursery session. Two nursery staff make a pre-arranged home visit for children who have accepted a place. Stay & Play sessions take place in the preceding term, and induction is tailored to the individual child. For September starters, the settling programme also includes information sessions for parents and a gradual start over a short period. These arrangements give families and staff time to share children’s interests and needs before the routine becomes familiar.

For children taking a 30-hour place, lunch can be a charged school meal or a packed lunch from home that contains no nuts. Hot lunches are booked through Parent Pay at least a week ahead. The catering team accommodates specific dietary requirements and can discuss adaptations for allergies with parents, making that conversation part of planning the nursery day.

Support for special educational needs and disabilities involves teaching staff working with the Blue Kite Academy Trust SEND team. Parents are involved in special provision, and staff work with outside agencies. This gives families a route to coordinated support across learning, physical needs and social development.

Nursery attendance neither guarantees a Reception place nor gives priority for primary admission. Families must make a separate school application through Swindon Borough Council’s School Admissions process and meet the applicable deadline. Choosing this nursery therefore needs to be a decision about the nursery experience itself.

Transition support is a separate matter. Nursery staff coordinate with Reception staff at the child’s chosen or allocated school, passing on reports and agreed records as appropriate. That handover helps the next team understand the child, wherever their school place is allocated.

All nursery places run during school terms, with attendance across Monday to Friday. The 15-hour choices are mornings from 8:30am to 11:30am or afternoons from 12:15pm to 3:15pm; mixed sessions are not offered.

For eligible working families using 30-hour funding, Option 1 runs from 8:30am to 3:15pm Monday to Thursday, finishing at 11:30am on Friday. Ordered school lunches and trips or visits are excluded from its otherwise uncharged funded pattern. Option 2 extends Friday to 3:15pm, giving 33.75 hours weekly, with a charge for the Friday afternoon hours beyond the funded 30. Ask the school for current charges.

Fixed weekly pattern. Places cover five days, and an offer does not assure your preferred session. Families need to match work and collection arrangements to the offered pattern.

Nursery children wear school uniform, including grey bottoms, a white polo shirt and a navy jumper or cardigan. Label clothing with your child’s name. To enquire or arrange a nursery visit, contact the school office on 01793 299022 or admin@williammorris.bluekitetrust.org; nursery application forms are supplied on request.