Castle Mead School Nursery

A purpose-built nursery space and enclosed outdoor play areas give Castle Mead’s youngest children a setting of their own within the school. The nursery is on site in Trowbridge and takes children from age two. It forms part of Castle Mead School rather than a separate nursery establishment.

Early years provision received a Good judgement at the Ofsted inspection on 7 and 8 March 2023. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision; it is not a separate nursery rating. For parents, the nursery’s clearest distinguishing features are its physical space and the attention given to children’s communication.

Speaking, listening, books and music provide the most concrete picture of learning here. In March 2023, nursery staff successfully helped children develop their communication skills, including children who started with limited language. Children used those skills to take part in rhymes, sing and enjoy books together. The practical benefit is straightforward: developing language helps children participate in shared activities.

The early years foundation stage (EYFS) provides the learning framework. Castle Mead aims to give nursery children experiences across its learning areas, with adult interactions and everyday routines supporting greater independence. The emphasis is on building the foundations for later learning, alongside helping children do more for themselves.

Outside, early years children can use enclosed play spaces throughout the year. This gives outdoor activity a place alongside learning indoors. The nursery’s purpose-built accommodation is a further concrete feature, while the school’s wider grounds include chickens and places where children grow fruit and vegetables.

Early reading. In March 2023, some children at the beginning of learning to read had misunderstandings that staff did not correct promptly. The school was asked to strengthen checks on understanding and address errors quickly. Families should weigh that concern alongside the positive nursery language finding.

Inclusion support sits within the wider school. Castle Mead says it aims to recognise additional needs early and monitor children’s progress, with support adapted to individual needs. The Thrive Approach is used across the school to help adults understand children’s emotional needs and plan targeted activities. Parents can contact the Inclusion Lead through the school office.

Communication has a practical digital route: parent letters arrive by email, and families can update contact details through the Arbor Parent Portal. Keeping those details accurate helps school messages reach the right person.

For food concerns, the school catering team accepts enquiries through the office about menus and allergy requirements. This provides a direct route for discussing dietary needs.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through Wiltshire Council, using the normal application process and deadline. Choosing nursery childcare and applying for school entry are separate decisions.

The early years curriculum aims to develop independence for children’s next stage of education. That educational preparation should be considered separately from the allocation of a Reception place.

Universal and Extended funding are accepted, and the nursery offers wraparound care. These are useful starting points when considering how childcare fits around family commitments. Contact nursery@castlemead.equamead.org about current availability, and refer to the school for current charges.

Training-day closures. Nursery children are included in school INSET closures. Upcoming dates include 19, 20 and 21 October 2026, so families need to account for those days in their childcare plans.