Swallows Preschool at Sampford Arundel Community Primary School

Confidence with words gives Swallows Preschool its clearest character. In November 2024, children developed their vocabulary with skilled staff support and showed enthusiasm for learning through sustained attention and curiosity. For parents, that puts communication alongside enjoyment as a reason to consider the provision.

Swallows is the school's on-site preschool for three- and four-year-olds in Sampford Arundel, Wellington. It shares management with Stawley Preschool: a qualified teacher with an Early Years specialism manages both settings. The preschool aims to help children explore at a pace suited to their development.

Learning here emphasises becoming willing to try, ask questions and act independently. Swallows encourages resilience and considered risk-taking alongside curiosity. These are useful priorities for a child beginning to make choices and tackle unfamiliar activities; the emphasis is on developing the habits of learning as well as acquiring knowledge.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the curriculum framework. In parent language, the school's aims bring together children's social, physical and creative development with their learning. Swallows' own emphasis on exploration gives that framework a practical direction: children are encouraged to investigate and develop independence rather than simply receive information.

Creative learning includes preschool children. Art and Design Technology introduces practical skills, subject vocabulary and concepts from preschool onwards, giving making and talking about ideas a place alongside other learning. In November 2024, preschool children showed enjoyment and concentration in their learning. From early years onwards, children also learned to cooperate with others, making working together part of their development.

A teacher with specialist Early Years experience leads the preschool provision. Swallows describes its aim as helping children feel happy and safe while exploring at their own level. That combination makes individual development central to its stated approach, rather than expecting every child to proceed identically.

For special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), the school uses Somerset's Graduated Response Tool to assess the provision a child needs. It distinguishes support within ordinary classroom provision from further help, providing a structure for discussing individual needs with families.

Safeguarding responsibilities sit with a lead and deputy lead. Staff have completed safeguarding training, and concerns are recorded confidentially. The school aims to share concerns with parents early and work with them to resolve difficulties, including through family support where appropriate.

Separate application. Attending Swallows does not guarantee a Reception place at Sampford Arundel Community Primary School. Families must apply separately through the normal Reception admissions process and meet its deadline. Choosing this preschool should therefore be a decision about the early years experience, with the later school application treated as a separate step.

The school office is the enquiry route: telephone 01823 672342 or email sampford@warf.somerset.sch.uk. Families can contact the school to arrange a visit, and visits are welcomed. This gives parents a direct route to seeing the setting before deciding whether to join.