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Lighting their way from the very first steps. |
Choosing a nursery is one of the most important decisions you'll make for your child.
We know you'll have lots of questions, and we're here to help.
At St Swithun's Nursery and Preschool, we believe every child deserves a happy, nurturing start to their educational journey. Our aim is to create a calm, inspiring environment where children feel safe, known and valued, and where confidence, curiosity and independence can flourish through play, exploration and positive relationships.
Below you'll find answers to some of the questions we're most often asked. If there's anything else you'd like to know, we'd be delighted to hear from you.
Frequently Asked Questions for Families
| About St Swithun's Nursery & Preschool |
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What ages do you accept? St Swithun's Nursery & Preschool welcomes children from 9 months to 4 years. Children are cared for in three age-appropriate rooms:
Each space has been thoughtfully designed to support children's development, curiosity and confidence as they grow.
When will the Nursery open? We are looking forward to welcoming our first families following the completion of our exciting new Nursery development in Autumn 2026. If you'd like to be among the first to hear about opening dates, events and admissions, we'd be delighted for you to register your interest here.
What are your opening hours? Our Nursery is open Monday to Friday, 7.30 am–6.00 pm, 50 weeks of the year. For Preschool families, we also offer a term-time only option.
Can my child start at any time of year? Yes. Children are welcome to join us throughout the year, subject to availability. We appreciate that every family's circumstances are different and will always do our best to accommodate mid-year starters wherever possible. |
| Our Approach |
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What makes St Swithun's Nursery & Preschool different? Our Nursery combines exceptional early years care with the warmth, values and educational excellence for which St Swithun's is known. Children enjoy beautiful indoor and outdoor environments where learning is led by play, curiosity, and exploration. Alongside experienced early years practitioners, children will benefit from specialist teaching and inspiring learning experiences that help build confidence, independence and a lifelong love of learning. Above all, we believe childhood should be joyful.
Will my child spend time outdoors? Yes. Outdoor learning forms an important part of everyday nursery life. Children will enjoy regular access to our secure outdoor spaces and our bespoke Explorers' Cabin, encouraging imagination, discovery, creativity and confidence through nature-based play.
How do you help children settle? Every child settles differently, so we take time to get to know each family. Before your child joins us, we offer complimentary settling-in sessions to help them become familiar with their new surroundings, build relationships with our team and begin their nursery journey with confidence. If a child needs a little longer to settle, we'll work closely with families to ensure the transition is right for them.
How do children move between rooms? Children progress through the Nursery as they grow and develop. Children move from Baby Room to Toddler Room when they are developmentally ready. Progression into Preschool is based on children entering the academic year before Reception, ensuring they learn and develop alongside their peer group as they prepare for school.
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| Food & Wellbeing |
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Are meals provided? Yes. Our catering team prepares fresh, nutritious meals and snacks each day using high-quality ingredients, provided through our Supplement Package. We cater carefully for allergies, dietary requirements and individual needs, ensuring every child enjoys safe and balanced meals.
How do you support children with allergies? Children's wellbeing is our highest priority. We have robust procedures for managing allergies and dietary requirements, and we maintain a strict no-nuts policy throughout the Nursery. We'll work closely with families to ensure every child can participate safely and confidently in nursery life. |
| Sessions & Funding |
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What sessions do you offer? Families can choose from a range of flexible session options, including:
We'll be happy to discuss the combination that best suits your family's needs.
Do you accept Government-funded childcare? Yes. We accept both the 15-hour and 30-hour Government-funded childcare entitlements for eligible families. 30-hour places are offered subject to availability Funding can either be taken during term time or spread across our 50-week year, and we'll happily explain the options available to help you choose what works best for your family.
Will I have to pay top-up fees? No. We do not charge compulsory top-up fees for funded childcare hours. Families simply pay for any additional hours beyond their funded entitlement together with any optional services they choose.
Can we just use our funded hours? Yes. Families are welcome to access only their funded childcare entitlement if they wish. There is no requirement to book additional sessions or purchase optional extras in order to receive funded hours.
What is the Supplement Package? Our optional £7 per-day Supplement Package includes freshly prepared meals and snacks, consumables such as nappies, wipes, and sun cream, and activities. For Preschool children, it also includes educational trips and visits throughout the year. Families who prefer may provide these items themselves, provided they comply with our food, nutrition and allergy policies.
Do you accept Tax-Free Childcare? Yes. We are registered for the Government's Tax-Free Childcare scheme, which many families use towards their nursery fees. |
| Staffing and Care |
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What will the staff-to-child ratios be? The wellbeing of every child is our highest priority. We will meet or exceed all statutory Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) staffing requirements, ensuring children receive attentive, responsive care from experienced practitioners.
Will Preschool continue to be led by a qualified teacher? Yes. Strong educational leadership remains central to our approach. Preschool will continue to benefit from experienced, appropriately qualified staff who understand how young children learn and develop. Across the nursery, our team will focus on building secure relationships that support children's confidence, wellbeing and development.
Will my child have a key person? Yes. Every child will have a dedicated key person who takes time to get to know them as an individual. Your child's key person will build a close relationship with both your family and your child, celebrating progress, supporting wellbeing and providing a familiar face throughout their nursery journey.
How will you support children as they settle in? Every child settles differently, and we respect that. We'll work closely with you to create a gradual settling-in experience that reflects your child's individual needs, routines and personality. By building trusting relationships from the very beginning, we help children feel secure, confident and ready to explore their new surroundings.
How do you support sleep and rest? Rest is an important part of children's wellbeing. Our youngest children will have access to calm, dedicated sleep spaces, with routines planned in partnership with families to provide consistency between home and nursery wherever possible. |
| Starting Nursery |
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How many days should my child attend? We recommend attending at least three days each week where possible. In our experience, attending regularly over several days helps children settle more quickly, build strong relationships, and gain the greatest benefit from nursery life. However, this is a recommendation rather than a requirement, and does not apply to children accessing funded-only places.
What should my child bring? We'll provide families with a welcome guide before your child's first day, including everything they'll need to bring, such as spare clothes, comfort items and any personal essentials.
What happens after Preschool? One of the unique advantages of St Swithun's Nursery & Preschool is the seamless transition into Reception. Our Preschool provides a strong foundation for school life, helping children develop the confidence, independence and love of learning that prepares them for the next stage of their educational journey. As an all-through school, we can support families throughout this exciting transition. |
| Transition to School |
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How will Preschool prepare children for Reception? Our Preschool year provides a thoughtful, well-supported transition into school life. Children gradually develop greater independence, confidence, resilience and social awareness through play-based learning and age-appropriate experiences, while retaining the joy and creativity of early childhood. Our aim is for every child to move confidently into Reception feeling secure, curious and excited about learning.
Is there automatic entry into St Swithun's Prep School? Girls in our Preschool are well placed to continue their journey into Reception at St Swithun's Prep, benefiting from continuity of care, familiar surroundings and strong relationships with staff. Details of the admissions process will be shared with families well in advance, and we will support you throughout every stage of the transition. |
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Places |
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How many places will be available? The nursery has been carefully designed to provide a calm, high-quality environment where every child receives individual attention. Final capacities for each age group will be confirmed ahead of opening.
What is the capacity in Preschool? We are currently finalising the space's configuration to create the very best experience for children. Confirmed Preschool capacity will be shared as soon as arrangements are complete.
Is Preschool still a minimum of four sessions? Yes. Preschool will continue to operate with a minimum attendance requirement of four sessions each week, helping children establish strong routines, friendships and continuity in their learning.
Can Preschool children attend school hours and add wraparound care? Yes. Families will be able to choose school-day sessions and add wraparound care where required, subject to availability. This offers flexibility while maintaining consistency for children. |
| Next Steps |
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How can I register my interest? We would be delighted to hear from you. Please visit www.stswithuns.com/nursery to register your interest and receive updates as we prepare to welcome our first families. We look forward to meeting you and supporting your child's very first steps into a happy, confident and inspiring early years journey. |
Contact St Swithun's Admissions Team
Admissions
Our friendly admissions team is here to guide you through each step from your initial enquiry to final enrollment. For more information on the admissions pathway visit our admissions page.