Schools & Education · Marlborough
Marlborough St Mary's Primary School opens new town-centre nursery
By Swindon Now Editorial Team · Published
A new nursery for children aged two to five has opened at Marlborough St Mary's CE Primary School, marking the first phase of a major expansion project.
A new nursery facility has officially opened in Marlborough, offering a fresh childcare option for local families as part of a significant long-term expansion for Marlborough St Mary’s CE Primary School.
The nursery, which began welcoming children on Monday, September 7, provides space for two to five-year-olds within two specially adapted classrooms located in the main school building. The launch represents the first stage of a wider initiative known as the Nursery and Family Centre project.
Headteacher Dan Crossman described the opening as a vital moment for the school community. He noted that the new setting aims to provide more than just traditional childcare, focusing instead on a play-based environment designed to build early foundations in language, confidence, and independence. The school’s leadership team has emphasised that the nursery will integrate teacher-led learning with the resources of the primary school, offering children access to outdoor spaces and Forest School activities.
The interior design of the new classrooms is inspired by the Danish Hygge approach, which prioritises calm and nature-led spaces intended to help children develop at their own pace. By offering wraparound hours, the school aims to address a documented need for consistent, reliable childcare options for working parents in the town centre.
This opening is a precursor to a larger development. The school previously secured £150,000 in funding from the Department for Education to support the growth of early years provision. Construction is currently underway on a state-of-the-art facility at the nearby Ducks Meadow site, which involves the redevelopment of the former Marlborough Under Fives building.
The school anticipates moving the nursery to the permanent, expanded site in 2027. Once operational, this new hub is expected to provide more than education. The school intends to host professionals from health, social care, and family support services, creating a single location where local families can access integrated care and identify support needs at an earlier stage.
Source: Gazette & Herald — Marlborough · View original