About Swallow Playgroup
A nurturing sanctuary in the heart of our community, where every little explorer finds their wings.
Welcome to Swallow Playgroup, a local nursery dedicated to the growth and wellbeing of children aged 2 to 4 years. We believe that early childhood is a time of wonder, and our setting is designed to feel like a second home where little ones feel safe, seen, and valued.
By maintaining high child to staff ratio, we ensure that every child receives the individual attention and nurturing care they deserve. Our focus is on fostering independence and confidence through gentle guidance, child-led exploration, and a deep connection to our local community.
A Day At Swallows
Our day mixes outdoor adventure, child‑led play, exploration and fun combined with familiar routines.
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Outdoor play on arrival
Children start with outdoor free play as they arrive – we are an all‑weather setting.
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Free flow play & morning activity
Children can move between indoors and outdoors freely, with activities running that follow the curriculum for Wales, encouraging development and progression.
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Snack & play
We run a free flow snack for the children to help themselves when they are ready, ensuring their play and learning isn't interrupted.
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Tidy up time
Everyone helps to tidy toys and resources together, fostering an awareness of responsibility and ownership.
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Circle time
We gather together for some group learning (including Welsh and Makaton) using songs, rhymes, stories and props to enhance and embed our learning.
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Home time/ Lunch
Children who attend the morning session only will go home at this point and our children that stay for lunch will enjoy their packed lunches with friends, making this a nice social occasion to develop social relationships and language skills.
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Free flow play & afternoon session
Children who attend our afternoon sessions will come in at this point of the day. More indoor and outdoor free flow play, plus activities following the curriculum for Wales. The children will also have access to free flow snack.
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End‑of‑day tidy & circle time
Children all tidy up together encouraging ownership and responsibility, we then finish with another short circle time and story.
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Final outdoor play
The day ends with outdoor free flow play before home time.
Child-Led Learning
- Following your child's interests, extending their learning and knowledge. ​
- Encouraging play-based exploration for deeper discovery.
How We Nurture Growth
Within our walls, every child is seen, heard, and deeply valued.
Skill Enhancing Activities
- Exciting forest school sessions and wood work sessions twice every week.
- Various activities running throughout the day, everyday ​
Heart-Centered Care
- Dedicated focus on emotional wellbeing, belonging and confidence.
- Working in close partnership with every family.
Meet Our Team
Our long-standing local team of qualified early years practitioners and forest school specialists work together to create a warm, consistent environment for every child.
Tracy O'Callahan
Early Years Manager/ Safeguard Lead
Stacy Spargo
Early Years Manager / ALNCo
Andrea Glenton
Early Years Deputy Manager / Forest School Leader
Children are captivated by her engaging, rhythm-rich storytelling sessions, which ignite curiosity and imagination and naturally carry through into thoughtfully planned activities, creating a distinctive and enriching experience.
Children love her strong advocacy, ensuring individual needs are recognised and supported, which helps create an inclusive environment where all can thrive and feel confident to express themselves.
Children love her passion for the outdoors, as a holistic healing tool, and her 15 years experience as a military wife gives a deep empathy of the challenges and unique lifestyle of forces families
Children love her warmth and nurturing presence. her empathy shapes everything she does, and when combined with creative passion, it creates a genuinely supportive and engaging environemnt.
Bethan Darby
Early Years Practioner
Together, our whole team works to create a warm, consistent, and nurturing environment where every child feels truly at home.
Children love her soft nature that allows for a nurturing 1-1 support.
Abigail Green
Early Years Support Worker
Children love her creative approach that ensures every day is a new adventure in play-based discovery, this can be seen throughout our changing themes for our areas.
Julie Pitt
Early Years Practioner
Children love her tender heart that can be seen within her individual mentoring.
Ceri Jauncey
Early Years
Support Worker
Children love her knowledge for woodworking, her nearly 3 decade long passion allows the children to feel confident and supported, fostering their independence further.
Becky Leader
Early Years Practioner
Why Families Choose Us
High Staff to Child Ration
Individual attention in a calm, focused environment where every child's voice is heard.
Experienced Staff
Our qualified early years practitioners provide consistent, warm care through years of local expertise.
Themed Reading & Toys
Creative discovery zones and open-ended toys that change with our weekly educational themes.
Safe & Homely Setting
A secure sanctuary designed to feel like home, bridging the gap between family life and nursery.
Unique Opportunities
Our Forest school and Woodworking shed are amazing feature we are lucky to have on-site that provides a unique set of learning and skills.
Strong Communication
Stay informed with detailed email correspondence and regular updates on our closed Facebook Page, ensuring parents are always a partner in their child's care.
We would love to show you around our wonderful setting. Come and see the magic of child-led learning in person.
1. What ages do you welcome?
We care for children aged 2 to 4 years old, supporting them until they begin their school journey.
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2. What are your opening hours?
We are open Monday to Friday during term time, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (4pm on a Friday).
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3. Can I visit without an appointment?
No, please call or email to arrange a day and time to visit. Whilst we welcome you to see see our setting in action, we do need to plan around activities and the children to have someone show you our facilities and answer questions.
4. How does Forest School work ?
Our qualified team leads outdoor sessions twice a week, focusing on building confidence through nature-based play
5. What are your fees and availability?
Our rate is £8 per hour. We accept Flying Start, Childcare Offer, vouchers, and Tax-Free Childcare. Please email swallownursery@outlook.com for current space availability.
6. Should my child bring their own lunch?
Yes, please provide a packed lunch for your child (if they attend past 12pm). We provide healthy morning snacks like fresh fruit, rice cakes, and breadsticks, and fresh water and milk is always available.
7. How do you manage allergies and food safety?
All our practitioners hold level 2 food hygiene. We are a nut-free setting and carefully check all snack ingredients. While we strive to prevent cross-contamination, a small risk always remains. For children with severe allergies, we recommend bringing a personal snack from home alongside their lunch for extra peace of mind and we will talk through and make an individual healthcare plan for your child
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8. Do you accept children that required additional support?
Yes, We are an inclusive setting that caters to all children. All practitioners are trained to support children with additional needs, creating individual personal plans for each child to encourage development and growth in addition to this we also have an on-site sensory room that is accessible throughout the day.
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If you have a question that we haven't provided information for please don't hastitate to get in contact with us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Reviews
What people say about us
Swallow Playgroup are committed to providing high-quality provision that is truly child-centred. This approach ensures that each child's needs and interests are at the heart of the activities and learning experiences.
The professional attitude of the staff and their willingness to learn and develop their practice, how they engage with each and every opportunity offered, such as visits to Reggio Emilia and Wingate nursery.
Every member of staff genuinely cares about my child. Instead of just relaying a report about how much she ate and how many toilet trips as some nurseries do, the ladies all take notice of the funny things my child has done, ask after her if she has been unwell or injured and know the best treatment for almost any injury is a good cuddle and love. I feel completely at ease leaving my child in their care.
Helen Bennett
Parent
I like and value the caring and supportive nature of each staff member and how each child is an individual and treated that way. They are supported to learn at their own pace and how the room and space its self is laid out for the children to explore.
Rowena Barker
Parent
Terri-Ann Davies
Flying start Quality Monitoring Officer.
Glenda Dudley
The learning partnership Wales.