The Cedars Academy Nursery Review

Sensory, Explore, Discover and Semi-Formal: the named learning pathways give Cedars' early years provision its individual character. At Cedars Low Fell, play sits alongside therapeutic support, with communication, emotional development and independence shaping the approach. The emphasis is on each child's starting point.

The nursery belongs to The Cedars Academy, a specialist school accepting children from age three. Early years provision sits at the Low Fell site on Ivy Lane in Gateshead. The academy supports children with complex learning needs, including autism and difficulties involving communication, physical health or sensory development.

Play is a means of learning here. The Low Fell team brings together specialist teachers, support staff and therapists to plan learning through play. Cedars describes its curriculum as personalised, with the Sensory, Explore, Discover and Semi-Formal pathways supporting children's communication, growing independence and emotional development. For parents, the useful distinction is that learning starts with the child rather than a uniform programme.

Across Low Fell, curriculum planning begins with individual starting points and aspirations. Cedars regards play as a core developmental skill, while learning draws on collaboration with families and other professionals. This connects educational planning with the support a child needs to participate.

Physical access also matters. School facilities include hoists and an elevator, adjustable tables, and a bathroom accessible to wheelchair users on the ground floor. The outdoor area is accessible too. These are school facilities supporting access for pupils with mobility difficulties, rather than features of a separate nursery building.

Settling begins before the first school day. A classroom team member normally makes a home visit, completes admission paperwork with parents and introduces the All about me document. That gives families a direct opportunity to explain their child's needs. Families of very young children should discuss a phased introduction with the school.

Medical care is planned with families. The Academy Medication Team develops individual medical care plans with parents and reviews them at least annually. Medication goes directly to the office through parents or transport passenger assistants, keeping the handover clearly defined.

Communication continues through Arbor, the school's system for attendance information and messages to parents. Families can use its mobile app or computer portal, and school lunch payments are handled there too. Cedars Services provides family and pastoral support across the trust, with wellbeing and relationships central to its aims.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. At this specialist academy, placement decisions belong to Gateshead LA Provision Panel. Even a visit that leaves both family and school satisfied does not itself produce an offer. Discuss the next placement with the local authority as part of planning your child's move to Reception.

Keep settling arrangements separate from that decision. Cedars' admission process includes liaison between professionals involved with the child so that information passes between teams. Familiarity with staff and routines can support a move, but it should not be treated as an entitlement to a place.

For enquiries, contact the Low Fell office on 0191 487 4595 or email enquiries@cedarstrust.org.uk. Parents are normally expected to visit before admission and are encouraged to bring their child. This gives both family and school an opportunity to consider whether the provision matches the child's needs.

Placement notifications specify the admission date and the kind of placement, which may include assessment or part-time attendance. Where a child needs special transport, the school requests it from the local authority for the admission date.