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Nursery at Ashfield Nursery School
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Inspection data and key information above update regularly, however, this review below is refreshed bi-annually and may not reflect recent changes. Contact the nursery directly to confirm current arrangements. If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A mud kitchen, allotments and a fairy garden give Ashfield’s nursery day a distinctly outdoor character. Children use the gardens throughout the seasons, with waterproofs and wellington boots supplied for outdoor play. Exploring outside is part of everyday learning here.
Ashfield Nursery School serves children aged two to four in Elswick, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, with playgroup and main nursery provision. It belongs to the Newcastle Nursery Schools Federation alongside Newburn Manor Nursery School and Monkchester Road Nursery School. Ofsted judged the school Good following its inspection on 4 and 5 June 2024; this is the nursery school’s judgement, rather than a separate outcome for an attached nursery.
Play shapes the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) approach: children learn by investigating, moving and trying out ideas indoors and outside. Communication, physical development and social development sit alongside early literacy, mathematics, creative work and learning about the world. In parent terms, learning includes talking, making, counting and playing together.
The daily routine combines time for children to choose their play with smaller group activities, movement, stories and songs. A snack bar accompanies free play, while outdoor activity features on either side of lunch. The main nursery day changed in September 2026 to run from 9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday.
Mathematics starts with practical exploration. In the two-year-old unit, children fill and empty containers, sort and count, and investigate toys that respond to their actions. Construction resources, loose parts and objects from nature provide further opportunities to compare and solve problems. Outside, a climbing frame, digging pit and bikes add physical challenges; the herb garden and allotments give gardening a place in learning.
In June 2024, children selected books indoors and outside, joined in rhymes and explored the sounds that begin words. Sessions led by an external music teacher introduced rhythm, pitch and instruments. Curriculum milestones identified the knowledge and skills children were working towards. Teaching consistency. Adult interactions did not reliably stretch children’s language and understanding, leaving learning uneven. Families should weigh that concern alongside the variety of activities.
ClassDojo connects home with nursery activities and learning milestones. A progress review is uploaded each half term, including achievements, next areas of focus and ideas for learning at home. Parents can also arrange a discussion with staff. That gives families both regular updates and a route into a fuller conversation.
Food routines include guidance on healthy packed lunches and a request to exclude nuts because some children have nut allergies. Healthy Smiles at Ashfield Nursery adds tooth brushing after lunch: each child has their own toothbrush, making self-care part of the main nursery routine.
Personal and social development was a strength in June 2024: children shared materials, played together and persisted when activities proved difficult. Safeguarding arrangements were effective. Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) were happy and settled, but their support targets were too general to measure clearly and stayed on plans too long. SEND planning. Children consequently made less progress than they could; precise targets and how progress is checked deserve attention when discussing a child’s support.
Attending Ashfield does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply separately for Reception through the normal admissions process and meet the relevant deadline. Treat nursery attendance and the next school application as separate decisions.
Preparation for later learning includes songs, rhymes and attention to word sounds. These build familiarity with listening activities before formal phonics begins. Learning preparation does not secure admission.
Since September 2026, all main nursery children have been offered the 9am to 3pm weekday pattern. The 30-hour funded offer depends on Working Parent eligibility; playgroup remains at 15 hours per week. Additional sessions can be purchased when space permits, with oversubscription criteria applied if demand exceeds availability. Contact 0191 2735587 or admin@ashfield.newcastle.sch.uk for place enquiries and current charges.
Parking. Restrictions apply outside the school, and parents are directed to neighbouring side streets. The car park accessed from Park Close is reserved for staff, so allow time to park and walk. If collection arrangements change or you are delayed, telephone the school so staff and your child know what is happening.
The school caters for children aged two to four, through playgroup and main nursery provision.
The offer introduced in September 2026 is 9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday. The 30-hour funded entitlement depends on Working Parent eligibility.
Yes. Children use the outdoor provision daily across the seasons and in most weather conditions. Waterproofs and wellington boots are supplied.
ClassDojo carries activity updates and a progress review each half term, with suggestions for supporting learning at home. Parents can arrange a meeting with staff.
No. The federation’s nursery admissions policy explicitly rules out a guarantee. A separate Reception application is required through the normal admissions process.
