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Nursery at Excelsior Academy
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Language, everyday routines and learning to get along give Excelsior Academy’s early years its clearest character. The nursery belongs to an all-through school on Denton Road in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, where education begins at age 3. It is a school nursery, with its youngest children taking their first steps within a much larger educational setting.
Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Good at the inspection on 8 and 9 May 2024. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.
Communication is a central learning priority. In May 2024, early years learning placed particular emphasis on children developing language, alongside their social skills and emotional development. For parents, that gives the day a clear purpose: helping children express themselves and learn how to be with others, as well as building knowledge.
The early years foundation stage (EYFS) curriculum covered seven areas of learning, with learning ordered so that children could build skills and knowledge progressively. The emphasis was on connected development rather than isolated activities. Children made effective progress, often having begun with very low starting points. Those starting points matter when considering what progress means for an individual child.
Routines also shaped the experience. In May 2024, early years children followed familiar routines. Behaviour is explicitly taught from nursery onwards: adults demonstrate expected behaviour, teach it and give children opportunities to practise. Be Safe, Be Ready and Be Respectful are the school’s guiding principles. This makes expectations something children learn, rather than something adults simply assume they understand.
Health habits had a practical place in early years in May 2024, including brushing teeth each day at school. It is a concrete example of care becoming part of children’s routine, with an everyday health task practised alongside learning.
Personal development also received close attention: social and emotional learning was a priority alongside communication. These strands belong together for young children, linking how they express themselves with how they relate to others. Families can contact the primary team through an enquiry form with separate options for early years, welfare, behaviour, and teaching and learning.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route and meet the applicable deadline. Choosing the nursery and applying for school are separate decisions. Keep that distinction clear when making plans for your child’s next stage.
For nursery enquiries, select Primary Early Years on the primary enquiry form. The school office can also be reached on 0191 2288 400 or at info@excelsiornewcastle.org.uk. Families considering Excelsior can arrange a school visit through the main office, giving them an opportunity to discuss their choice with the school.
The school’s autumn term ends on 18 December 2026. Winter holidays run from 21 December 2026 to 1 January 2027, and spring term begins on 4 January 2027. Inset days remain to be confirmed, so take that qualification into account when planning around the school calendar.
Yes. It is the nursery provision within Excelsior Academy, an all-through school where education begins at age 3.
Early years provision was judged Good on 8 and 9 May 2024. This was a judgement within the school inspection, not a separate nursery grade.
In May 2024, communication and language were central, alongside social and emotional development. Learning covered seven areas of the EYFS.
No. A separate Reception application is required through the normal admissions process, by the applicable deadline.
Select Primary Early Years on the primary enquiry form, or contact the office on 0191 2288 400 or info@excelsiornewcastle.org.uk. School visits can be arranged through the main office.
