Moorside Primary School Nursery

Songs, rhymes and a deliberate focus on communication characterised Moorside’s early years provision at the February 2024 inspection. That emphasis matters for families whose children are beginning to learn English alongside another language. The nursery belongs to Moorside Primary School on Beaconsfield Street in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Its wider early years provision covers children aged 2 to 5.

Ofsted judged early years provision Requires improvement at the February 2024 inspection. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision, rather than a separately inspected nursery, and deserves attention when weighing the nursery’s approach to learning.

Child-led play and teaching directed by adults form the school’s stated approach to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). This framework organises learning and development into seven areas. For parents, the practical distinction is between children choosing their own play and adults introducing learning deliberately; both have a place in Moorside’s approach.

Language work provides concrete examples. In February 2024, children used songs and rhymes to develop speaking skills, while staff taught phonics skilfully through the school’s programme. Mathematics lessons were regular, and leaders checked children’s progress. These activities put communication, early reading and number learning into the early years day.

Independent play was the weaker part of the picture. In February 2024, adults did not consistently use those sessions to extend learning, and the order of learning needed more careful planning. Inspectors linked gaps in children’s readiness for subsequent learning to the organisation of independent activities: new skills were not revisited enough to become secure. For families, the issue is how effectively play helps children consolidate what adults have taught them.

An early years team works with families as part of the school’s approach. For children developing communication skills, that partnership sits alongside the emphasis on language in their learning. The school describes its early years staff as experienced.

Families considering support for additional needs have a specific contact route: the SENDCo can be reached through the school telephone number. Moorside works with Newcastle City Council, families and external specialists. Its SEND Information Report covers assessment, identifying needs, support and checking progress, including how parents and outside agencies are involved. These are useful starting points for discussing an individual child’s needs.

The Accessibility Plan addresses access to information, the curriculum and the building. Medical needs, including allergies, are addressed through the Supporting Children with Medical Conditions Policy.

Attending Moorside’s nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet the relevant deadline. Treat choosing the nursery and applying for Reception as two separate decisions. Familiarity with the school should never be taken as assurance of an admission offer.

For nursery enquiries, contact the school on 0191 272 0239 or email admin@moorside.newcastle.sch.uk. The school welcomes visits from families interested in learning more about it.

The Term Dates page carries the 2026 to 2027 school calendar. Use the school’s calendar when planning family arrangements around school dates.