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Nursery at Newcastle Preparatory 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.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 new word each day and outdoor learning in Forest School give First Steps Nursery its character: language development sits alongside practical exploration. This is Newcastle Preparatory School’s own nursery in Jesmond, within its Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Children join in September after their third birthday, for the academic year in which they turn four.
At the April 2025 ISI inspection, the provision comprised one Nursery class. The early years findings provide concrete reassurance: staff training supported activities through which children made good progress, and the required staffing ratios were maintained.
Children alternate between activities they choose and tasks adults introduce, indoors and outside. The EYFS brings together early communication, physical development and learning to manage emotions and relationships, alongside number, literacy, creativity and discovering the world. For parents, that means learning extends beyond early reading and counting.
Language has a deliberate daily focus. In April 2025, nursery teaching introduced a fresh word each day, developed understanding of letter sounds and checked progress regularly. This gives vocabulary development a clear place in the routine rather than leaving it entirely to incidental conversation.
Outside, the EYFS learning area contains wooden furniture and natural resources. Forest School adds tipis, water play, space for building dens and a campfire; three qualified Forest School leaders support outdoor learning across the school. These are practical settings for exploration and imaginative play.
The April 2025 early years findings also describe painting, wheelbarrow play and forest activities developing strength, coordination and cooperation. Children practised jumping, running and handling balls, while adults taught toothbrushing. Early years visits to a local care home included singing, giving social learning a purpose beyond the classroom.
Settling begins before the first term. Nursery entrants have an additional summer visit to try activities and meet staff and other children. A welcome meeting and information pack help parents prepare for the practical routines.
Medical support includes a paediatric first aider in each early years class. In April 2025, adults’ calm speech and attentive listening helped young children cooperate, share resources and work through disagreements. Those everyday interactions matter as much as the formal activities.
Chartwells prepares food on site. Lunch takes place in the dining hall with teaching staff eating alongside children, and options include soup, filled baked potatoes and salad. Dietary arrangements can accommodate allergies and religious needs; the school excludes nuts and sesame. Parents can discuss concerns with teachers in person or through Teams.
For additional needs, the school’s SEND team includes a SENCO, an intervention coordinator and a specialist teacher. Support can involve adapted classroom work, small groups or individual help. Physical access. The accessibility plan identifies limitations arising from the school’s terraced buildings and conservation restrictions. Families with mobility needs should discuss the adjustments their child requires at the outset.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Confirm Reception progression arrangements with the admissions team, including whether another Registration Form is required. Its admission arrangements allocate places through registration and include sibling preference; nursery attendance should not be treated as an entitlement to a place.
Transition support serves a different purpose. Children can have classroom visits, join lunchtimes and use photo books where these help. For children with SEND, visits with the incoming teacher and staff handover meetings help carry support into the next class.
Five full days and part-time attendance, including mornings only, are offered. The early years day finishes at 3pm; the school’s morning welcome runs from 8am to 8.30am. An additional late room operates in the Library from 5pm to 5.30pm.
Eligible three- and four-year-olds can access the 15-hour funded entitlement. Under the June 2026 funding policy, extra hours are purchased as complete sessions, lunches and agreed trips can incur charges, and wipes are provided free; parents supply nappies when needed. That policy makes milk and snacks free, while the September 2026 fees page groups lunch and snacks as a charge. Request the current charge breakdown before booking.
Use Enquire Now to request a prospectus or arrange a school tour. Jesmond Metro station is opposite the school, providing a useful public transport option for the daily journey.
Children can join in the September after turning three, during the academic year in which they become four.
Yes. Part-time places include morning-only sessions, alongside the five-full-day pattern.
Children use an EYFS outdoor area with natural wooden resources and attend Forest School, which includes den-building space, tipis and water play.
No. Confirm Reception progression arrangements with the admissions team, including whether another Registration Form is required. Nursery attendance should not be treated as an entitlement to a place.
An additional summer visit lets nursery entrants meet staff and other children and try activities. Parents and children also attend a welcome meeting and receive a Welcome Pack.
