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Nursery at Ravenswood Primary 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Short visits with parents, photo books of staff and a gradual introduction to play give Ravenswood’s nursery a practical starting point for children who need extra help with change. This is the school’s own nursery in Heaton, Newcastle upon Tyne, for children aged three and over. Its accessibility plan describes a combination of full-time and part-time places, equivalent to 40 full-time places.
Early years classrooms occupy the ground floor. That matters for families considering physical access, alongside the school’s wheelchair-accessible entrances and accessible toilet.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the nursery’s framework for learning and development before school age. It also forms part of the named Ravenswood Curriculum, whose aims include curiosity, imagination and making sense of the world through experiences.
Story time, creative activities and outdoor play feature in the nursery’s gradual introduction plans for children with additional needs. Snack time can be included too. These are concrete ways for a child to become familiar with activities and adults before taking on a longer visit; the programme is adjusted to individual needs.
There is a distinction between settling happily and building learning securely. Ofsted’s inspection on 29 and 30 November 2023 found that early years children settled promptly, enjoyed being together and followed established routines, but that the curriculum did not identify learning precisely enough. Some experiences consequently failed to develop the knowledge children needed for their next stage.
Curriculum planning. In November 2023, early years learning was insufficiently ordered to build reliably over time. Mathematics teaching also needed greater consistency, with further staff training required, including for early years staff. Families should weigh the positive settling experience alongside these teaching concerns.
For children with additional needs, preparation can begin before nursery starts. Staff gather information from previous providers and SENDOS, arrange home visits and learn about a child’s interests and sources of anxiety. A photo transition book helps families introduce the new setting and its adults in advance.
Teaching assistant support is timetabled in nursery to demonstrate and encourage social interaction. Where needed, an enhanced settling plan can include brief visits with a parent. This gives the child a manageable introduction rather than a single fixed starting pattern.
Parents contribute to planning SEND support and discuss progress through reviews. Early years Education, Health and Care Plans are reviewed every six months. The school also has a private room with a changing bed and shower for personal care when required, making care needs part of the practical planning.
Dietary requirements and allergies are requested on the nursery application form, together with health conditions, medication and involvement from support agencies. These details give families a formal opportunity to explain care needs before their child starts.
Nursery attendance gives neither priority nor a guaranteed Reception place under the 2027/28 admission arrangements. Parents must apply separately through their home local authority. For September 2027 entry, the deadline is midnight on 15 January 2027; Newcastle City Council encourages applications through its Citizen’s Portal.
Transition support is a separate matter. Nursery children have opportunities to visit the Reception setting and meet staff, while adults share information about their needs. Photo books and individual transition plans can help children prepare for the change. Familiarity supports the move, but does not affect allocation of a place.
Nursery applications go directly to the school office and are accepted throughout the year. Contact office@ravenswoodprimary.co.uk or telephone 0191 265 9599. The nursery is at Ravenswood Road, Heaton, NE6 5TU.
Parents of children needing additional support can also contact the SEND coordinator at sendco@ravenswoodprimary.co.uk. Nursery visits form part of the school’s support for families preparing a child with additional needs to join.
The nursery caters for children aged three and over.
No. The 2027/28 arrangements give nursery children neither priority nor a guaranteed place. A separate application is required through the family’s home local authority.
Applications must be submitted by midnight on 15 January 2027.
Support can include home visits, photo transition books and short visits with parents, tailored to the child’s needs.
Apply directly to the school office. Applications are accepted throughout the year; contact office@ravenswoodprimary.co.uk or 0191 265 9599.
