At Central High Nursery, we provide a secure and happy atmosphere where girls will gain confidence in both social and learning skills. Girls make discoveries, question outcomes and broaden their knowledge mainly through play situations. They are encouraged to develop independence whilst learning how to relate to others in group situations so that they will progress happily onto the next stages in their education.

The Nursery is situated at our West Avenue site. It is accommodated in a spacious ground floor area with direct access to an enclosed outside play area. The rooms are modern and airy and are arranged into small activity areas or bays, to encourage group or independent play by the children. Activities on offer include art & craft, water and sand play, role play and music. The computers in the nursery are well used. In addition to the structured play activities, planned topics, which take into account the girls' interests and experiences, are used to develop early reading/writing/mathematical skills. We also arrange visits to places of local interest, our other school sites and theatres, to stimulate interest in topics and help the children gain confidence in new situations. 

The Nursery department is located close to the Reception classes and some activities are undertaken by the two groups jointly such as Christmas parties, assemblies and visits. This enables the girls to widen their friendship groups, familiarise themselves with the school layout and get to know other members of staff, all of which help to make the transfer into the Reception classes, a happy and relaxed occasion.

The ratio of staff to children in our nursery department is extremely good. We have a full time qualified teacher assisted by fully trained early years nursery nurses.

We ask that all girls attend five morning sessions (8.45am to 12.30 pm including morning break and lunch). A full day session of 8.45 am until 3 pm (which includes an afternoon snack) is also offered. A combination of morning and full day sessions is also available i.e. five mornings and one, two, three or four afternoons.

Up to 24 girls are currently admitted into Nursery each year. Girls are admitted in the September following their 3rd birthday. However, entry may be available at other times. Please go to our admissions page for more details or contact the Junior Department.

We welcome visitors into Nursery. If you would like to come and see us, please contact the School to make an appointment. If you are not able to visit at the present time, we will be pleased to forward a copy of our current brochure.

Ofsted Inspection Report 2008

The Central Newcastle High School Nursery and Early years Provision has received an outstanding report in June 2008:

'The quality of teaching and learning is outstanding.'

'Relations between children and staff are excellent.'

'The opportunities for children to develop communication, language and literacy skills are first class.'

'Partnership with parents and carers is outstanding,'

'The leadership and management of the nursery provision is outstanding.'

To read the full report please click on the document below.

• Nursery Inspection June 2008
  Ofsted Inspection Report for Early Years provision