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Free Spirits Nursery

Ofsted: Strong standard·Freeman Hospital, Freeman Road, NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, NE7 7DN · Newcastle upon Tyne
Number of places
88 places
Age range
0–4 yrs
Last inspected
Jan 2026
Local authority
Newcastle upon Tyne

About this day nursery

Free Spirits Nursery, located in High Heaton, Newcastle upon Tyne, provides high-quality childcare for children aged 0-4 years. Registered with Ofsted since November 1999, the nursery operates from Freeman Hospital and was last inspected on January 20, 2026, receiving a "Good" overall rating.

The dedicated staff are committed to children's well-being and development, ensuring that each child feels safe and secure. They effectively assess individual starting points and identify any potential barriers to learning, working closely with parents and other professionals to provide tailored support.

The inclusive environment fosters rapid progress for all children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Communication and language development is a particular strength, with sign language used to support all children, including those who are non-verbal, to fully participate and flourish.

The nursery also places a strong emphasis on outdoor play in all weathers, encouraging children to develop physical skills and be active. The highly enthusiastic leadership team continuously strives for excellence, regularly reviewing the curriculum and making improvements based on feedback from parents and staff.

This commitment ensures a nurturing and stimulating environment where children thrive and develop a love for learning.

What it's like

Staff at Free Spirits Nursery are deeply committed to providing excellent care, placing children's best interests at the forefront and knowing each child exceptionally well. They effectively assess starting points, quickly identify learning barriers, and collaborate with parents to secure necessary support for children to develop and thrive. Communication and language development is exceptionally well-supported through various methods, including sign language, ensuring all children, including those with SEND, fully participate and flourish.

Strong CurriculumIndividualised SupportStrong Communication FocusOutdoor PlayEnthusiastic Leadership

Key facts

Established

1999

Ofsted Inspection — new report card

Strong standard

Last inspected Jan 2026

Headline: Strong standard

Grade summary

Exceptional
Strong standard
Expected standard
Needs attention
Urgent improvement

Each dot represents one of the six inspection categories. Headline is the average of the six grades, rounded up.

Category grades

AchievementStrong standard
Behaviour, attitudes and establishing routinesStrong standard
Children's welfare and wellbeingStrong standard
Curriculum and teachingStrong standard
InclusionStrong standard
Leadership and governanceStrong standard
Age range
0 to 4
Registers
Early Years Register
Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Free Spirits Nursery

Last inspected 20 January 2026

What it's like to attend

Staff at Free Spirits Nursery are deeply committed to providing excellent care, placing children's best interests at the forefront and knowing each child exceptionally well. They effectively assess starting points, quickly identify learning barriers, and collaborate with parents to secure necessary support for children to develop and thrive. Communication and language development is exceptionally well-supported through various methods, including sign language, ensuring all children, including those with SEND, fully participate and flourish.

Inspector highlights

  • Children, including those who are disadvantaged or face barriers to their learning, make rapid progress from their starting points.
  • Staff have high expectations of children's behaviour and act as positive role models.
  • The curriculum is inclusive and of a high quality, with regular assessments to track progress.
  • Leaders and staff have a strong understanding of children's needs and provide tailored assistance.
  • The highly enthusiastic leadership team is committed to driving excellence and continually making improvements.

Areas to develop

  • 1Leaders and those responsible for governance should sustain their work to ensure continued improvement and high standards.
  • 2They should focus on creating a transformational impact on the outcomes and experiences of disadvantaged children, those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, those who are known (or previously known) to children's social care and those who may face other barriers to their learning and/or wellbeing.
Inspection #10117593 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are supported through individual plans that are reviewed regularly and thoroughly to monitor their progress. Where additional support is required, leaders and staff work closely with parents and other professionals to provide tailored assistance, resulting in a positive impact on children's care and development. Targeted support meets their individual needs and enables them to make sustained progress. Inclusive approaches, such as the use of sign language, ensure that children with SEND participate fully and thrive.

Outdoor space

Children develop their physical skills through many opportunities to play outdoors. Staff also encourage outdoor play in all weathers and teach children the importance of being active.

Inspection history

Date: September 2009

The most recent inspection point has been hidden because the parsed entry didn't match the headline Ofsted rating (Good). We're re-checking it against the original report.

  • February 2020Outstanding
  • June 2015Outstanding
  • September 2009Outstanding

Frequently asked about Free Spirits Nursery

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This listing has been compiled from official Ofsted records, the nursery's own website, details provided directly by the nursery where available, and other trusted public sources. We regularly review and update listings to keep the information as accurate as possible. Learn more