Best Childminders and Nurseries in Gosforth
From Outstanding-rated day nurseries to school-attached provision, here's every nursery option in Gosforth for babies through to school age.
Finding the right nursery is one of the biggest decisions for Gosforth parents. The good news is that the NE3 area is well served — with eight private day nurseries, several school-attached nursery classes, and a range of registered childminders. Here's what's available.
The Elmfield Nursery
The Elmfield Nursery on Westfield Grove is the standout. Rated Outstanding by Ofsted across all five areas (last inspected December 2022), it takes children from 4 months to 5 years and has been running since 1996. It's independently owned — the sister setting to Jesmond Nursery — with a large outdoor play area, home-cooked meals, and 32 qualified staff. If you can get a place, this is the one most Gosforth parents aspire to.
Best for: Outstanding Ofsted rating, independent ownership, babies to school age.
St Gabriel's Nursery
St Gabriel's on Back West Avenue is a purpose-built nursery with 137 places, rated Good by Ofsted (May 2025). They take children from 6 weeks to 5 years, with baby sensory rooms, two secure gardens, and an on-site chef. Over 29 years in operation and part of a two-site group (Gosforth and Heaton).
Best for: Large purpose-built facility, babies from 6 weeks, on-site chef.
Church View Day Nursery
Church View is tucked away on the grounds of St Nicholas Hospital on Jubilee Road. Rated Good by Ofsted (August 2025), it takes children from 6 weeks to 5 years, with 60 places. Family-owned and running for over 20 years, it has a lovely parkland setting adjacent to the Northumberland Wildlife Trust. Accepts funded 15- and 30-hour places and 2-year-old funding.
Best for: Parkland setting, family-owned feel, accepts funded hours.
Kids 1st Gosforth (Busy Bees)
Kids 1st Gosforth on Jubilee Road is a purpose-built, single-level nursery with seven rooms, all with garden access. Rated Good by Ofsted (January 2025), it takes children from 9 months to 4 years. Now part of the Busy Bees group, it offers all-inclusive fees covering nappies, wipes, formula, meals, and sun cream. There's a qualified teacher in the pre-school room and a sensory room for younger children.
Best for: All-inclusive fees, purpose-built single-level, qualified teacher in pre-school.
Kids Planet Kenton Park
Kids Planet at Kenton Park Shopping Centre has been on site for over 25 years. Rated Good by Ofsted (February 2024), it features nature-based outdoor learning in a large natural garden. Named in the Top 20 Nurseries in North East England 2025 by daynurseries.co.uk. All-inclusive fees with freshly prepared meals on site.
Best for: Nature-based learning, large garden, long-established.
Ladybird Children's Nursery
Ladybird at 4-6 Harley Terrace takes children from birth to reception age, opening 7:30am to 6:00pm. They offer a 10% sibling discount and are registered for 2-, 3- and 4-year-old government funding. Five minutes' walk from both South Gosforth and Regent Centre Metro stations. Full day fees start at £75 (2025 rates).
Best for: Early opening hours, Metro-accessible, sibling discount.
Gosforth Nursery
Gosforth Nursery at 10 Lansdowne Terrace is the newest addition, registered with Ofsted in October 2024. They take children from 6 weeks to 4 years across four rooms, opening from 7:15am. Features include organic milk, baby-led weaning support, and healthy meals included. Near Regent Centre Metro. Not yet inspected by Ofsted.
Best for: Early starts (7:15am), organic focus, near Regent Centre Metro.
Nurserytime
Nurserytime on Souter Road at Coxlodge takes children from 1 month to 5 years, with 72 places. Open 7:30am to 6:00pm Monday to Friday. Privately owned as part of the Nurserytime group.
Best for: Large capacity, very young babies accepted.
School-Attached Nurseries
Several Gosforth first schools offer nursery classes for children from their third birthday. These typically provide 15 funded hours (part-week) or 30 hours for eligible families.
Gosforth Park First School — rated Outstanding across all areas by Ofsted (May 2025), including Early Years provision. This is the highest-rated school nursery in the area, with 26 full-time equivalent places. Apply through the school office or Newcastle City Council.
Archibald First School — one of Gosforth's most popular schools, with nursery places for 3-year-olds. Offers both 15- and 30-hour funded places. Ladybird Children's Nursery also operates a separate wrap-around setting on the Archibald site for 2-4 year olds.
South Gosforth First School — rated Good by Ofsted (June 2022), with nursery places from age 3. Applications for September 2026 places opened in January 2026.
Choosing a Nursery
Visit in person. Every nursery on this list offers visits — the atmosphere, staff interactions, and outdoor space are things you need to see and feel, not just read about.
Check Ofsted reports. All ratings above are current as of April 2026, but reports are updated after each inspection. Check reports.ofsted.gov.uk for the latest.
Ask about funded hours. Most nurseries accept the government's 15- and 30-hour free childcare entitlements, but availability varies. Confirm during your visit.
Waiting lists. The most popular nurseries — particularly The Elmfield — have long waiting lists. Register early, ideally during pregnancy.
Know a nursery or childminder we should add? Get in touch via our contact page.