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Nursery at Lakeview 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
The Proud Cloud gives Cygnets a character of its own: nursery children share their achievements through this class initiative. This is Lakeview School's nursery in Wixams, Bedford, with a nursery teacher and an early years team led by the deputy headteacher.
Entry is from the term after a child's third birthday. For families, Cygnets combines a nursery class identity with access to the school's support structure, including family support workers and an inclusion lead who also coordinates special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). We hold no published inspection grade for it.
Celebrating what children achieve is one concrete part of nursery learning. The Proud Cloud makes those achievements something to share, rather than keeping them between child and teacher. Lakeview follows the Foundation Stage Curriculum for its youngest children, developing skills, knowledge and creativity, including learning to read, write and calculate. It says it adapts learning to children's interests. That gives families a picture of an approach intended to respond to the child.
Values-Based Education is a school approach alongside the curriculum. Lakeview aims to help children understand their feelings, relationships and choices through shared values. Respect and Aspiration are the focus for the first autumn half term; Independence is the focus for the second summer half term. These give parents specific ideas to discuss at home. Across the school, values lessons involve discussion, with children expressing ideas through art, drama, practical activities or writing. Each class records its thinking in a floor book, giving these conversations a continuing record.
The early years calendar includes Carols and Crafts on 8 December 2026 and Sports Day on 21 June 2027. Cygnets has its own Graduation at 13:00 on 16 July 2027, giving the nursery year a distinct closing event.
Settling starts before the first session. Two nursery staff make a planned home visit for children with accepted places, usually in the summer term for September starters and before entry for children joining during the year. It is an opportunity to share information and begin relationships in a familiar setting. Families and children are also invited to information sessions with the teaching and senior leadership teams when a place is available.
For children identified with additional needs, the teacher and SEND coordinator develop an Individual Education Plan, shared with parents. It identifies the child's needs and the actions to address them. Outside professionals may become involved with parental agreement, so specialist support is discussed with the family.
At school level, lunches are prepared on site. Relish uses pupil profiles to show staff dishes compatible with a child's dietary requirements, and menus are adapted individually for serious allergies. The lunch hall has an iPad displaying children's photographs for this process.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place or confer admissions priority. For September 2027, allocation follows criteria covering care status, catchment and siblings, with distance used to resolve equal priority. Families must make a separate application to Bedford Borough Council, electronically or on paper, between mid October and mid January.
Transition support is separate from allocation. Nursery staff work with Reception colleagues and pass reports and agreed records to the school the child will attend. That support follows the child to their chosen or allocated school.
The January 2025 nursery arrangements described term-time attendance of 15 or 30 hours, with a nursery day running from 08:45 to 15:15. For the 15-hour option, the stated sessions were 08:45 to 11:45 and 12:45 to 15:15. Those arrangements placed entitlement hours between 09:00 and 15:00, alongside 30 minutes of school-funded childcare each day.
To apply, return the nursery application form to the school office. Visits can be arranged by calling 01234 741653 or emailing office@lakeview-school.co.uk. A look around during a working day lets families see the nursery in use before deciding.
Children can enter from the start of the term after their third birthday.
No. Nursery attendance does not confer priority or guarantee a place. A separate application goes to Bedford Borough Council between mid October and mid January.
The January 2025 arrangements described 15 or 30 hours during term time, with morning and afternoon sessions for the 15-hour option.
Two nursery staff visit the child at home before entry. September starters are usually visited during the summer term; children joining at other times receive a visit before starting.
Contact the school office on 01234 741653 or email office@lakeview-school.co.uk to arrange a visit.
