Lift Lea Forest Nursery Review

Play, conversation and a three-hour morning shape nursery life at Lift Lea Forest. There are 26 places for children aged 3-4 within the school in Kitts Green, Birmingham. The morning pattern gives families a clear collection point before lunchtime.

Early years provision was graded Outstanding by Ofsted at the inspection on 7 and 8 December 2022. That judgement covers the school's early years provision, rather than a separately inspected nursery. Children explored ideas and played together, while adults used questions to establish what they understood and where they needed help.

From 8:45am to 11:45am, children combine activities guided by adults with opportunities to choose their own learning. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) connects learning and care: making friends, understanding feelings, developing speech and building physical skills sit alongside early literacy, maths, creativity and discoveries about the world. Play has a purpose here.

Art, imaginative play and music give children ways to express ideas; work with patterns, shapes and numbers introduces mathematical thinking. Adults also make room for independent exploration, so children can follow interests as well as join planned activities. In December 2022, early years offered plentiful opportunities to develop language and communication, giving children foundations for learning to read.

Practical learning extends beyond these activities. Children in EYFS have access to the school's learning kitchen, with portable hobs and ovens used to teach cooking. Preparing food connects practical skills with learning about healthy eating. Outdoors, the school's Forest School area is used across the school, adding a natural setting for exploration alongside classroom learning.

Settling is a partnership with parents: the nursery team aims to work closely with families to help children feel secure. For the September 2026 intake, the start included hour-long welcome sessions before the regular morning timetable began. Those shorter sessions gave children an introduction to nursery before attending a complete morning.

A snack table provides crackers, fruit, water and milk. Families should tell the school about allergies or dietary requirements; food containing nuts must stay at home. Children also receive water bottles, which are cleaned and refilled daily.

Support for communication includes the early-years WellComm toolkit, which screens for possible language difficulties and links the findings to intervention activities. For SEND concerns, parents begin with their child's class teacher and can then arrange a discussion with the SEND coordinator. Parents help agree and review Individual Target Plans, bringing their knowledge of their child into support planning.

Gates and entrances are kept secure during the nursery day, children are supervised during learning and play, and two staff members attend dismissal. Class Dojo lets parents contact teachers and see photographs of work; parent meetings take place each term.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal local authority process, meeting its deadline. Applications go through the family's home local authority and can be submitted online through its admissions service. Treat this as a separate decision from joining nursery.

Morning sessions provide 15 hours a week, and the nursery accepts 15-hour government funding. Collection is at 11:45am from Door 3, so families need arrangements for the remainder of the day.

To apply, collect a nursery admission pack from the school office. Enquiries can also go to admissions@liftleaforest.org. Ask the office for current charges for trips, visits and resources.

Uniform is encouraged for nursery children. Comfortable clothes and footwear children can manage themselves support independence, and a spare outfit should remain on their peg for changes.