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Nursery at Lift Beacon
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Child-led exploration and a specialist nursery sit alongside one another at Lift Beacon, giving this school nursery two distinct strands. The mainstream provision takes children from age 2, with places for 3- and 4-year-olds too. It forms part of Lift Beacon in Loughborough, on Woodthorpe Road.
Caterpillar Room, Butterfly Room and Ladybird Room have early years educators, supported by a nursery lead. The specialist nursery has capacity for 12 children identified by Leicestershire County Council as needing this provision. That is a specialist capacity, rather than a total for the nursery. Ofsted’s April 2026 inspection awarded early years the Expected standard judgement.
Play and adult guidance share the day. Children can pursue their own interests, while adults organise activities with a learning purpose. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together learning and care: developing conversation, relationships and physical skills alongside early literacy, mathematical ideas and creative expression. Art, imaginative play and music sit alongside exploring the world and recognising patterns and shapes.
Early years teaching gives attention to language, number and the beginnings of writing. In April 2026, children were practising pencil grip and building writing skills in stages; phonics teaching was effective. Activities were adjusted when children needed another opportunity to grasp a number idea. The practical benefit is learning that responds to how a child is getting on.
Indoor resources support exploration as well as returning to familiar skills. Outdoor learning is part of the provision too, but the Nursery outdoor area needed development in April 2026 to reach the standard of the indoor space. Outdoor provision. This is a specific area for improvement, and a useful focus when viewing the nursery.
Settling involves working with families to help children become comfortable in their new surroundings. In April 2026, early years routines helped children settle promptly, with photographs, visual cues and brief instructions supporting everyday independence. Hanging up a coat becomes something a child can manage themselves.
A snack table gives children access to crackers, fruit, water and milk during the day. Children attending full time can choose an on-site meal from a seasonal menu or bring lunch from home. This gives families a choice for the longer day.
Staff identified additional needs early and worked with families and professionals to arrange help in April 2026. The specialist nursery works with Speech and Language Therapists, Educational Psychologists and the Early Years Inclusion Team, among other services. Children attend for two full days each week, with six places per day, Monday to Thursday. Support is organised around early development and play.
Gates and entrances remain secured during the day, children are supervised in activities, and two staff members are present at dismissal. Regular communication between the early years team and families supports understanding of each child’s needs and progress.
A nursery place does not guarantee a Reception place at Lift Beacon. Families must make a separate application through the normal school admissions process. Applications use the Common Application Form through the applicant’s home local authority; Leicestershire families can apply through Leicestershire County Council. The deadline is 15 January for entry the following September.
The nursery aims to prepare children for their next stage through developing independence and foundations for learning. That educational preparation is separate from securing a school place.
Morning sessions run from 8:45 to 12:00, and afternoon sessions from 12:15 to 15:15. Full-day sessions are also offered. The nursery accepts 15-hour and 30-hour government funding, with additional paid sessions subject to availability. Funded places for children aged 2, 3 and 4 are organised as mornings or afternoons. Contact the school for current charges.
Uniform is encouraged. Comfortable clothes and footwear that children can manage themselves support independence; keep spare clothing on their peg. Morning collection runs from 11:45 to 12:00, while afternoon collection is between 15:00 and 15:15. Arrange a visit through the office on 01509 212227, or enquire at contactus@liftbeacon.org. Nursery applications go directly to the school using an office application form.
The nursery accepts children from age 2 and offers places for 3- and 4-year-olds.
Morning sessions are 8:45 to 12:00 and afternoons are 12:15 to 15:15. Full-day sessions are also offered.
The nursery accepts 15-hour and 30-hour government funding. Funded places for children aged 2, 3 and 4 are arranged as morning or afternoon places.
No. A separate Reception application is required through the normal local authority process, with a deadline of 15 January for the following September.
It has space for 12 children identified by Leicestershire County Council as needing specialist nursery provision. Children attend two full days each week, with six places per day, Monday to Thursday.
