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Nursery at Lift Caldicotes
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Three-hour sessions, a snack table and a staged move into full-time schooling give Lift Caldicotes’ nursery its practical character. The school has a nursery for children aged three to four, with 30 full-time equivalent places, alongside separate provision with 16 places for two-year-olds. These are distinct parts of the school’s early years provision, rather than one undifferentiated age group.
In September 2024, Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Outstanding. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating. Nursery staffing includes a teacher who also leads early years, a learning and teaching assistant and a lunchtime supervisor.
Play and exploration shape the learning. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines children’s personal development with communication and physical skills: learning to express feelings, listen to others and control movements matters alongside early reading and number work. Adult-directed tasks sit alongside opportunities for children to pursue learning independently, giving the session both guidance and room for their own interests.
The learning content reaches beyond letters and numbers. Children explore shapes and patterns, encounter technology and cultures, and develop creativity through music, art and pretend play. These activities connect early academic skills with the language, relationships and physical development children need to use them.
During September 2024, early years staff supported children’s attitudes to learning exceptionally well. Expectations extended to children with additional needs, and staff adjusted activities around each child’s next steps. The practical significance is individual attention to how a child learns, rather than simply asking everyone to complete the same task.
Settling starts with cooperation between the nursery team and families. Staff work with parents to help children feel secure, while continuing communication supports understanding of each child’s needs and progress. In September 2024, consistent early years routines helped children settle successfully. Predictability gives a young child something familiar to rely on as nursery becomes part of their week.
Food has an accessible place in the day: the snack table provides crackers, fruit, water and milk. Children attending full-time can have lunch cooked on site or bring their own packed meal. The school is nut-free, and families should tell staff about allergies or dietary requirements so arrangements can be made.
Additional support uses the school’s Inclusion Pathway, with teachers and families discussing needs early. Teachers or the SENDCo arrange tailored interventions, with an Educational Psychologist involved for more complex needs. The school also has a Sensory Room containing a mini trampoline, textured cushions and a ball pit that changes colour. These are concrete resources for addressing sensory needs, rather than a general promise of support.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through their home local authority, using the Common Application Form within the normal admissions round. Treat choosing the nursery and applying for Reception as two separate decisions.
The transition programme is a different matter from admission. Beginning on the first Tuesday in July, the new Reception group spends a morning with its new teaching team and is collected at noon. Wednesday adds lunch to the morning; full-time attendance follows on Thursday. This introduces the classroom, adults and longer day in stages.
Morning sessions run from 08:30 to 11:30; afternoons run from 12:15 to 15:15. Most children attend one three-hour session. A limited number of flexible places allow entitlement to be grouped into Monday and Tuesday all day plus Wednesday morning, or Wednesday afternoon followed by Thursday and Friday all day. Selection criteria apply to these arrangements, so discuss the pattern with the early years team.
Uniform is encouraged for nursery children, with comfortable clothes and footwear that children can manage themselves. Keep spare clothing on your child’s peg for changes. For nursery enquiries, contact the school on 01642 243040 or email contactus@liftcaldicotes.org.
There is a three-to-four-year-old nursery with 30 full-time equivalent places and separate two-year-old provision with 16 places.
Morning sessions are 08:30 to 11:30, and afternoon sessions are 12:15 to 15:15. A limited number of flexible places allow sessions to be grouped across part of the week.
The snack table has milk, water, fruit and crackers. Full-time children can bring a packed lunch or have an on-site meal. Tell staff about dietary requirements or allergies; the school is nut-free.
No. A separate Reception application is required through your home local authority using the Common Application Form.
Uniform is encouraged. Choose comfortable clothing and manageable footwear, and keep spare clothes on your child’s peg.
