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Nursery at Lift Hazelwood
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Weekly woodland trips and two bird-named classrooms give Lift Hazelwood’s nursery its character. Sparrows takes children aged 2–3, while Hummingbirds serves those aged 3–4. Both sit within the school’s early years provision, so nursery life includes contact with the wider school through activities such as PE.
Early years provision received a Good judgement at Ofsted’s inspection on 1 and 2 November 2023. This covered the school’s early years provision, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Play carries the learning. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines learning to communicate, manage feelings and move confidently with early reading, number work and creative exploration. Adult-guided activities sit alongside opportunities for children to choose their own learning, giving them practice both in following direction and making decisions.
Construction, craft work, tabletop games and themed role-play give that approach concrete form. A smart board adds another way to explore ideas. Songs, rhymes and story listening were features of early years learning in November 2023, bringing language into familiar, repeatable activities.
Outdoor learning has a physical base: direct access to a play area with bespoke equipment, plus a forest area for den building, plant care and searching for small creatures. Weekly trips to the woods extend this further. These activities put movement, exploration and care for the environment into the same part of the day. Local outings also use the library, churches, gardens and parks, connecting learning with places beyond the classroom.
Preparation starts before nursery begins. For September starters, early years staff share weekly videos so children can become familiar with the team. Comfortable clothes and footwear children can manage themselves support independence; a spare outfit stays on their peg for changes.
Food is part of the daily routine. Children can help themselves to water, milk, crackers and fruit at the snack table throughout the day. Those attending full-time may bring a packed lunch or eat a meal cooked on site from a seasonal menu. That gives families a choice for lunchtime.
Parents can join stay-and-play events each term, exploring classroom activities alongside their child. Workshops and short courses also focus on children’s development. For additional needs, the school involves parents in early discussions about strengths, difficulties and next steps; its SEND coordinator can be contacted through the office. Medical care plans are drawn up with parents and shared with relevant staff.
In November 2023, early years children were learning routines and behaviour expectations quickly. Nursery entrances and gates are secured during the day, children are supervised during activities, and two staff members attend dismissal.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through their home local authority, using its online admissions service and Common Application Form. For Swindon applicants, the route is Swindon Borough Council.
Joining wider-school activities such as PE gives nursery children experience beyond their own classroom. This is part of their learning, separate from the allocation of Reception places.
Sparrows offers morning sessions from 08:30 to 11:30 and afternoons from 12:15 to 15:15. Hummingbirds has the same half-day times and a 09:00–15:00 all-day option. An 08:30–15:15 full-day pattern also appears among its session options, so agree the booked hours when arranging attendance.
The nursery accepts 15-hour and 30-hour funding, with eligibility and validation required where applicable; extra sessions and lunch can be paid for. Funded-place paperwork must reach the office at least two weeks before the child starts. School holidays, bank holidays and teacher training days also apply to nursery. Contact the school for current charges.
Uniform is encouraged. For availability or a visit, contact the office on 01793 497250 or email contactus@lifthazelwood.org.
Sparrows is for children aged 2–3, and Hummingbirds is for those aged 3–4.
Yes. Both classes offer 08:30–11:30 morning sessions and 12:15–15:15 afternoon sessions. Hummingbirds also offers all-day attendance.
They can bring a packed lunch or have a meal prepared on site using a seasonal menu.
No. A separate Reception application is required through the home local authority’s admissions process.
Contact the school office on 01793 497250 or contactus@lifthazelwood.org to arrange a tour.
