School wins grant to expand nursery for younger children
Lift Four Dwellings Primary in Quinton has secured government funding to expand its nursery provision to include two to three year olds.
The money comes from phase 2 of a Department for Education programme to increase early years provision in schools. Lift Four Dwellings Primary is one of 331 schools across the country to secure a share of £45 million to build or expand nurseries on site.
Currently running a nursery for three to four year olds every weekday morning, the school will use the funding to meet growing local demand for places for younger children.
The new provision will give children an early start to develop speech, language, and social skills, setting them up for success as they begin their school journey, with regular support from a speech and language therapist to accelerate learning and ensure a smooth transition into formal schooling.
The initiative will create a hub for the local community, providing continuity of care for children and families as they move through the early years.
Jaime Bryan, Head of School at Lift Four Dwellings Primary, said: "We are absolutely delighted to have been chosen for this grant. We know there is a real need for younger childcare in our community, so the difference this will make to local families is enormous.
“This funding gives us the opportunity to reach children earlier; helping to improve motor skills, develop speech and language and give them the chance to connect, grow, and learn together. It will help set children up for the very best start in life, while acting as a hub for the community to support the whole family.”
The school has drawn inspiration from Lift Montgomery Primary Academy in Sparkbrook, part of the same Lift Schools Multi Academy Trust, which successfully expanded its nursery in phase 1 of the programme.
Nabila Jiwa, Regional Education Director for Lift Schools, said: "We are delighted that Lift Four Dwellings Primary has secured this funding, following the success of Lift Montgomery. Expanding early years provision gives children a strong start, supports their transition into school and provides a hub of care for the whole community. This is a great example of Lift Schools meeting local needs and helping pupils to thrive.”
Last year, Lift Four Dwellings Primary was recognised for excellence in supporting pupils, winning awards for both Outdoor Learning and SEND Inclusion, reflecting its commitment to high quality, inclusive education for all children.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: “Our school-based nurseries are already helping fill the gaps in communities where childcare is hardest to find, giving children the strong start they deserve and helping parents access childcare close to home.
"By expanding these nurseries further and targeting them at the areas that need them most, we are making sure more families can benefit from quality early education while putting practical support in place to help with the cost of living.”
