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LIA Gems

Ofsted: Good
(May 2023)
·Leicester Islamic Academy, 320 London Road, LEICESTER, LE2 2PJ · Leicester
Number of places
39 places
Age range
1–4 yrs
Last inspected
May 2023
Local authority
Leicester

About this day nursery

Leicester Islamic Academy, known as LIA Gems, provides a stimulating educational environment for children aged three to eleven, from Nursery to Year 6. Established in 1982, the academy is situated in the leafy Stoneygate area of Leicester, conveniently located near main transport routes and within walking distance of the city centre and universities.

LIA Gems is dedicated to fostering spiritual growth and academic excellence, guided by Islamic principles derived from the Quran and Sunnah. Their ethos focuses on developing resilient, educated, and responsible British citizens with a strong Muslim identity.

The curriculum follows the National Curriculum for Key Stage 1 and 2, while Nursery and Reception adhere to the Early Years Statutory Framework. Daily lessons incorporate Quranic studies and Islamic teachings, with an emphasis on Arabic phonics, recitation, and Tajweed.

The academy also offers a range of enrichment sessions designed to promote character development and life skills. Healthy eating is promoted, and after-school care provisions are available, including sports-focused activities and an hourly childcare service for children aged 4-8.

Our ethos

The ethos of LIA is based on the principles of Islam through the guidance of the Quran and the Sunnah. We endeavour to provide a journey that fosters true Iman in the hearts and minds of our pupils, staff, parents and school community. Every child develops a strong DEEN; a school where your child is: Development a social and emotional character that is resilient when facing challenges, Educated to achieve their full academic potential and therefore grow to be a responsible British citizen who gives back to society through hard work and service, Encouraged to have an enquiring mind and a problem-solving outlook that allows them to achieve success in their chosen path thus allowing them the ability to serve their family, the Ummah and global society as a 21st Century Muslim, Nurtured to develop a strong Muslim identity that gives them the confidence, beliefs and actions that will lead to success in this life and the hereafter.

What it's like

Staff at LIA Gems provide a warm, welcoming, and nurturing environment where children feel happy, settled, and confident. The curriculum is ambitious and carefully structured, allowing every child to make progress. Staff know children well and create engaging activities, leading to enthusiastic and motivated learners across all age groups.

Islamic EducationAcademic ExcellenceAfter-School CareHealthy Eating Focus

Pricing & funding

Charges are based on annual fees with options to pay annually, termly, or monthly. Fees apply from the term after the child turns five. Additional charges apply for admissions, resources, hot lunches, and school materials.

Funding accepted

15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)

Good to know

  • Non-refundable £120.00 admission deposit.
  • Refundable fee deposit of £275.40 requires 4 weeks written notice during term time.
  • Fees can be paid annually, termly, or in 10 monthly instalments.
  • Fees commence the term after the child turns 5 years old.
  • Hot lunches are available for £2.80 per meal for Nursery and Reception.

Key facts

Opening hours

Early Years: 8:25am - 2:40pm; Key Stage 1 and 2: 8:15am - 3:10pm. Office hours: 8:00am - 4:00pm. School gates open at 8:05am.

Session types

Full Day, 15 Hours Free Childcare, 30 Hours Free Childcare, 15 Hours Additional Session, Pre-school care, After School Club

Food

Children can bring packed lunches. Hot lunches and desserts are available for purchase. Nursery and Reception meals are £2.80, Key Stage 1 and 2 meals are £2.81. Early Years children receive milk and fruit during snack time.

Waitlist

LIA Gems nursery offers pre-school (8:00am - 8:30am) and after school care (2:45pm - 6:00pm) for children aged 4-8 years. Sessions are pre-booked and charged at an hourly rate. Bookings for SFK Multisports after-school club are termly and online. Early Years pupils with siblings in KS1/KS2 can access after-school care for a daily fee.

Age range

3 to 11 years (Nursery to Year 6)

Term time / All Year

Term Time

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for LIA Gems

Last inspected 23 May 2023 · Kate Scheel

Safeguarding effective
Overall effectiveness
Good
Quality of education
Good
Behaviour and attitudes
Good
Personal development
Good
Leadership and management
Good

What it's like to attend

Staff at LIA Gems provide a warm, welcoming, and nurturing environment where children feel happy, settled, and confident. The curriculum is ambitious and carefully structured, allowing every child to make progress. Staff know children well and create engaging activities, leading to enthusiastic and motivated learners across all age groups.

Inspector highlights

  • Staff have a clear understanding of each child's individual needs and interests.
  • Children are fully supported to develop their independence skills.
  • Leaders and managers have worked hard since the last inspection to monitor and improve practice.
  • Staff build strong relationships with parents.
  • Staff successfully support children to value each other's differences and to recognise what makes everyone unique.

Areas to develop

  • 1support staff to implement the most effective strategies to engage children's attention when developing their communication and language skills.
Inspection #10269756 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

What parents say

Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection

Parents speak highly of the nursery and comment how well staff nurture children and help them to grow in confidence.

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

The manager uses additional funding effectively to meet the individual learning needs of all children. Carefully chosen resources are purchased that enable staff to focus on identified areas of learning. Staff work hard to ensure all children achieve the best outcomes.

Outdoor space

Children benefit from regular opportunities to get fresh air and to develop and practise their physical skills outside. Children enjoy having the freedom to run, jump and climb. Staff are vigilant about completing risk assessments in both the indoor and outdoor environments to help minimise any potential risks, and carefully check all outdoor play equipment before children use it.

Inspection history
Improved from Inadequate → Good in 2023

Date: August 2016

  • May 2023Good
  • November 2022Inadequate
  • December 2016Good
  • August 2016Inadequate

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