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.
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.
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
Good to know
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
Last inspected 23 May 2023 · Kate Scheel
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
Areas to develop
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
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.
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.
Date: August 2016
Other Ofsted-registered day nurseries close to LIA Gems.
Leicester · LE2 2AB
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Leicester · LE2 2LF
Leicester · LE2 1LR
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This listing has been compiled from official Ofsted records, the nursery's own website, details provided directly by the nursery where available, and other trusted public sources. We regularly review and update listings to keep the information as accurate as possible. Learn more