Swindon school opens first educational unit for children under two
Liden Academy welcomes youngsters for a unique all-through learning journey
A pioneering educational unit for children under the age of two has officially opened at Liden Academy in Swindon, marking a milestone in providing care and early learning for the youngest children. Seven children between the ages of nine and 24 months are already attending, following the unit’s launch earlier this month.
The official ribbon-cutting event was attended by school staff, senior managers, and representatives from the Excalibur Academy Trust, which oversees Liden Academy.
Principal Jefferey Mason expressed pride in the new provision, highlighting its importance to local families:
“I’m very excited to open this new provision – parents really need it. Our nursery offers a unique all-through educational journey, enabling children to remain in our care from nine months old through to 11 years of age.”
The unit has benefited from significant support from Swindon Borough Council, including a £12,000 grant received through the Government’s early years expansion scheme. Sally Clarke, the Council’s early years lead, played a key role in helping bring the project to life.
Ms. Clarke explained that the Government has recently expanded funding entitlements for parents of children aged between nine months and two years old, making initiatives like this possible.
With capacity for 12 children initially, Liden Academy hopes to expand further in the future, depending on staffing availability. Early Years lead Suzanne Durham shared that the unit is already having a positive impact:
“You can really see the development in the children, especially their language skills. They’re with other children, and adults, and you can see it makes a difference.”
The Chief Executive of Excalibur Trust, Nick Lewis, underlined the importance of community support for young children:
“There’s nothing more valuable to the community than its children. And to be able to look after someone else’s child is a great privilege.”
Parents interested in the new provision are encouraged to contact Liden Academy for inquiries and can arrange a tour to visit the new unit.