Approach
We believe that children learn best when they’re immersed in nature.
Our forest-school-inspired approach puts outdoor learning at the heart of everything we do.
Each day, our children build dens, explore wildlife, enjoy messy play, and discover new skills in a safe, supportive environment. This develops confidence, problem-solving skills, resilience, and a lifelong love of nature.
Our aims and objectives at Woodlands preschool.
As each child moves from Little Acorns to Mighty Oaks, we aim for them to be SETTLED within preschool.
S
Singing a wide range of songs.
E
Exploring a range of mark-making materials.
T
Talking about their likes and dislikes.
T
Taking turns.
L
Leaving their primary care-giver with confidence.
E
Engaging in a focused activity.
D
Developing friendships with their peers.
As children leave Mighty Oaks, we want
them to be ready to START school.
S
Shoes, socks and put on clothes.
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Talk, listen, share, and follow instructions.
A
Ask for help.
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Ready to try different foods and tools.
T
Toilet on their own.
Our Pedagogy:
Method and practice of teaching
Rooted in the heart of nature, our pedagogy embraces a child-led, play-based approach that nurtures independence, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning.
At Woodlands Preschool, we believe that childhood is a precious and powerful time of exploration, curiosity, and discovery.
We create an immersive, nature-rich environment where children are encouraged to explore the outdoors, connect with the natural world, and engage in purposeful play that supports their holistic development. Through forest walks, garden adventures, and hands-on sensory experiences, our learners build resilience, problem-solving skills, and emotional well-being.
Our practice centres on the belief that every child is capable, curious, and full of potential. We foster independent thinking and self-help skills by providing opportunities for children to take initiative, make choices, and learn through meaningful real-life experiences.
Whether it’s preparing their own snacks, dressing for the elements, or collaborating with peers in outdoor play, children are empowered to develop autonomy in a safe and supportive setting.
Our educators act as guides and co-learners—observing, listening, and scaffolding development—while celebrating the uniqueness of each child’s learning journey. We are deeply committed to inclusive practice, respect for individual learning styles, and the importance of relationships at the core of early education.
At Woodlands Preschool, we don’t just prepare children for school—we prepare them for life.
Our SENCo Team at Woodlands Pre-School
At Woodlands Pre-School, we believe that every child deserves to be valued, supported and inspired to achieve their potential. Our ethos is that SEND is everyone’s responsibility. This means that while we have a highly trained SENCo team leading the way, all staff are committed to understanding and meeting the needs of children with additional needs.
Families often tell us that what makes us different from other nurseries is the depth of our knowledge, the way we go above and beyond, and the genuine care and commitment we show. We are regularly complimented for the time we give to families, our proactive support with outside professionals, and the way we make every child feel included.
Hollie:
Lead SENCo – Level 3
Hollie has been in childcare since 2008, with experience in both nannying and nursery settings. She joined Woodlands in 2022 and quickly became our Lead SENCo.
Passionate about advocating for children with additional needs, Hollie ensures every child receives tailored support. She has extensive training in special educational needs, speech and language, and children’s mental health, and has experience delivering one-to-one programmes.
Hollie works closely with staff and families, supporting Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs), and is available throughout the week for appointments. She works Tuesday to Friday, adapting her hours when needed to meet family needs.
Deputy SENCo – Level 3
Sim has been with Woodlands since its opening in 2019 and completed her Level 3 SENCo qualification in just six months.
Drawing on both professional experience and her personal perspective as a mother of children with autism, Sim brings empathy, patience, and real-life understanding to her role. She works alongside Hollie as Deputy SENCo while also serving as a Senior Practitioner.
Dedicated to ensuring all children can access high-quality learning experiences, Sim’s calm and kind approach reassures parents and nurtures children. She is available Monday to Friday mornings and is a key contact for families seeking advice or guidance.
Between them, Hollie and Sim, along with our whole staff team, bring a wealth of experience and expertise. Over the years we have supported children with a wide range of needs, including:
Global Developmental Delay
Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP)
Autism
ADHD
Non-verbal communication needs
Speech and language delays
Behavioural challenges
Physical development delays
Congenital heart disease
Deafness
Congenital growth delays
What Makes Woodlands Different
At Woodlands Pre-School, we are proud to provide not only care but also specialist knowledge, genuine empathy and a commitment to helping every child thrive.
Affordable Preschool, Exceptional Care.
We’re registered for 15 and 30 free hours for eligible families, plus Tax-Free Childcare and Universal Credit support.