Your voice matters
At Woodlands, we believe that partnership with families is at the heart of high-quality early years education. We value your feedback, ideas and reflections, they help us to grow and ensure that every child’s experience is the very best it can be.
Whether it’s a kind word, a suggestion, or something we could do differently, we’re always ready to listen. You can speak to any member of our team or email us nursery@staffs.ac.uk directly to or share your thoughts.
Together, we nurture a culture of openness, reflection and care because the best learning happens when we learn from one another.
"Parents speak highly of the care their children receive. They comment that staff are friendly and their children are excited to attend nursery."
Frequently asked questions
What makes Woodlands different?
Our ethos is built around being present. We focus on meaningful interactions rather than overusing technology or paperwork, allowing us to connect with children and extend their learning naturally throughout the day.
What age groups do you care for?
We welcome children from 0 to 5 years across four nurturing age and stage appropriate groups:
- Saplings
- Willow
- Maple
- Oak
What are your opening hours?
We are open Monday to Friday, 8:00am–6:00pm, closing only for bank holidays and the Christmas break.
What is your Ofsted rating?
Our most recent Ofsted inspection rated us as ‘Good’. We’re really proud that the report highlights our caring, passionate team, and the strong relationships we build with children and families. We continue to reflect, grow, and aim for excellence in everything we do.
View the full Ofsted report.
How do you support my child's learning?
At Woodlands, children learn through play, exploration and meaningful interactions. Our practitioners use their knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) to recognise learning as it happens and extend it in the moment. We follow each child’s interests, ask thoughtful questions, and offer experiences that spark curiosity, confidence and joy in discovery.
We also value the knowledge you share from home, your child’s experiences, family traditions, interests and achievements form a vital part of our understanding of who they are. By weaving this information into our daily practice, we create learning that feels personal, relevant and deeply connected to each child’s world.
Building cultural capital is central to what we do. We provide rich, varied experiences that help every child develop the knowledge and confidence they need to understand and engage with the wider world, from exploring nature and local community links, to celebrating diverse stories, festivals and ways of life.
Our Being Present approach ensures these experiences are authentic and responsive, with practitioners noticing learning as it unfolds and using it to scaffold, stretch and support each individual child in the moment.
Do you complete lots of observations and assessments?
At Woodlands, observation and assessment are part of our everyday practice rather than a separate task. Our practitioners continuously observe children as they play, using what they notice to plan meaningful activities and opportunities that build on each child’s interests and stage of development.
Observations are shared naturally, through daily handovers and reflective conversations with parents and carers, whenever there is something valuable to celebrate or discuss.
This approach reflects our Being Present ethos: we prioritise genuine interactions over screen time or constant documentation. By responding in the moment, our team can scaffold, stretch and support each child’s learning as it happens, ensuring that our focus remains exactly where it should be — with the children.
How will I know how my child is doing?
You’ll receive regular updates through conversations and termly reflections. We find this approach keeps communication personal, meaningful and focused on your child’s wellbeing and development.
Outdoors and sustainability
Do children play outside every day?
Absolutely- every day, in all weathers! Our carbon-zero setting is designed to make the most of outdoor play and natural learning experiences, helping children develop confidence, creativity and care for the environment.
What if my child doesn't like getting messy?
We support every child at their own pace and provide a range of sensory experiences. No child is ever forced to join in, but most can’t resist once they see the fun others are having!
How do you support children with additional needs?
Our experienced SENDCo works closely with families and external professionals to provide individualised support. We believe inclusion means ensuring every child can take part fully, with pride and confidence.
How do you settle new children?
Settling is completely child-led. We offer flexible sessions and always follow your child’s cues, ensuring they build trust and feel secure before you leave.
Can I visit before enrolling?
Of course! We love welcoming new families and would be delighted to show you around our spaces. Please get in touch to arrange a visit.
Feedback and communication
How can I share feedback or a concern?
You can talk to your child’s key person or team in the room at any time. For formal feedback, you can contact our nursery manager, call 01782 294981 or email nursery@staffs.ac.uk
Do you act on parent feedback?
Yes, we regularly review our practice based on the voices of our families. We've implemented daily handovers, email surveys, daily diaries with our young children, parent meetings, progress reviews, parent workshops, play and stays, parent events, informed practice, training, staff development, activities, health and safety etc.
Feedback
We’re proud to be a reflective, responsive and relationship-centred nursery. Your feedback helps us to grow, adapt and continue to provide an environment where children, and families, truly flourish.
We’d love to hear from you. Please speak to a member of our team, call us 01782 294981 or email nursery@staffs.ac.uk to share your feedback.