Willow Woods Forest School

In April to July 2025, tree-mounted balance beams, animal care and a spacious outdoor site shaped children's experiences at Willow Woods. Based at Chapel Farm in Salters Lode, Downham Market, it has capacity for 12 children. Outdoor exploration is the central draw for families considering this setting.

Ofsted rated the provision Good at its April to July 2025 inspection and judged safeguarding effective. Children attending then were aged two to five; that age range describes the inspection period.

In April to July 2025, children chose where to play across the outdoor site, practised balancing on beams attached to trees and helped care for rabbits, chickens and goats. These experiences brought movement, manageable challenge and responsibility into the day.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care: here, play connected physical skills with language and exploration. During the same period, adults introduced vocabulary through water play and conversations about surrounding sounds. Books appeared spontaneously, including alongside lunch, while songs accompanied trampoline play. Children also explored books independently and discussed the pictures with adults.

Group teaching needed more adaptation for children who were quieter or less confident. This matters for families whose child takes time to contribute: an appealing outdoor setting still needs teaching that draws each child into learning.

At the April to July 2025 inspection, Ofsted found that staff built secure relationships through getting to know families before children started, and supported children with special educational needs and/or disabilities to participate in their chosen play.

During that period, adults helped children share, take turns and settle disagreements calmly. Children approached staff for help, including obtaining spare boots for another child. Support combined independence with an adult ready to intervene.

An indoor cabin provided privacy for nappy changes. Children ate food from lunch boxes, with stories sometimes accompanying their meal. Staff received coaching and feedback on teaching, and their ideas contributed to changes in the provision.

The address is Chapel Farm, Downham Road, Salters Lode, Downham Market, PE38 0BA.

In April to July 2025, preschool sessions ran from 9am to 3pm on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday during term time, excluding bank holidays. Government-funded places were offered for eligible children. These attendance and funding arrangements describe that period.

• Quieter children. Group activities needed better adaptation in April to July 2025. At a visit, ask how staff now involve children who hesitate to speak or join in.
• Outdoor participation. Balance beams, animal care and trampoline play featured during that period. Consider how this style of day matches your child's interests and comfort with physical exploration.
• Term-time routine. The April to July 2025 pattern covered Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. Families comparing attendance options should weigh that specific routine against their childcare needs.

Willow Woods suits families drawn to outdoor exploration, animal care and opportunities for children to make choices. Its April to July 2025 provision combined those experiences with supportive relationships. During that period, a clear teaching priority was making group learning equally rewarding for quieter children. The term-time session pattern from that period gives families a concrete attendance model to consider.