Woodpecker Forest School

In March 2026, tree climbing, conversations about wildlife and stories in a woodland camp characterised children's learning at Woodpecker Forest School. At Stover Country Park in Newton Abbot, it has 30 places in total. At that inspection, nature provided the setting for learning.

At its March 2026 inspection, Ofsted judged all six assessed areas to be Strong standard and found that safeguarding standards were met. Children attending that month were aged 3 to 5; that is the inspection-time age range.

In March 2026, learning took place outdoors in the forest school camp. Children practised balance on logs, climbed trees and dug routes for toy diggers with spades. These were opportunities to work on coordination and solve practical problems through play.

The early years foundation stage sets requirements for children's learning, development and care: here, play, conversation and physical activity brought those requirements into the day. In March 2026, the curriculum gave particular attention to physical development and children's social and emotional skills.

Story sessions introduced unfamiliar vocabulary, including words connected with birds and a platypus. Making hot chocolate also became a chance to discuss quantities. These examples show how language and mathematical thinking could emerge from ordinary activities, rather than requiring a separate lesson.

At the March 2026 inspection, Ofsted found rapid progress, including for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, and purposeful communication with parents that supported continuity of care. Staff worked with families to understand barriers to learning and adjust support.

In March 2026, staff helped children practise taking turns to speak during stories and recognise their feelings. They also supported individual care needs, including helping a child hold a cup safely at snack time. Children were encouraged to remain seated while eating.

Tree climbing had clear limits: children learnt to avoid fragile branches and recognise a ribbon marking how high they could go. Adult guidance made safety part of the activity itself. Unexpected absences prompted contact with parents to check children's wellbeing.

The address is Stover Country Park, Stover, Newton Abbot, TQ12 6QG.

In March 2026, opening hours were Monday and Tuesday, 9.30am to 1.30pm. This was a daytime opening window on two named weekdays, a practical consideration for families fitting childcare around work or other commitments.

• Outdoor learning. In March 2026, learning activities took place in nature. How are clothing, shelter and changing weather managed through the year?
• Attendance pattern. The March 2026 opening window covered Monday and Tuesday daytime hours. That pattern matters for families whose childcare needs extend across other weekdays.
• Supported challenge. March 2026 activities included tree climbing with a ribbon marking the height limit. Consider how your child responds to physical challenges and adult guidance outdoors.

Woodpecker merits consideration for families seeking nature-based early learning, with the March 2026 assessment giving a positive judgement across every assessed area. Its inspection-time day combined physical exploration with stories, conversation and practical tasks. It particularly suits families who value outdoor play and whose childcare needs fit the daytime weekday pattern described above.