Woodpecker Room

In our Woodpeckers room at KingsWood, children are full of energy, curiosity, and excitement as they prepare for their next big step into school. This stage is all about building confidence, independence, and a love of learning that will stay with them for life.

A Strong, Purposeful Curriculum

Our curriculum in Woodpeckers is carefully sequenced, purposeful, and ambitious, ensuring children develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes they need for a successful transition into school.

• Learning is built progressively, ensuring children know more and can do more over time
• Practitioners follow a consistent observe, assess, and plan cycle
• Each session includes a balance of:
  • Child-led exploration
  • Adult-led teaching with clear learning intentions
  • Individual missions 
  • Cohort learning intentions 

Our curriculum is rooted in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Statutory Framework and is brought to life through meaningful, engaging experiences both indoors and outdoors.

Learning Through Play & Exploration

Children benefit from free-flow access to both indoor and outdoor environments, including our woodland and Forest School sessions. These rich environments provide endless opportunities for:

• Problem-solving and critical thinking
• Communication and language development
• Physical development and coordination
• Creativity and imagination

Whether exploring floating and sinking in the water tray, creating dream catchers in the forest, or building structures with natural materials, every experience is designed to deepen learning.

School Readiness

Preparing children for school is woven through everything we do:

• Opportunities to develop early maths skills, mark-making, and fine motor control are embedded daily
• Children learn to manage routines, follow instructions, and develop independence

They also take on responsibility within the setting, such as:

• Helping to lay tables for lunch
• Caring for plants and the environment
• Supporting and helping their friends

These experiences build confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of belonging.

Friendships & Personal Development

At this stage, friendships truly blossom. Children learn to:

• Work together
• Solve problems
• Support and care for one another

You’ll see them helping each other into hammocks, pushing wheelbarrows side by side, and sharing laughter as they play. These moments are at the heart of childhood, forming memories and relationships that often last well beyond their time at KingsWood.

A Childhood to Remember

At KingsWood, we believe childhood should be filled with joy, freedom, and meaningful experiences. The laughter, friendships, and discoveries your child makes here are truly priceless.

In Woodpeckers, children leave us as confident, capable, and curious learners, ready for school and beyond… because here, becoming an achiever is inevitable.

Transition to School

When the time comes for your child to take their next big step into school, we work closely in partnership with both your family and your child’s new setting to ensure a smooth, confident transition.

At KingsWood, school readiness is woven throughout our curriculum, so children leave us feeling capable, independent, and excited for what lies ahead.

We support this transition by:

• Building children’s confidence, independence, and resilience
• Sharing key information with schools, including transition reports and learning journeys
• Sharing relevant safeguarding information and documentation, to ensure children continue to be supported and kept safe
• Liaising with teachers and other settings to ensure continuity in learning, care, and wellbeing
• Encouraging children to talk about and feel positive about their next steps

Where possible, we welcome teachers into the setting and support visits to new schools, helping children become familiar with their new environment.

Flying the KingsWood Nest

We want every child to leave KingsWood feeling proud, confident, and ready to embrace their next adventure. As they prepare to “fly the nest,” we celebrate everything they have achieved during their time with us.

Our stay and play leavers’ celebration is a special moment for children, families, and staff, a time to reflect on memories, friendships, and how far each child has come. It is often filled with smiles, laughter… and a few happy tears, as we say goodbye to children who have been such a special part of our KingsWood family.

At KingsWood, we don’t just prepare children for school, we prepare them for life. And as they spread their wings, they do so as confident, curious learners… because becoming an achiever is inevitable.