The Woodlands Preschool

The Woodlands Preschool, operated by The Woodlands Preschool CIO under license number 2653584, provides sessional day care services for up to 35 children in Shefford.

There are a total of 120 places across 2 providers in Shefford.

Our Child Caring UK team has prepared this review so you can be more informed before enrolling your child in The Woodlands Preschool.

Table of Contents

🌟  Overall Effectiveness

The Woodlands Preschool has an overall score of 2. 2 of providers in Shefford share the same score.

Assessing key areas such as education quality, behavior and attitudes, personal growth, and leadership, the overall childcare effectiveness rating provides a detailed measure of providers’s ability to meet children’s needs. It ensures that children are kept safe, supported, and advancing in their learning and development.

The effectiveness of provision areas working together to create a supportive environment is a key focus for Ofsted inspectors. A strong rating ensures that children experience high-quality care, build essential skills, and are well-prepared for their educational journey.

An outstanding rating is awarded when The Woodlands Preschool excels in every area, delivering a strong curriculum, exceptional teaching, and a continuous drive for improvement. Leaders must inspire a culture of ambition and high expectations, fostering a well-managed and enriching environment for children.

The score is based on the most recent inspection date as of January 11, 2024.

👩‍🏫  Quality of Education

The Woodlands Preschool has a score of 2. 29% of providers in Shefford share the same score.

The UK’s quality of education rating for childcare measures how well providers foster children’s learning and development in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). It examines teaching standards, curriculum effectiveness, and the progress children make over time.

Ofsted inspectors evaluate the range of activities provided, the knowledge and skills children acquire, and their readiness for the next stage of education. High-quality settings create engaging and purposeful learning experiences that nurture curiosity and support development.

An outstanding rating is awarded when The Woodlands Preschool implements a well-structured, aspirational curriculum that supports children’s growth. Teaching should be highly effective, ensuring steady progress, while staff exhibit strong expertise in child development and maintain excellent relationships with children and parents.

The score is based on the most recent inspection date as of January 11, 2024.

🎭  Behaviour & Attitudes

The Woodlands Preschool has a score of 2 for behaviour. 29% of providers in Shefford share the same score.

In UK childcare settings, the behavior and attitudes rating reflects how well children develop self-regulation, positive behaviors, and mutual respect. It also considers their ability to focus on learning, maintain confidence, and build strong relationships with both adults and peers.

Ofsted inspectors assess how staff exemplify and reinforce positive behavior, nurture emotional well-being, and help children understand boundaries and expectations. A high rating indicates a setting where children feel secure, valued, and consistently demonstrate positive attitudes.

An outstanding rating is awarded when The Woodlands Preschool establishes a harmonious, respectful, and caring environment where children remain engaged, resilient, and demonstrate self-discipline. Staff must uphold clear expectations, provide meaningful emotional support, and cultivate an inclusive and compassionate culture.

The score is based on the most recent inspection date as of January 11, 2024.

🌱  Personal Development

The Woodlands Preschool has a score of 2 for personal development. 29% of providers in Shefford share the same score.

Ofsted’s personal development rating in the UK examines how The Woodlands Preschool nurtures children’s emotional, social, and physical development. It assesses their ability to build confidence, develop independence, and make healthy life choices while gaining a better understanding of their surroundings.

Ofsted inspectors consider how effectively childcare settings nurture positive relationships, support diversity, and cultivate respect for others. High-quality care ensures children gain strong social skills, increase self-awareness, and develop a sense of accountability.

To be rated outstanding, The Woodlands Preschool must ensure a caring and stimulating environment that supports children’s well-being and readiness for future learning. They should offer varied opportunities for exploration, encourage perseverance through challenges, and instill healthy habits in a warm and inclusive setting.

The score is based on the most recent inspection date as of January 11, 2024.

👩🏻‍💻  Leadership & Management

The Woodlands Preschool has a score of 2 for personal development. 43% of providers in Shefford share the same score.

In the UK, the leadership and management rating for childcare examines how effectively leaders oversee operations, drive improvements, and maintain high-quality care and education. It highlights their role in staff support, regulatory compliance, and overall setting excellence.

Ofsted inspectors review the clarity of leadership, the effectiveness of communication with staff and parents, and the ability to build a supportive and inclusive environment. Strong leadership results in a well-coordinated setting where children’s needs take priority, and improvements are consistently made.

Securing an outstanding rating requires leaders to demonstrate a clear and ambitious vision, offer exceptional staff training, and uphold high expectations. They must proactively address challenges, creating a safe and enriching setting that supports children’s growth and development.

The score is based on the most recent inspection date as of January 11, 2024.

💼  Ownership & Operations

The Woodlands Preschool is licensed to provide sessional day care for up to 35 children in Central Bedfordshire, Shefford.

The Woodlands Preschool is owned by The Woodlands Preschool CIO, which operates 1 facilities in the UK. The Woodlands Preschool takes contributes fully of total capacity for The Woodlands Preschool CIO.

A single-location provider can focus its resources entirely on one facility, fostering a highly personalized and community-driven approach. Larger providers, however, may offer more extensive resources, including specialized training, upgraded facilities, and well-structured curriculums. Their multi-location presence can also provide consistency for families needing flexibility or relocating.

Before enrolling your child in The Woodlands Preschool it’s essential to look beyond its history or size. Taking the time to visit the facility, ask in-depth questions, and evaluate how the program suits your child’s specific needs will help you make a well-informed decision.

📜 Registry

The Woodlands Preschool is listed in the Early Years Register and Childcare Register.

  • ✅ The Early Years Register (EYR) is a mandatory register maintained by Ofsted for childcare providers who care for children from birth to five years old. The Woodlands Preschool is listed in the Early Years Register.
  • ✅ The Compulsory Childcare Register (CCR) in the UK is for childcare providers caring for children aged 5 to 7 years. Registration is mandatory for those offering childcare services to this age group for more than two hours a day, either on or off school premises. The Woodlands Preschool is listed in the Compulsory Childcare Register.
  • ✅ The Voluntary Childcare Register (VCR) in the UK is an optional register for childcare providers who care for children over the age of 8 or those providing care for less than two hours a day for younger children. The Woodlands Preschool is listed in the Voluntary Childcare Register.

If The Woodlands Preschool is not what you are looking for, use the below search bar below to find another facility in Shefford or elsewhere.