Minds and hearts with little hands creating woodwork
A home to home setting in West Swindon where children from 3 months to 8 years old spend their day learning through play. Children aged 3 years onwards can explore wood work, building real things out of Balsa wood.
Here, woodwork is at the centre of the EYFS curriculum. Incorporating the EYFS and STEM, children learn safely, skillfully, creatively and with plenty of sawdust.
We believe children are capable, curious and creative
At Timber Tigers, children aren't simply given activities to complete. They are given time, space and real experiences to investigate, make, create and solve problems.
Inspired by the Froebelian approach, we value play, creativity, relationships and learning through first-hand experiences.
From child-led play to real woodwork and adventures beyond the setting, Timber Tigers gives children opportunities to learn by doing.
Froebelian learning & wooden toys
Our setting is inspired by the Froebelian approach to learning, where children are encouraged to explore, create and follow their own interests.
They can choose from a range of occupations, including painting, art, clay, cooking, stitching and woodwork.
The focus is on giving children the freedom to discover how they want to be creative, rather than deciding for them what they should make.
Real tools, small hands
From around age three, children choose what they want to make from balsa wood — a giraffe, a car, a merry-go-round.
Working in small groups of three, they learn to use real tools such as hammers, nails, hand drills and saws, with a knowledgeable adult beside them to support and guide them.
The emphasis is on doing, exploring and making for themselves — building confidence, coordination and a genuine relationship with wood.
Woodwork covers every area of learning in the EYFS — and involves STEM.
25 years with little ones
My name is Ghossiya Shahzad. I have over twenty five years experience playing and teaching children in the early years 0 to 5 years.
My journey with children started when I lived in the United States for four years in Dayton Ohio. I worked at a private Day Care centre 'Kiddie House' and discovered a passion for childcare. On my return to England I registered as a childminder, but I also worked at The West Swindon Family & Children centre, supporting young mums and again working in Early years. I was at the Family centre for 10 years and supported mums with programmes such as PEEP (Parent Early Education Partnership), Healthy eating, toilet training for children and general support. It was during this time I completed a NVQ level 3 in Child care and later on I pursued a B.A. Honours Degree in Early Childhood studies, I further moved on to working at a playgroup in Old town Swindon where I got to enhance my skills and knowledge. I learnt about Childhood Play pedagogy and RMT (Rhythmic movement Therapy) and I understand child development in depth.
I also participated in Forest- School and baking with the children regularly. The most amazing part of being at this playgroup was that I got to practice woodwork with the children and realised my innate love for woodwork. I continued practicing woodwork for three years at this playgroup. During this time I wanted to enhance my knowledge of woodwork in the Early years, therefore I personally visited Pete Moorhouse in Tutbury, Burton-on-trent and here I trained with Pete. I learnt about Fredrick Froebel being the very first pioneer of the importance of woodwork for children. Pet's training was amazing and encouraged me to take a trip to Germany, Blankenburg where I was able to see Froebel first kindergarten where every thing from furniture to toys were made out of wood. This further encouraged me to carry on with woodwork.
reflecting on family history I realised that this wasn't just a creative activity I enjoyed but rather this was in my DNA.
I come from a background of Paternal and Maternal grandparents who were involved in woodwork on a very large scale. I feel proud to be the third generation to be exploring woodwork with a genuine inherited passion.
Three generations of wood work
At Timber Tigers, our connection with wood goes back generations. Our family heritage is built on craftsmanship, joinery, construction and a deep understanding of quality timber.
MY PATERNAL GRANDFATHER
Following in his father’s footsteps, Fazal Din became one of Mombasa’s respected cabinet makers and master joiners.
His workshop was located beside the Coca-Cola factory in Mombasa, where he gained a reputation for producing high-quality bespoke furniture, cabinetry and architectural joinery. This information is drawn from family records and oral history.
The Original Mombasa Elephant Tusks
One of our family’s proudest stories concerns the original Mombasa Elephant Tusks, today one of Kenya’s most recognizable landmarks.
Historical records confirm that the first tusks were erected in 1952 to commemorate the visit of Princess Elizabeth, later Queen Elizabeth II. They were originally constructed from timber and canvas before being replaced with permanent aluminium structures in 1956.
MY MATERNAL GRANDAD
Alongside this craftsmanship, Haji Taj Din built a reputation in Karachi's timber trade through Haji Taj Din Bombay Wala & Sons, becoming particularly renowned for sourcing exceptional Deodar. His commitment to quality earned him the name "The King of Deodar."
These two traditions — knowing the timber and knowing how to work it — are at the heart of Timber Tigers today.
A legacy built through generations.
A passion for timber that continues today.
Learning beyond the front door
Our Enhanced Curriculum takes learning into the real world. We visit libraries, parks, farms, zoos, museums and places of worship, while travelling by train and bus. These experiences help children explore, discover and build a deeper understanding of the world around them.
What families say
Notes from the parents who trust us with their mornings.
A wall of wood, three generations deep
From the children's creations at the bench to pieces from my grandfather's timber factory, each piece carries a story of creativity, craftsmanship and our family's connection with wood.
The Timber Tigers Journal
Stories and discoveries from our days of making, playing and exploring.
Come see what we are making
Visit us and discover a place where children are trusted to explore, create and make things for themselves.
Home childminding and real woodwork in West Swindon, for children from three months to eight years. Small groups, sharp pencils, plenty of sawdust.
Thanks to :
My husband, Jazz Shahzad, for his continues help and support throughout the making of the Timber Tigers website.
My brother, Qasim Bhatti, for his support and for helping bring our family history, background and heritage to life.
Sadik Mohsin for his support and help in creating the Timber Tigers website.
