Minds and hearts with little hands creating woodwork
A home to home setting in West Swindon where children from 3 months to 5 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, and I have over 25 years of experience working with and teaching children in the early years, from birth to five.
My journey began in Dayton, Ohio, where I spent four years working at a private day care centre called Kiddie House. It was there that I discovered my passion for working with young children. When I returned to England, I became a registered childminder and joined the West Swindon Family & Children Centre, where I spent ten years supporting young families and working within early years.
During this time, I ran programmes including PEEP (Parent Early Education Partnership), healthy eating, toilet training and general family support. I completed my NVQ Level 3 in Child Care, followed by a BA Honours degree in Early Childhood Studies.
I later joined a playgroup in Old Town, Swindon, where I continued developing my understanding of child development, including play pedagogy and Rhythmic Movement Therapy. I also became involved in Forest School and hands-on activities such as baking with the children.
It was during these years that I discovered my passion for woodwork. I spent three years practising woodwork with the children, and it quickly became much more than another creative activity. I began exploring the work of Pete Moorhouse and learning about the educational philosophy of Friedrich Froebel, who recognised the importance of wood and natural materials in children's learning.
Inspired by this, I travelled to Blankenburg, Germany, to visit the site of Froebel's first kindergarten, where I saw how furniture, toys and learning materials could all be created from wood. The experience strengthened my belief in the value of natural materials and hands-on learning.
Reflecting on my own family history, I realised that my connection with wood was not simply something I had discovered — it was already part of me. Both my paternal and maternal grandparents were involved in woodworking on a large scale.
Today, I feel incredibly proud to be the third generation exploring woodwork, bringing together my experience in early childhood education with a genuine, inherited passion for working with wood.
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
Our story stretches from Lahore to Kenya, Pakistan and Britain. In Kenya, Fazal Din became a respected master joiner and cabinet maker, creating bespoke furniture and specialist joinery. His woodworking career continued from Mombasa and Nairobi to Britain, where he produced large timber doors and specialist work for churches and other prominent buildings.
Family history also connects Fazal Din to the original timber construction of the Mombasa Elephant Tusks in 1952 — a story that remains a proud part of our family's woodworking heritage.
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.
