If you have recently received the fantastic news that you’ve been awarded funding to open a brand-new school-based nursery, you're probably buzzing with ideas and possibilities. The Department for Education (DfE) School-Based Nursery grant offers a wonderful opportunity to bring to life a nurturing, vibrant, and educational environment right within your school grounds.
Now that you have the green light, it is time to turn your vision and plans into reality. But where do you start? Here are 7 ideas to help you get going.
1. Envision the space: make the most of what you have
One of the first tasks when transforming unused school spaces or buildings into a nursery is to consider the space you already have. Start by thinking about how to make the most of your existing facilities. You will have already done a lot of this thinking as part of your application, so now it is time to review those ideas. Could that old classroom or quiet corner be reimagined into a cozy reading nook? How about turning the underutilised hall into a playful sensory zone?
Keep in mind that flexibility is key in a nursery setting. Open spaces, with adaptable furniture and designated areas for different activities, are essential. Children thrive in environments that allow them to move, explore, and play freely, so think about how you can create a layout that encourages creativity and learning through exploration.
2. Create engaging, stimulating environments
Children are naturally curious, and your nursery should encourage that curiosity by providing a variety of activities and materials that stimulate learning. Imagine a space where colour, natural light, and interactive play areas bring the world to life. Consider creating themed areas that cater to different aspects of development:
- Imaginative play: A dramatic themed area with costumes, props, and role-playing resources is ideal for encouraging creativity and developing language skills.
- Art and craft zone: Set up a space where children can experiment with different art materials, mark-making, and self-expression.
- Quiet area: Sometimes children just need a quiet space to relax. A cosy corner with soft cushions, calming visuals, and books will help them unwind.
Remember to incorporate elements that reflect the ethos of your school. Does your school embrace sustainability? If so, you could use recycled materials or introduce eco-friendly resources that promote environmental awareness.
3. Build strong partnerships with parents
Opening a new nursery is as much about building relationships with the community as it is about creating a physical space. Involve parents from the start by sharing your plans and ideas. Encourage feedback on what they would like to see in the nursery and consider how they can contribute to its development.
A welcoming and collaborative environment between parents and staff builds trust and helps children feel more comfortable. Hosting regular events or workshops can be a wonderful way to engage parents, create a sense of community, and ensure your nursery meets the needs of the children and families it serves.
4. Focus on the staff: the heart of your nursery
No nursery can thrive without passionate, caring staff. As you embark on this exciting journey, make sure you hire individuals who are not only qualified but also enthusiastic about working in early years education. Strong, supportive staff will create an environment of trust and security for the children, which is absolutely vital in the formative early years.
Training and professional development for your team will be crucial as well. Keeping staff up to date on the latest early years practices and ensuring they have the tools they need to nurture and support the children will make an enormous difference in the success of your nursery.
5. Design for safety and accessibility
While the fun, playful aspect of a nursery is exciting, safety and accessibility should always be top priorities. This means ensuring that all spaces are childproofed and designed with accessibility in mind. From low-level shelves to soft flooring and child-sized furniture, every detail should be tailored to the needs of young children.
Additionally, consider how you can make the nursery accessible to all children, regardless of background or ability. Implementing inclusive practices and ensuring your spaces can accommodate children with additional needs will ensure every child feels welcome and valued.
6. Use your outdoor space to its full potential
If your school has an outdoor space, this is an incredible opportunity to extend the learning environment beyond four walls. Outdoor play is vital to children’s development, supporting physical, social, and cognitive growth.
Create an outdoor learning area with plenty of natural elements—trees, plants, and sensory materials like sand and water—so children can experience the changing seasons and enjoy fresh air while developing their skills. From garden activities to outdoor role play, there are endless opportunities to create a dynamic and engaging space right on your doorstep.
7. Evaluate and adapt
As your school-based nursery begins to take shape, make sure you are continually evaluating its effectiveness. Take feedback from both staff and parents, and do not be afraid to adapt and adjust. Being flexible and open to change will help you create an environment that is constantly evolving to meet the needs of the children and the wider school community.
Opening a school-based nursery is a huge but incredibly rewarding project. You are not just creating a space for children to learn and play; you are laying the foundation for their future success. With careful planning, a passion for early years education, and the right team by your side, your nursery will flourish.
As you begin this exciting journey, remember that we are here to support you. Whether you need advice on transforming your space, resourcing your curriculum, or anything in between, we want to be the trusted partner to guide you every step of the way. Let us work together to create an inspiring, joyful space where young minds can thrive.
