There is an old adage that refers to the necessity of cracking eggs in order to make an omelette. Sometimes, to get to an end result we know is right for the benefit of the children, parents and staff, we have to do just that.
I have this week unveiled a new layout to the nursery which has seen age groups move, merge and re-organise. Designed with four interlinked playrooms on the first floor, the nursery had age groups divided, with pre-school children sited at either end of the building and the individual playrooms seen as very separate entities.
After many hours observing the way the space was being utilised, I strongly believed there was a better way. I had many telling me that this is how it has always been, that other nurseries cope with worse and many other obstacles and issues, so leave well alone.
But by moving ages into adjacent rooms and throwing open the interlocking doors, I have created spaces the children can truly grow into. The combined layout has allowed for a complete re-think (and clean-out) of the space which now permits exploration on a scale previously unimagined.
The home corner consists of sitting rooms as well as a kitchen diner. The growing science corners and nature areas are carpeted with artificial grass and bordered by raised planters, providing homes for African snails, stick insects and fish. Art areas are big enough for wallpaper rolls to be unrolled across the floor.
Not all nurseries have the opportunity for these kinds of developments, but what's important is seeing an idea you know to have merit, be it big or small, through to the end.
Do your research; bring in the fire safety inspector if need be, consult with Ofsted and other professionals. Encourage your staff's participation, invite their ideas and feedback.
You cannot do it alone and neither would you want to, when the combined efforts of those around you can be so staggering.
