Ensure that pathways between play areas are clear. Avoid large furniture obstructing free movement. Instead, create open areas where children can engage in physical activities such as dancing or role play, either alone or with others, without touching unless they choose to.


4 Don’t forget cosy corners


Children need spaces where they can retire from busy environments, and they like it when they have somewhere special to be alone. Small, enclosed areas, such as reading nooks, cosy dens, or hideaways under tables, offer a sense of security and encourage independent, solitary play. The typical 2-year-old is not yet ready to engage in parallel or even co-operative play (Parten 1929), with others. So places to play alone are very important.


Use soft furnishings, pillows, or play tents to create small, inviting spaces for when they need a quieter moment. These areas help children feel more comfortable in their environment and can contribute to the development of self-regulation skills later.


5 Less is more to maintain engagement


Children thrive on novelty and challenge. Avoid overwhelming them with too many resources at once. Rotating materials can reignite curiosity and encourage interest. Duncan (2029) advocates that curated shelves, where intentional resources are beautifully displayed and regularly changed, keep children engaged without over stimulation.


Instead of displaying everything at once, offer a reduced selection and rotate them regularly. For example, one week provide farm animals; the next, wooden blocks, and then nature-themed objects. Enhancing these collections, with small additions each day, helps to maintain children’s interest and extend the experiences, providing a dynamic and engaging environment.


6 Bring the outdoors inside


Studies (Leicester & Maudsley 2007) show that incorporating natural elements into play environments makes children feel relaxed and more focused. Plants, wooden toys, and natural textures provide sensory stimulation and support emotional well-being as feel-good hormones are released into the brain through interaction with nature.


Introduce potted plants, use wooden furniture and toys, and include natural materials such as wicker baskets or wool rugs. Displaying photographic images of nature creates soothing and engaging spaces for children and adults.


Final thoughts The design of early years environments has a


profound impact on children’s learning and well- being. By considering the child’s perspective and making thoughtful adjustments, practitioners can create enriching spaces that foster curiosity, independence, and a love for learning. Whether in a nursery or childcare setting, intentional design choices lay the foundation for children’s lifelong love of learning.


About the Author Heidi Hill is the Head of Quality and Regulatory Standards at Bright Horizons, a leading provider of early childhood education and care. With over 30 years of experience in the Early Childhood sector, Heidi has worked in various capacities, including roles in both the private and local authority sectors, as well as Ofsted. In her current role, she focuses on research-driven quality improvement and ensuring that environments support children’s learning and well-being across Bright Horizons settings in the UK.


Shop Little Learners products and more at ypo.co.uk/earlyyears


19


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32