Spaces for Young Children, Second Edition

With local authorities needing to find more early years places by 2014, this book looks at how to build cost-effectively without compromising quality

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Many childcare practitioners understand the importance of architecture in ensuring good provision for young children and their families. Whether making minor modifications to an existing facility, embarking on major improvements, or a new construction, this book will empower early years professionals to work with building professionals to create the best space for young children. It addresses the big things, such as efficient heating and ventilation, but more importantly suggests the smaller features that can provide an educationally stimulating environment.

Spaces for Young Children looks at:

· why architecture is important
· a history of childcare environments
· designing space for young children
· details that enhance play
· risk and challenge within a safe environment
· the importance of outdoor play
· the process of design, procurement and construction.

Good architecture combines the practical with a sense of delight. A building can help to make children's experience of their early years care secure and inspiring. Drawing on experience from the UK and Europe, this second edition aims to ensure that advances in children's architecture will be well informed. It has been revised throughout and includes an overview of legal compliance, consulting with children, building for communities, local involvement and achieving high quality builds with small budgets.