Furniture, equipment and toys' is one of the three overarching legal requirements grouped under 'Suitable premises, environment and equipment' in the Statutory Framework for the EYFS (see box).
Links to:
- Every Child Matters Outcome: Helping to keep children healthy, Helping to keep children safe, Making a positive contribution
- Former National Standards: 4 - Physical environment, 5 - Equipment, 6 - Safety
Overarching general requirement
Outdoor and indoor spaces, furniture, equipment and toys must be safe and suitable for their purpose
Specific legal requirements
Operational issues
- Providers must be aware of the following space requirements, which are the minimum requirements. Children under two years: 3.5m per child; two year-olds: 2.5m per child; children aged three to five years: 2.3m per child.
- Providers must, where possible, consider the individual needs of children with disabilities, to make sure that they have full access to the facilities and equipment.
- Providers need to make sure that they have sole use of the setting (areas that the children have full access to) during operational hours.
- Providers must have public liability insurance for the provision and make sure that this is displayed.
Statutory guidance
Policies and procedures that need to be in place:
- Equipment and physical environment policy
- Sleeping child policy
Operational issues
- Providers ensure that the premises are clean, adequately ventilated and well-lit. Daylight should be the main source but, if not possible, the light should be of good quality.
- Providers need to be aware that calculations for available indoor space do not include storage areas, thoroughfares, staff areas, cloakrooms, utility rooms, kitchens and toilets.
- Providers need to ensure that, where possible, children have access to an outdoor play area. If there is no access to a suitable outdoor area, providers must make sure that daily outings are planned.
- Providers need to consider how children have enough space to move around the indoor and outdoor environment, and activities should be plentiful.
- Providers need to provide suitable storage space, which is sufficient to store children's records, personal belongings, equipment and resources.
- Providers need to especially recognise how to appropriately store equipment for the needs of children with disabilities, as this must be stored safely and be accessible easily and quickly. There should also be suitable security measures in place.
- Room temperatures should be maintained at all times - the comfort of all children and staff (including non-mobile children) needs to be addressed.
- Group provision only: separate baby room for children under two. Note that there should be times when the babies interact with older children. From 18 months they should be transferred to a suitable older-age group: the child's age, stage and ability should be considered.
- The environment should ensure that children are able to relax or play quietly.
- Appropriate furniture needs to be in place which considers the age, stage and ability of every child.
- Children should be able to sleep and/or rest. Each child should have their own bed linen, flannel and hairbrush (parents or provider may supply this). Sleeping children should be checked on a regular basis.
- Overnight children should have their own suitable bed or cot and clean bedding.
- The provision should have a full operational kitchen, which supplies healthy food and snacks. If not possible, appropriate arrangements must be in place. When storing food and drinks, high standards of hygiene must be in place.
- Providers must provide sterilisation of equipment to be used for feeding equipment and dummies.
- Group provision: for every ten children there should be one toilet and one hand basin, and separate toilet facilities for adults.
- Children who stay overnight should have adequate washing and toileting facilities.
- Hygienic changing facilities for children using nappies must be in place. An adequate supply of clean towels, bedding and spare clothes must be available. Children must not have access to laundry facilities.
- If providers share part of a communal building, they should have sole use of the facilities, kitchen and toilet. If not possible, providers should ensure this does not impact on children's safety.
- Confidential information should be stored in a safe location. Parents should also have an area to discuss confidential issues with staff. There should be a separate room available for staff for breaks, away from children.
Next article: Organisation and documentation
WELFARE REQUIREMENTS
Suitable premises, environment and equipment
This is the third group of welfare requirements contained in the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (pages 33-36).
Each requirement is split into three sections:
1. The overarching general legal requirements - a general statement of requirements.
2. Specific legal requirements - which providers must comply with.
3. Statutory guidance - which providers should have regard to.
Parts of the requirements apply only to group provision, but these are clearly indicated.
CASE STUDY
At Charlie Caterpillars Day Nursery, in Bloxwich, Walsall, a lot of emphasis is placed on choosing the right furniture. Nursery director Joanne Morgan says, 'Choosing the right furniture for your nursery is really important, as it makes a statement about who you are and what you provide. Nursery furniture is very expensive, but if it is looked after and treated well it is a worthwhile investment.
'When choosing furniture, there are lots of questions you should ask yourself. For example, what type of furniture do I want? Is it traditional or modern? Simple or colourful? Does it serve its purpose? Is it child/staff friendly? Will it grow with my company? And do I really need it?
'Initially it can be very easy to overspend by buying lots of equipment that you feel is essential, but sometimes less is more. If you overcrowd a room, where will the children play? How will people with disabilities access the provision you provide?
'The same is true regarding toys. Start by buying basic equipment such as Sticklebricks, cars and garage, a farm and art equipment. Then accessorise using natural materials for treasure baskets and things like pots and pans, wooden spoons and cardboard boxes. Always make sure that the equipment you provide meets the safety guidelines.
'Toys and equipment that promote equal opportunities are essential to any setting. It is important to consider this with each and every purchase.'
FURTHER INFORMATION
- www.cwdcouncil.org.uk
- www.hse.gov.uk
- www.opsi.gov.uk
- www.teachernet.gov.uk/publications (download EYFS)
- www.everychildmatters.gov.uk
- www.ofsted.gov.uk
- www.dcsf.gov.uk
- www.dh.gov.uk