Indoor Play Spaces in Childcare Centres
Indoor play spaces provide their own challenges for educators who have little time to reorganise rooms and furniture during a busy childcare day. Some basic notions apply to assist in setting up appropriate play spaces.
Naturally, a range of safety rules and expectations apply to indoor play, just as they do for outdoor areas. Educators must adhere to the rules and be compliant in their daily work with young children wherever they are located.
What do indoor play spaces need to do?
Some elements are common to both indoor and outdoor spaces, however, there are some differences. Like outdoor spaces, indoor play areas should:
Allow for safe age-appropriate play and visual supervision
Include natural light as much as possible for young brain development
Enable fresh airflow and cross ventilation
Have connected indoor and outdoor spaces with ready access between them
Have a variety of built and natural features in the space
Meet the needs of everyone who uses it regardless of age or capability
Embrace sustainability in choices of materials and promote eco-awareness
Have spaces to accommodate
Individuals/small groups working/interacting undisrupted
Children functioning autonomously
Messy and loud play
Quiet or relaxation areas
Verandah areas for inclement weather play or other covered areas for sun-safe experiences
More complex thinking and physical activities (in inclement weather)
Children connecting with each other and the adults working with them
Provide challenge and stimulation, and have the right number and variety of age-appropriate resources available for self-selection – often multiples of each item
Be able to be arranged by children so they can explore, risk-taking, solve problems, create and construct using their own ideas and practice decision-making processes – all necessary life skills to practice
Other elements to consider include indoor play spaces that:
Are welcoming for all who visit
Provide a sense of belonging
Reflect the diversity and interests of those who use it
Support educators in their roles
Facilitate relationships
Are hygienic, fresh and well maintained
Support children achieving the 5 Learning Outcomes
Have features and resources to provoke interest and more complex thinking
This list is not exhaustive as there are too many elements to include in this short article. The spaces you create in your centre send clear messages to prospective parents and children about how you approach education and care, so your centre needs to present well, and provide a welcoming feel right from the car park and front door.
It is very difficult to make a positive impression after a poor one has been experienced, so getting this right is vital. A good childcare specialist can help you design the right flow for your centre, making all who visit the space wish to enrol right on the spot.
