Internal Storage for Toys, Materials and Equipment

Design considerations and awareness

In addition to storage located directly within children’s rooms, a general storage area accessed by a corridor or common space such as the entrance or reception area should be considered. Buggy/ car seat storage is critical, although as discussed in Section 2.1, this can be provided externally. Storage of bulky items such as children’s mobility aids or hoists will also need to be considered. This may arise if, for example, a child using a mobility aid or hoist is not in the setting every day.

A well organised storage area (either internally or externally) will also allow the rotation of toys and play equipment as required. Toys and materials need to be rotated from time to time as children interests and needs change and progress. Storage must also be provided for natural materials and ‘loose parts’.

Carraig Briste, Enniscorthy, County Wexford.

Design features

• Well organised storage area with dedicated shelves for toys and materials.
• This allows well planned rotation of toys within the setting when appropriate.

Design tip

• Care must be taken when storing items on high shelving to ensure they cannot fall off.

Aghada Community Preschool, Aghada, County Cork.

Design features

• Good ventilation to the storage area ensures that any damp material such as
  the canopy does not get musty.