Key internal and external spaces

Consider and consult all users. Criteria in red (E) are classed as Essential. Criteria in blue (R) are classed as Recommended.

  Shared Central Areas: Lobby, family rooms, eating and dining
    0 criteria not met 1 criteria partially met 2 criteria fully met NA
1 There is space where parents can wait (for example, when a child is settling in). (R) There is provision for refreshments in this area. (E)        
2 There is space where parents and staff can meet comfortably and in private. (R)        
3 There are spaces and features to support children of mixed ages to interact. For example, shared communal spaces, clear panels between rooms.(R)        
4 There is a dining room. If yes, it is large enough to accommodate all children at the same time so meal times can be relaxed social occasions.        

Reflections

Have you observed all users (especially the children) in the environment?

 

Have you spoken to all users (especially the children) of the environment?

 

Record your ideas and plans:

Short term:

 

Longer term:

 

  Shared Central Areas: Lobby, family rooms, eating and dining
    0 criteria not met 1 criteria partially met 2 criteria fully met NA
5 There is a variety of furniture to support the development of self-help skills. For example, trollies/counters at suitable heights. (E)        
6 There is a variety of furniture so all ages, including staff, can sit comfortably. (E)        
7 There are suitable, safe facilities for children to be involved in cooking as an activity. (R)        

Reflections

Have you observed all users (especially the children) in the environment?

 

Have you spoken to all users (especially the children) of the environment?

 

Record your ideas and plans:

Short term:

 

Longer term:

 

  Internal spaces for children: Children’s rooms
    0 criteria not met 1 criteria partially met 2 criteria fully met NA
1 There is sufficient floor space in all rooms for play and activity. (E)        
2 There is sufficient space in all rooms for children to play alone or in small groups. (E)        
3 There are quiet, comfortable spaces in all rooms for children to relax. (E)        
4 There is comfortable seating in all rooms (for example sofas) where children and staff can sit and chat or have story time.(E)        
5 The materials in all rooms are accessible for all children enabling them to choose what they want to play with. If a child is using a wheelchair this needs to be at their eye level. (E)        

Reflections

Have you observed all users (especially the children) in the environment?

 

Have you spoken to all users (especially the children) of the environment?

 

Record your ideas and plans:

Short term:

 

Longer term:

 

  Internal spaces for children: Sleeping
    0 criteria not met 1 criteria partially met 2 criteria fully met NA
1 Sleeping facilities are located in a quiet area, close to playrooms. (E)        
2 The sleeping areas can be darkened with blackout blinds. (E)        
3 There is sufficient space around cots. (E)        
4 There is adequate storage for bedding/ sleep mats/stacking beds without impinging on cot space. (E)        

Reflections

Have you observed all users (especially the children) in the environment?

 

Have you spoken to all users (especially the children) of the environment?

 

Record your ideas and plans:

Short term:

 

Longer term:

 

  Internal spaces for children: Toilets
    0 criteria not met 1 criteria partially met 2 criteria fully met NA
1 Toileting areas are easy to access for children, staff and parents. (E)        
2 Children’s toilets are adjacent to the playrooms. (R)        
3 Toilets are in a range of age appropriate sizes. (E)        
4 There is a toilet easily accessed in or near the outdoor area. (R)        
5 The layout of the toilet area respects children’s right to privacy. (E)        
6 There are separate toilets for staff. (E)        
7 There is an accessible toilet for visitors. (E)        

Reflections

Have you observed all users (especially the children) in the environment?

 

Have you spoken to all users (especially the children) of the environment?

 

Record your ideas and plans:

Short term:

 

Longer term:

 

  Internal spaces for children: Nappy changing facilities
    0 criteria not met 1 criteria partially met 2 criteria fully met NA
1 Nappy changing facilities are adjacent to baby and toddler spaces. (R)        
2 The nappy changing area is accessible to parents (for example to change a child who is not attending the setting). (E)        
3 There is a viewing panel between the nappy changing area and play rooms. (R)        
4 The nappy changing table is height adjustable. (R)        
5 The nappy changing table is wide enough to accommodate older children. (E)        
6 There are handwashing facilities near the nappy changing table. (E)        
7 There are steps to the nappy changing table for children to use. (R)
If yes, are these steps firm?
If yes, is there a handrail?		        

Reflections

Have you observed all users (especially the children) in the environment?

 

Have you spoken to all users (especially the children) of the environment?

 

Record your ideas and plans:

Short term:

 

Longer term:

 

  Internal spaces for children: Outdoor clothing and changing
    0 criteria not met 1 criteria partially met 2 criteria fully met NA
1 There is space where children can change into outdoor clothing to go outside.(E)        
2 There is space where children’s outdoor wear (coats/ wetsuits/wellies) can be stored and aired. (E)        

Reflections

Have you observed all users (especially the children) in the environment?

 

Have you spoken to all users (especially the children) of the environment?

 

Record your ideas and plans:

Short term:

 

Longer term:

 

  Ancillary spaces: Staff spaces
    0 criteria not met 1 criteria partially met 2 criteria fully met NA
1 There is a Manager’s office. (R)        
2 There is a staff room. (R)        
3 There is provision for refreshments in this area. (R)        
4 This space is located away from children’s areas. (R)        
5 There is space for staff non-contact time. (R)        

Reflections

Have you observed all users (especially the children) in the environment?

 

Have you spoken to all users (especially the children) of the environment?

 

Record your ideas and plans:

Short term:

 

Longer term:

 

  Ancillary spaces: Food and kitchens
    0 criteria not met 1 criteria partially met 2 criteria fully met NA
1 The kitchen area is easy to access for the person delivering food supplies. (E)        
2 There is adequate food storage for the size of the setting. (E)        
3 This storage is easy to access. (E)        
4 Cooking facilities are easy to use. (E)        
5 There is a separate toilet for staff who are food handlers. (E)        
6 The kitchen counter is height adjustable. (R)        
7 There is a separate laundry room, away from food preparation areas, where bedding, bibs, soft furnishings can be washed and dried on site. (R)        

Reflections

Have you observed all users (especially the children) in the environment?

 

Have you spoken to all users (especially the children) of the environment?

 

Record your ideas and plans:

Short term:

 

Longer term:

 

  Ancillary spaces: Internal storage
    0 criteria not met 1 criteria partially met 2 criteria fully met NA
1 There is adequate space to store buggies and car seats.(E)        
2 This space is at or near the entrance (important for buggies so floors in children areas are kept clean). (R)        
3 There is space to store children’s bike and scooters they may use to arrive at the setting. (R)        
4 These storage spaces are easy to find and access. (E)        
5 There is adequate, secure storage space for staff personal items. (E)        
6 There is storage for materials within or near each playroom. (E)        

Reflections

Have you observed all users (especially the children) in the environment?

 

Have you spoken to all users (especially the children) of the environment?

 

Record your ideas and plans:

Short term:

 

Longer term:

 

  Outdoor spaces
    0 criteria not met 1 criteria partially met 2 criteria fully met NA
1 The outdoor play space is easy for children to access, for example, opening directly off play rooms. (E)        
2 There is sufficient space in the outdoor for children to play alone or in small groups. (E)        
3 The outdoor space can be used by more than one group at a time, supporting mixed age interactions. (R)        
4 There is some quiet comfortable space outdoors so children can relax. (E)        
5 There is comfortable seating outside so children and staff can sit and chat or share stories together. (E)        

Reflections

Have you observed all users (especially the children) in the environment?

 

Have you spoken to all users (especially the children) of the environment?

 

Record your ideas and plans:

Short term:

 

Longer term:

 

  Outdoor spaces
    0 criteria not met 1 criteria partially met 2 criteria fully met NA
6 There is a covered outdoor space that provides shelter and shade, as well as a transition space where wet wellies and clothes can be changed.(R)        
7 There is storage for materials within or near the outdoor area. (E)        
8 Children have opportunities to experience challenge appropriate to their age and stage of development. (E)        
9 There are accessible digging and planting areas, for example, raised beds. (E)        
10 There is a variety of surfaces so all children can walk, run, pedal and play (for example grass/hard surfaces/bark/rubber matting. (E)        

Reflections

Have you observed all users (especially the children) in the environment?

 

Have you spoken to all users (especially the children) of the environment?

 

Record your ideas and plans:

Short term:

 

Longer term: