Nursery World - Enabling Environments: Friendly Spaces, Part 1

For some children, enclosed areas are essential to support their cognitive development, says Elizabeth Jarman, in the first of a series looking at the kinds of spaces early years settings need to provide.

Recognising the sort of spaces that children are seeking out or trying to create for themselves is fascinating, and yet often overlooked. Just like adults, children have preferred kinds of learning spaces. Getting the range of available learning spaces right for children will help to set the scene for learning to take place. Noticing how the children want to use spaces in your setting will help you to plan flexible, responsive areas that are in tune with their needs.

Many children need, and seek to create enclosed spaces. There are times when children just want to be on their own, or with a few selected friends. Children don't always want to be in a big group all of the time.

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