Nursery World - Case study: Home from home

The Saplings chain is giving its settings a makeover to make them more homely and has just completed work on its nursery in Bromley, south London. The theory is that babies need to be in a homely environment, says childcare director Tracey Seed.

The theory is that babies need to be in a homely environment, says childcare director Tracey Seed.

'Very young children need to be in small homely groups. You have to be aware of the atmosphere you are creating. As Birth to Three Matters makes clear, children at this age are absorbing everything. So, anything that impacts on their senses is important: the aesthetics, the sounds, the smells, colours, textures, lighting, your tone of voice, the rhythm of language, the music.

'What is most important is the intimate relationship with the child and creating a relaxed and calm environment. I have been in baby rooms where people have the radio playing and they are rushing around doing this activity and that activity and it is exhausting.

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