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Q.'Can anyone recommend a floor covering that really works in a nursery setting? I have tried several kinds, but none has worn well, especially in the messy play areas.'

A.

The general consensus seems to be that one cannot economise on nursery flooring. Although it is more expensive initially, contract carpeting is recommended in all but the very smallest nurseries. Brandywell Day Nursery in East Sussex has installed a floor from the Marley Contract Collection in areas where the children eat and undertake messy play, and is delighted with the results. They chose a shade of purple called Luscious Lilac from the Matrix range, but there are 24 colours in all to choose from, so there is a wide range of design possibilities. Manager Allison Groombridge is very enthusiastic. 'It's so easy to clean - even the stains from tinned spaghetti are easily wiped away, and it copes well with all the other inevitable accidents,' she says. 'It hasn't got scratched either. The children love the colour, and find it comfortable and warm when they are sitting on the floor.' This particular covering costs 11.95 per sq m. For more information call Marley Contract Collection.