Modular buildings are no longer the rather grim, sterile structures they used to be. Many nursery managers and proprietors now find they are the perfect solution to their accommodation problems. The beauty of opting for this type of building is that it's so quick to erect once planning permission has been granted and the groundwork done.
The following companies are all experienced in providing buildings for foundation age children.
GLOBALMOBILE
Over the last three years Globalmobile has built more than 20 day nurseries for clients all over the UK and in a variety of sizes - one with 30 places, all the way up to one with 90 places. A typical Globalmobile nursery will include the following features: plenty of windows, preferably with low sills to let in as much light as possible and allow the children to see out; vision panels between playrooms and extra- wide corridors to make the building feel open; plenty of storage space for toys, art equipment, buggies etc; well- lit, solidly-constructed toilets with baby-changing facilities and plenty of ventilation; power points and door handles high enough to be safe from the children. It's estimated that a 50-place nursery would cost as little as Pounds 75,000 compared with 200,000 for a traditionally-constructed building.
* Telephone 01892 722733
LILLIPUT
Lilliput was launched in 1997 and now has more than 40 nurseries across the UK. Part of the larger company Portakabin, Lilliput has years of experience in using individual steel modules to provide low-maintenance, energy-efficient accommodation. Each nursery is built to meet current DfES guidelines and a typical 50-place nursery takes on average just 18 weeks to design and commission. The construction period can then be as little as four weeks. Each nursery is designed by an architectural design team to meet individual requirements and can cater for as many children as you want. Lilliput offers a comprehensive range of options, whether it's different architectural features, enhanced security measures or extra storage space. It can also help with your outside area, landscaping gardens or playgrounds and installing a perimeter fence. Lilliput also offers advice on funding for your nursery and assistance with building applications.
* Telephone 0845 200 1111
SECURACCOM
Securaccom promises 'no fuss' installation. It constructs a nursery or extension off-site with all internal walls, doors, windows and wiring pre-installed so that your nursery arrives complete and ready to go. This should mean very little disruption, an extension can be put into place while the nursery day goes ahead as usual. The company promises to 'take the broadest outline and hone it perfectly to specifications'. It offers a full design service and can also take care of all planning and paperwork issues. It can also landscape your outdoor area.
The company has now formed a partnership with educational supplier Asco, so that furniture and other educational equipment is also part of the package.
* Telephone 0845 230 3200.
TERRAPIN
A typical Terrapin nursery building will encompass the following: a large reception area, activity areas sub- divided according to the age of the children, a baby room, separate quiet rooms, a staffroom and, of course, a kitchen and toilets. Safety features include electric sockets at high level, low temperature radiators and safety glass as standard. Doors have high-level override handles to control access and full-height vision panels so that carers can see children playing on the other side. Other options include nursery furniture, large storage cupboards, fitted curtains or blinds, a choice of light fittings and carpeting with a special soft finish which is kind to the knees. Terrapin nursery buildings are available with a number of external cladding options, including traditional brick, and roofs can be pitched if wished. The company provides a complete service from concept through to the completion of the building. This includes the foundations, drainage and service connections if necessary. It will also erect fences, create an outdoor play area and build a car park, according to your requirements.
* Telephone 01908 270900
WRAITH
Wraith Accommodation specialises in fully fitted nursery classrooms and its Series 2000 Modular System can provide any size building to suit all age groups. The nursery options include safety glazing; low level windows; child-size and adult furniture; specialised fittings for small children; air conditioning; and a choice of carpet or other flooring. It offers a free design service from in-house experts. Buildings are for long-term hire, sale or lease.
* Telephone 01427 711238
CASE STUDIES
TERRAPIN
Willow Park Montessori 35-place day nursery in Ipswich is housed in a building from Terrapin. It comprises three classrooms, a staffroom, office, kitchen, and adult and children's toilets. 'It took three weeks from the time the building arrived to our being able to move in,' says manager Sam Sims, who is delighted with the service she received. 'They really pulled out all the stops to finish before the Christmas break so that I had time to get everything organised before the children came back. My concern that the classrooms might look a bit cold was solved with the use of colour - Terrapin offers a very good choice of colours for the internal decor.' The approximate cost of this particular building was 100,000. 'I would definitely be happy to use this company again,' says Ms Sims.
SECURACCOM
Two years ago Pool Farm and Primrose Hill Community Nursery in Birmingham asked Securaccom to build their extension. Costing 104,000, it was to house three-year-olds and included two rooms, one of which was a computer room, as well as the usual utilities. Because the work had to be done while the nursery was in use, manager Sue Wiseman had anticipated that some mess would be inevitable, so she was very impressed when the workmen took care not to trample mud inside. 'They even took their boots off and worked in their socks,' she says. 'They really made an effort to fit around us and get on with the staff. In fact I found everyone from Securaccom very helpful. We had a few problems with the heating system which proved insufficient, but that was quickly rectified. Everything worked very well.'
WRAITH
Nursery director/manager Carol Dowson chose Wraith to provide the accommodation for Little Acorns, a new 62-place nursery in West Yorkshire which opened in January, at a cost of 230,000. 'It took one day to put everything together,' she says. 'We literally watched the building going up before our eyes. Everything was included, the carpet tiles, vinyl flooring for messy areas and storage space in every room. Some say it's like Doctor Who's Tardis because it's so much bigger than it looks from outside.' Ms Dowson believes the big advantage of this type of building is that it can be transported and re-sited if necessary. The nursery is now planning to have an extension built for the 15 children who attend its after-school club.
