Storing it up

Every early years practitioner knows that the storage and organisation of equipment and resources is a key issue in outdoor provision. Setting out and clearing away each day can be time-consuming and require considerable effort. If equipment is difficult to get out and use, it is not likely to be used regularly.

Keeping outdoor storage organised seems to be a constant battle. Sheds, in particular, can be horrible to manage. The size and shape of some items of equipment make them difficult to store and, once in the shed, their presence may stop you using other resources further back or on shelves.

If the bikes have to come out before any other equipment can be accessed, children may be distracted into using these rather than the resources you planned to use. Settings often find that there just isn't enough storage, or that it's in the wrong place, that they have more equipment than their shed can comfortably contain or that risks such as burglary or vandalism make it difficult to store resources outside.

Appropriate storage that allows good organisation is necessary to keep equipment in good condition, to maximise the use of resources and to ensure the safety of children and adults. For many settings, storage is a major limitation in the delivery of good-quality outdoor play. Spending time and money on this aspect of your outdoor provision will give ample rewards in terms of the enjoyment and satisfaction of staff and the quality of children's play and learning.

Storage solutions

Solutions for storage vary and each setting needs to work out those that best suit them. It is unlikely that there will be a single solution, as you will have a variety of storage needs. Identify the factors affecting your outdoor space and the way you manage it before making decisions.

* Brick buildings provide secure and substantial storage. While they are expensive, they are worth incorporating into new-build or conversion plans.

* Larger settings may find that metal 'container' type sheds provide ample, secure and fireproof storage. It is possible to improve the appearance of these sheds.

* Wooden sheds come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes and styles, and can be very attractive and inviting. You can make them double as a playhouse or potting shed by storing only relevant resources and ensuring that the feature is available for use by organising these resources well, so that they can easily be removed.

* Many small storage containers are available in weather-resistant plastic from garden centres or specialist suppliers. They can allow resources to be stored for use near to the relevant area, which is very helpful for supporting child-led and independent activities. To make access easy for children, choose front-opening containers.

* Open shelving will allow specific resources to be stored next to an area of provision. Storage benches can provide seating as well as storage.

* Storage may also be created in covered areas, especially where shutters are installed. Shelving at each end will not conflict with use of the shelter during rain or on sunny days. But if bikes are stored here, they will have to be put out each time the area is to be used, and it will not be easy to have 'bike-free' periods.

* The 'transition zone', where coats, raingear, footwear, gloves and hats are stored should be located between 'in' and 'out'. This important storage area will help you to make full use of outdoors and to support linkage between indoors and out, and therefore needs to be well planned.

Useful storage advice

These points have been gathered from settings that have developed high quality outdoor provision and play.

* Have as much storage as you can so there is enough space to get to everything in the shed, with room to move.

* Choose open-ended, versatile resources so that you need less storage capacity. When one item can provide many play possibilities, less equipment is required overall.

* Storage for outdoor play equipment should be separate from other storage, such as pushchairs, car seats and other things that parents bring.

* The best place for storage is near to where it is needed or to where play will take place, such as having gardening equipment near to growing plants, or sand toys close to the sand area.

* It is very helpful to have more than one storage unit, particularly in order to keep bikes and wheeled toys apart or to separate those resources children can have direct access to from those they should not.

* Bikes present the most difficult storage issue, especially if you have enough for everyone. Mark out parking bays and use big hooks in a shed with doors that open to give wide access. A shed provided solely for wheeled toys can also become part of role-play scenarios, such as a garage or a police station.

* Choose storage that gives really good access, such as double doors or up-and-over garage-style doors. Keep the access clear both outside and in.

* Install catches on doors so that they do not swing shut or trap fingers, and install ramps if doorways are raised, so that wheeled containers can be moved without lifting and people with mobility difficulties can have independent access to resources.

* Try to have good light in the shed. A window or translucent roof (clear corrugated plastic from building suppliers) will give light in places where an interior light is not possible.

Is your storage secure and adequately insured?

Security is an important issue to consider, as outdoor storage is a prime target for burglary and vandalism. Unfortunately all exterior buildings are vulnerable. Remember that the roof of your shed may be climbed upon or used as a route into your premises. Check and ensure that you have the appropriate cover under your insurance for the shed and its contents, and change your policy, or insurer, if cover is not adequate. Your policy also needs to cover equipment in the open if it is not reasonable to store it inside a building - check what the policy says. Involving your neighbours in what happens on your premises is always beneficial to your overall provision, and it can be an effective way to reduce unauthorised after-hours use of your site.

Maintenance of the storage itself is part of the ongoing risk assessment and maintenance of your premises, equipment and resources. This is especially important if children do have access. Make sure that a member of staff has designated responsibility for this and have systems in place for all storage and containment to be routinely checked on a frequent basis and for repair or replacement to be carried out.

Next month we will look at how to best organise equipment and resources for ease of use

Where to go for storage

There are many suppliers of the wide range of storage possibilities. These useful websites provide starting points:

* www.shedsmart.co.uk Lists many suppliers of playhouses and lots of different sheds, including wall cupboards which have very wide doors, sheds with double doors, and playhouses with several entrances

* www.gardenbuildings.com/ directory/Great_Britain/ A directory of all suppliers of outdoor buildings in the UK in wood, metal and plastic Look in your local Yellow Pages for joiners and carpenters, who will often make bespoke storage for your situation at very reasonable prices.

More information

This article is reproduced from Early Years Outdoors materials, the outdoor play support service for all early years providers of care and education for children from nought to five years. For further information or to subscribe, contact the EYO helpline on 01962 845811, e-mail eyo@ltl.org.uk

or visit www.ltl.org.uk