Abstract

Many childcare practitioners understand the importance of architecture in ensuring good provision for young children and their families. Whether making minor modifications to an existing facility, embarking on major improvements, or a new construction, this book will empower early years professionals to work with building professionals to create the best space for young children. It addresses the big things, such as efficient heating and ventilation, but more importantly suggests the smaller features that can provide an educationally stimulating environment.

Spaces for Young Children looks at:

· why architecture is important
· a history of childcare environments
· designing space for young children
· details that enhance play
· risk and challenge within a safe environment
· the importance of outdoor play
· the process of design, procurement and construction.

Good architecture combines the practical with a sense of delight. A building can help to make children's experience of their early years care secure and inspiring. Drawing on experience from the UK and Europe, this second edition aims to ensure that advances in children's architecture will be well informed. It has been revised throughout and includes an overview of legal compliance, consulting with children, building for communities, local involvement and achieving high quality builds with small budgets.

Mark Dudek is a Research Fellow at the School of Architecture, University of Sheffield, and also runs his own architectural practice specialising in buildings for early years. Mark has published a number of books on early years architecture, school buildings and children's urban culture.
Even small scale changes can make a significant difference to how young children and practitioners experience their childcare environments. This book highlights the importance of well thought out design, focusing in particular on practical solutions. Spaces for Young Children contributes to the support available for practitioners developing their thinking in this area.
Joyce Connor, Early Years Programme Director, National Children’s Bureau