HEWI MAG / SCHOOL & KINDERGARTEN
Designing a nursery cloakroom - the most important planning tips
Functionality, safety and aesthetics - the design of a cloakroom for child daycare centres plays an important role in meeting the needs of the children and creating an organised environment.
A well-designed and attractive cloakroom not only makes everyday life in the day care centre easier, but also contributes to children feeling comfortable and happy to come to the centre. In this article you will get useful tips and creative ideas on how to design a functional and attractive cloakroom for your nursery.
Consider the needs of the children
When designing a cloakroom for child daycare centres, it is important to consider the needs of the children. Think about how best to use the cloakroom to make it easier for children to access their personal belongings. A child-friendly height of the coat hooks and sufficient storage space for backpacks, jackets and shoes are crucial.
Give children the opportunity to store their personal belongings in the cloakroom. This can be a small compartment or box where they can keep their favourite toys or special mementos. This creates a link between home and daycare and gives the children a sense of security and familiarity.
THE NURSERY CLOAKROOM: REQUIREMENTS AND REGULATIONS
Consider specific requirements and regulations when planning a nursery cloakroom: Safety comes first. Make sure that the cloakroom is securely fastened and does not have any sharp edges or protruding parts that the children could injure themselves on. Regularly check the condition of the cloakroom and repair any damage immediately. In addition, fire protection regulations and hygiene regulations must be observed.
What matters in the nursery cloakroom: Flexibility and adaptability
Children are constantly growing and developing, and needs and requirements change over time. For example, use hooks or modular storage systems that can be expanded or rearranged as needed.
Height adjustable elements
Children of different ages have different needs in terms of accessibility to clothes and shoes. One way to adapt the nursery cloakroom to the different sizes of the children is to use height-adjustable elements. Height-adjustable coat hooks, shoe racks or storage compartments can be adapted to the individual height of the children. This enables the children to reach their jackets and shoes themselves and promotes their independence.
Flexible room layout
The ability to flexibly divide up the space in the nursery cloakroom can be an advantage in meeting changing needs. By using partitions, curtains or mobile shelves, you can adapt the space according to needs. This flexibility makes it possible to enlarge or reduce the cloakroom, for example to create additional storage space or to optimise the use of space. When used as acoustic wall panels and sound absorbers, they also reduce the noise level in the room.
Colour coding and labelling
A well-structured nursery cloakroom makes it easier for the children to find their own things. You can use colour coding systems and labels for this purpose. Use clear labels or pictures to assign an individual place to each child. Also use different areas or compartments to separate the different types of clothes and equipment. This promotes the children's independence and enables them to organise their things on their own. If required, the colour coding systems and labels can be easily changed or updated.
Designing the nursery cloakroom: Creative ideas
To make the cloakroom even more attractive, you can introduce creative elements. For example, use photo walls where children can hang their own pictures or create an interactive board where they can share their thoughts and ideas. This encourages creativity and gives the children a way to express themselves.
Colourful colour schemes
Use vibrant and cheerful colours to create a positive mood in the cloakroom. Colourful colour schemes with different hues and contrasts can liven up the room and attract the children's attention. Remember to choose colours that are child-friendly and match the children's energy and creativity. You can find out more here.
Nursery symbols in the cloakroom: Fun hanging options
Make hanging jackets and clothes in the nursery cloakroom a fun experience by using fun hanging options. For example, use hooks in the shape of animals, cartoon characters or other child-friendly motifs. These special hooks make hanging up clothes a fun act and help children recognise their personal areas more easily. The choice of 16 HEWI colours create colourful accentuation.
Other useful furniture for the nursery cloakroom
Lever handles for colourful safety
For a consistent design, also pay attention to lever handles and handrails. A large radius is easy for children's hands to grip and minimises the risk of injury. In signal colours, they also stand out well against the background, are easy to recognise and therefore increase safety
Light and freedom of movement in the nursery cloakroom
Good illumination
A well-lit cloakroom area makes it easier for children to dress themselves independently. This makes it easier to see zips and to open shoe laces. If attention is paid to warm light colours in the choice of lighting, this has a positive spatial effect and appears inviting and friendly. A mix of natural and artificial light sources also ensures better orientation in the room.
Space for information exchange
The entrance area and the cloakroom also serve as a place for the exchange of information in the nursery. In this way, parents and guardians talk about general topics or learn information about the day care centre from the teachers. Furthermore, many teachers also use the area to display information brochures or to announce excursions. For example, it is a good idea to plan a table with seating where parents can exchange ideas and, for example, enter their names in participant lists.
Designing the nursery cloakroom: Regularly evaluate and improve
Take time regularly to evaluate the effectiveness of the cloakroom and make possible improvements. Ask the nursery staff to gather feedback from the children and parents to find out if the cloakroom is serving its purpose and if there is room for improvement. Through continuous improvements, you can ensure that the cloakroom always meets current needs.
You can find out which funding opportunities are available for daycare centres and schools in our MAG article:
https://www.hewi.com/de/mag/foerderung-fuer-kindergaerten-schulen
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