Woodlands Day Nursery and Forest School

Brief Overview of the Project

The Woodlands Day Nursery and Forest School is a project by British architectural firm Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, situated in Stoke-on-Trent. The nursery, constructed primarily from timber and rubber, is designed to mirror the adjacent nature reserve. Originally a car park at Staffordshire University, this space now offers childcare services to the university’s students and staff and also serves as a teaching facility for the education department. The design emphasizes a strong connection with nature, aiming to provide a holistic learning environment that promotes education through nature, play, and adventure.

Alignment with Montessori, Steiner, or Reggio Principles

The design of the Woodlands Day Nursery and Forest School aligns closely with Montessori, Steiner, and Reggio principles, emphasizing nature-based learning. The nursery’s seamless integration with its woodland setting supports an adaptable and holistic learning environment. This approach encourages education through nature, play, and adventure, resonating with the Montessori and Reggio emphasis on hands-on, experiential learning and the Steiner focus on the importance of nature and imagination in early childhood education.

How the Design Facilitates Learning

• Connection with Nature: The nursery’s design ensures that both children and staff are in close contact with the natural surroundings, fostering a love for nature and promoting nature-based learning.
• Flexible Layout: The nursery comprises two wings framing a play garden. This L-shaped layout ensures each classroom has views of the surroundings, promoting a sense of openness and connection with the environment.
• Natural Light: Projecting aluminium-coated skylights introduce natural light into the nursery rooms, reducing the need for artificial lighting and creating a bright, welcoming space conducive to learning.

How the Design Helps Teachers Create Inspiring Lessons

The design’s emphasis on nature and flexibility allows teachers to craft lessons that are both engaging and educational. The large openable doors, combined with low windows, recessed seating, and external benches, provide teachers with diverse spaces to conduct lessons. The blurred boundaries between inside and outside teaching spaces mean that lessons can seamlessly transition from indoor activities to outdoor exploration.

Activities and Lessons Suited for this Space

1. Nature Walks: Given the nursery’s proximity to the woodland, teachers can organize nature walks, teaching children about local flora and fauna.
2. Outdoor Art: Using natural materials found in the surroundings, children can engage in art projects, fostering creativity.
3. Storytelling Sessions: The outdoor benches and seating areas are perfect for storytelling sessions, where children can listen to tales surrounded by nature.
4. Sensory Play: The diverse natural materials used in the construction, such as timber and rubber, can be used for sensory play activities.

How Other Teachers Can Use Elements of This Design in Their Kindergarten Environment Planning

1. Embrace Natural Materials: Incorporating natural materials like timber and rubber can create a calming environment conducive to learning.
2. Maximize Natural Light: Skylights or large windows can introduce more natural light, reducing reliance on artificial lighting.
3. Flexible Spaces: Designing spaces that can be easily reconfigured allows for diverse activities and lessons.
4. Indoor-Outdoor Flow: Ensuring a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces can enrich the learning experience, allowing lessons to incorporate nature and the outdoors.

In conclusion, the Woodlands Day Nursery and Forest School is a testament to the power of nature-centric design in early childhood education. Its thoughtful design elements can serve as inspiration for educators and architects alike, emphasizing the importance of nature in fostering a love for learning.