Dalry Primary School Nursery Class was one of the first nurseries to get a full ‘refresh’ funded by The City of Edinburgh Council in 2016. It was a continuation of the ‘interior design formula’ created by the City of Edinburgh Council for the 2015 new build nurseries.
After the success of the Duddingston, Wardie and Fox Covert nurseries and the research that was undertaken, City of Edinburgh Council Interior Design team was given the brief of carrying out a ‘2016 Summer Refresh’ of six existing nursery classrooms within Edinburgh. Dalry Primary School Nursery was one of them.
Dalry Primary School nursery was decorated in royal blue and yellow, there were two rooms, the one with access to the outside play area was more popular with the children. The team looked at how to encourage children to use both spaces by expanding the play zones and clearly defining them in each area.
Thoughts from the nursery staff
“The nursery has two large rooms and a quiet room, in addition to spacious hallways, all of which benefited from the renovation. The effect of our ‘refresh’ has been transformative. The CEC design team visited the nursery to consult with children, families and staff, and along with layout advice from Community Playthings, designed a calm, child-centred environment.
Soft colours, which echo the Scottish landscape, were chosen for each of our rooms. Furniture, fittings and display areas were created using natural materials including wood, wicker and muted fabrics. Areas where children could enjoy a quiet time and relax were created in each room by adding child size sofas and small rugs, along with cuddly cushions and throws. In addition, our small room became an oasis for rest and relaxation and this has been a great benefit to the health and well-being of the children who spend all day in the nursery setting.
The ‘refresh’ had an immediate impact on everyone who uses the nursery. The children are able to move about freely, access resources independently, make their own choices about where they want to play and when they might prefer to unwind. Those of our families were familiar with the nursery before our refresh were overwhelmed by the new provision and families and visitors who have come to the nursery since then regularly comment on the lovely, calm and spacious environment. Staff have been inspired by the ‘refresh’ to continually ensure the provision provides a warm, welcoming and accessible setting for work, rest and play.”
As Dalry Primary School nursery is located within the city Centre it was especially important to continue the emphasis of Outdoor Play and integrating some of the main principles of biophilic design the team developed in the 2015 nurseries. Timber effect vinyl flooring has been used throughout the area. Including dolls houses, gnome homes, trees with integrated fairy lights and giant rulers to measure height.
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