A FORMER car showroom is just one of the examples of innovative adaptations in a new guide aimed at enhancing the design of childcare provision across Scotland.

Cosmic Coppers at Merrylee in Glasgow is one of the case studies in Space To Grow which will be used in the preparation of sites for the nationwide expansion to 1140 hours of funded early learning and childcare by 2020.

It contains case studies from as far afield as Japan, New Zealand and Sweden alongside examples across Scotland to demonstrate good design principles which are cost-effective and that have the potential to make a difference to the quality of learning for young children.

Already, children spend considerable time within early learning and childcare settings. The current entitlement is for all children aged three and four years old and eligible two-year-olds to have 600 hours of funded early learning and childcare per year. The expansion means that children will be spending more time in early learning and childcare settings. Research shows the environment can have a positive impact on child development.

At Cosmic Coppers the former car showroom has been transformed into a “village square”, smaller rooms designed as shops and direct access to outdoor space.

“We quickly identified the need for providing flexible spaces for the children to play in but also wanted open social areas for kids to mingle which opened up seamlessly to an outside play space,” said director Ross Keenan.

“This project has revolutionised our attitude on space and how it can be utilised to achieve our goal of learning through play.”

A former tearoom at Muir of Ord is also included as an example of good design. Kilcoy Kindergarten’s indoor space is at ground level opening to one of the outdoor areas so that children have access to a variety of natural outdoor spaces. The “forest classrooms” provide opportunities for play and learning in an entirely natural environment.

The provider, parents and children also developed an adjacent quarry into a play park to provide additional outdoor opportunities.

During a visit to Kilcoy, minister for Childcare and Early Years Mark McDonald said it was “an incredibly exciting time for early learning and childcare in Scotland”.

“This guide will be is an extremely useful tool for all early learning and childcare providers to help in planning for this expansion. It is just one of 31 actions we have committed to delivering in the next year to keep quality, flexibility, accessibility and affordability at the heart of delivery.

“It definitely shows applying good design practice can have a really positive impact on children’s learning.

“High quality learning and childcare can make a key contribution to closing the attainment gap.”