Design guide : the design of day nurseries with particular reference to district general hospitals

Recent years have seen an increasing demand for day nursery provision, and both public and private sector employers are now responding to this demand.

Although the Children Act 1989 has led to the publication of new guidelines on day nurseries, these do not provide detailed design guidance.

This document does. It emphasizes the need to create a positive, child-centred environment that can encourage and enhance physical, social and intellectual development, and allow the nursery staff a rewarding and valued role in their interaction with the children.

Although it is directed principally at District General Hospitals, this report embraces broad design principles that can also be applied to day nurseries in other sectors.