LK2 helps pre-school children with 'first steps'
As specialists in sport and leisure we often find ourselves talking about some of the more niche sporting and retail projects we deliver. However, as architects and designers we’re well experienced in a range of other sectors too.
First Steps Pre-School in Driffield, East Yorkshire offers education and care for children aged two-and-a-half to school age. As a registered charity, the pre-school relies on parents’ fees to maintain and run its daily sessions, in addition to organised events to fundraise for new equipment and building work
As part of the pre-school’s commitment to children’s education and wellbeing, our team has been involved in a small community project delivering a new outdoor teaching space in the pre-school’s current outdoor play area.
This new space will enable small groups of children to be taught away from the main pre-school setting, providing a stimulating environment linked to specific learning targets involving both indoor and outdoor activities.
Architect Tom Atkinson said: “We’re delighted to be involved in such a special project, which will have a tangible, positive effect on the children that attend First Steps.
“The classroom has been designed to be a flexible learning space, with bi-fold doors allowing interaction between the outdoor space and internal teaching environment.
“Windows have been positioned at a child friendly height to allow them to explore the space around them, with a projecting window seat providing a reading area overlooking the garden.
“We’re confident that the children at First Steps will enjoy this new space, which will provide them with a safe and exciting space to explore the world around them.”
The building has been designed with modular construction techniques in mind, to provide a fast and efficient build and minimise disruption for the children.
Our partner for this project, Cre8a, has also pioneered a range of multi-purpose ‘pod’ outbuildings for the pre-school.
Neil Donaldson, managing director at Cre8a said, “Cre8a are pleased to help on the new classroom and together with the school and LK2 we look forward to a great place for the children to work and play in one of our amazing new pods.”
The overall aim is to provide a simplistic, well-insulated and stimulating learning environment that benefits children attending First Steps for many years to come.