Floor spaces and surfaces

Because the interests of children of different ages differ, much of the equipment that supports key areas of play will also differ. For example, older babies are often interested in taking things apart and learning to crawl up and over things, while older children can be more focused on building things and putting things together (such as complicated block play or puzzles).

When designing areas of play, consider ways to provide enough space to ensure children can explore their interests without disturbing each other's 'work'.

Indoor activity area – floor space

PF6 Flooring

Education (Early Childhood Services) Regulations 2008, Schedule 4 – New Zealand Legislation

• While more space is desirable, you must ensure that at least the regulated standard of indoor activity space is met. The minimum indoor activity space is 2.5 square metres per child. This space is computed clear of all furniture, fittings, fixed equipment and stored goods, and excluding passageways, toilet facilities, staff rooms, specific sleeping areas for children under 2, and other areas not available for play. Measurements will be made by the Ministry of Education during your probationary licensing visit.
• Infants and toddlers need enough space to ensure there are safe floor surfaces to lie on, crawl on and practice walking. Adjustable barriers, risers, shelf units and other furniture can be used to create discrete safe spaces for infants to explore.
• Separate infant and toddler areas are one way of ensuring services provide space, equipment and resources that best support their learning. It can also ensure that they are part of a relatively small group for at least part of their day. Research has found this to be very important for young children. These spaces can be provided in mixed age services through careful furniture placement.
• If a centre is catering to a large age range, more space may be needed to support a range of learning opportunities and adequate quiet space.

Floor surfaces

• Floor surfaces should be easy to clean and suitable for the activities being undertaken. Well maintained wooden, particle, cork or vinyl floors are most suitable in an area used for messy play, and in dining areas, while carpet is better in a book or block area. Consider how much time children spend on the floor when choosing a floor type.
• It is good for infants to have the opportunity to explore a range of texture. A range of mixed flooring types may be one way to provide this.
• Vinyl that extends a little way up the wall is easier to clean and is more hygienic over long periods of time because it eliminates joins at the edge of the floor. Your local territorial authority may require you to have vinyl in the toilet and kitchen areas that extends 75 mm up the wall, to ensure that you comply with the Building Code.
• It is a good rule of thumb to have about two-thirds hard surface and one-third carpet in the children's indoor play area. This is because a lot of messy play – such as paint, clay and water – is transported to other areas.
• Mats are useful because they can be removed for cleaning and can be moved within the centre to reorganise the learning environment from time to time. There are some very effective semi-permanent tapes that attach a mat to the floor. This helps to ensure mats do not become a hazard.
• You may want to consider under-floor heating, especially in centres catering for infants and toddlers.