Equipment and Resources

At Winston’s Place Day Nursery, we organise the premises, equipment and resources to meet the individual needs of all children in our care. We provide a wide range of high-quality, age-appropriate equipment and resources to support the delivery of our early years curriculum and promote children’s learning, development and wellbeing.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework underpins our practice and states: “providers must ensure that they are providing sufficient opportunities for children to learn and develop” and “providers must ensure that every child is provided with a range of learning and development experiences which are enjoyable and challenging and tailored to meet their needs.” (EYFS Statutory Framework).

We take all reasonable steps to ensure the safety of children, staff and visitors and to ensure that children are not exposed to avoidable risks. This policy supports our duties under the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), safeguarding legislation and health and safety requirements. The EYFS Statutory Framework further states: “providers must take all reasonable steps to ensure children are not exposed to risks”.

Provision of Equipment and Resources

To ensure this occurs within the nursery, including our outdoor learning environments, we provide:
• Play equipment and resources that are safe, suitable for their intended purpose and, where applicable, conform to relevant safety legislation and standards, including the European Standards for Playground Equipment (EN 1176 and EN 1177), British Standards (BS EN) and the Toys (Safety) Regulations
• Equipment that is appropriate to the age, stage of development and individual needs of the children using it
• A sufficient quantity of equipment and resources for the number of children registered in the nursery, ensuring children can access resources without unnecessary frustration or conflict
• High-quality resources that reflect children’s interests, promote curiosity and creativity, and support learning across all seven areas of the EYFS
• Opportunities for children, where appropriate, to be involved in decision-making about new resources and equipment, supporting the sense of ownership and independence
• A wide range of books, toys, equipment and resources that promote positive images of people of all races, cultures, family structures, religions, abilities, genders and ages, actively challenging stereotypes and supporting equality and inclusion
• Equipment and resources that promote continuity, progression and appropriate challenge, supporting children to build on existing skills and knowledge
• Sufficient storage to enable resources to be clearly organised, displayed at child height where possible and accessible for independent choice, while also ensuring items can be stored safely and rotated to maintain interest
• Appropriate risk assessments and safety checks on all equipment and resources are completed regularly, including daily visual checks and ongoing monitoring throughout use to identify and reduce potential hazards

“Children learn and develop well in enabling environments, in which their experiences respond to their individual needs” (EYFS Statutory Framework).

Outdoor Equipment and Learning Environments

We recognise the importance of outdoor play and ensure that outdoor equipment and resources are:
• Safe, well maintained and suitable for all weather conditions
• Designed to promote physical development, risk-taking within safe boundaries and exploration of the natural environment
• Inclusive and accessible, enabling all children, including those with additional needs, to participate fully

The Characteristics of Effective Learning highlights the importance of active learning outdoors and indoors, stating “children learn and develop through playing and exploring”.

Outdoor equipment is checked regularly, and any hazards are addressed promptly. Outdoor learning environments are risk assessed daily and reviewed regularly to ensure ongoing safety and suitability.

Safety, Hygiene and Maintenance

We ensure that all equipment and resources are clean, hygienic and well maintained to support children’s health and wellbeing.
• Any unsafe, worn, dirty or damaged equipment will be repaired, cleaned or replaced promptly
• Equipment and resources are cleaned regularly in line with infection control procedures and manufacturer guidance
• Broken or unsafe items are removed from use immediately and reported to the nursery manager
• Adults role model and discuss safe and respectful use of equipment and resources with children
• Children are encouraged to care for resources and to return items to their designated place after use, supporting responsibility and independence

The EYFS reinforces safe practice, stating: “providers must ensure that children are kept safe and secure” (EYFS Statutory Framework).

All equipment checks, cleaning routines and maintenance actions are recorded where appropriate to ensure accountability and consistency of practice.

Inclusion and SEND Provision

We aim to ensure that equipment and resources meet the needs of all children, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
• Resources may be adapted or supplemented to ensure all children can access learning opportunities
• Specialist equipment will be sourced where required, following consultation with parents and relevant professionals
• Planning and resourcing decisions take into account individual children’s developmental needs, interests and abilities
• Reasonable adjustments are made to ensure equality of access in line with the Equality Act 2010

Roles and Responsibilities

All staff are responsible for:
• Carrying out daily visual checks of equipment and resources
• Reporting any concerns or faults to the nursery manager promptly
• Ensuring resources are used safely and appropriately
• Supporting children to learn how to use, care for and store equipment safely
• Maintaining an enabling environment that supports high-quality learning and development at all times

EYFS states that enabling environments are key to learning: “children learn and develop well in enabling environments” (EYFS Statutory Framework).

The nursery manager and CEO are responsible for overseeing purchasing, monitoring safety and ensuring compliance with statutory requirements, including regular review of risk assessments, maintenance systems and resource effectiveness.

Equipment and resources are reviewed regularly to ensure they remain:
• Safe and fit for purpose
• Inclusive and representative
• Engaging, challenging and developmentally appropriate
• Aligned with the nursery curriculum intent and children’s evolving interests and needs.

Feedback from staff, children and parents is used to inform future purchasing and resource development, ensuring continuous improvement and high-quality provision.