We were approached by Kisharon School to re-design their early years classroom. The classroom was previously uninspirational. The main challenge was safety; not being able to see the children whilst they played in the back (the curved section of the building).

Kisharon School caters for students with special educational needs of both genders aged 4 to 19. The school has a Jewish ethos and is committed to inclusivity, welcoming students from all backgrounds. https://www.kisharonschool.org.uk/

Every Design Solves a Problem

The problems that needed to be resolved were:

1. The teachers needed to be able to see the children at the back. The current furniture/storage, was bulky and hindered sight lines.
2. The space lacked fun and didn not encourage the children to play.
3. They needed more practical and accessible storage for resorces and toys.

Although the designs were completed many months before, they awaited the long summer holidays for the installation.

The Installation Process

We first had a site visit with all the tradesmen, walking and talking through the project.

The electricians started first followed by our decorator. Then the builder went in to prepare the ceilings for the Textura acousitic wave panels.

The Flooring

The flooring company went in to lay the Forbo vinyl and flotex, an anti microbial and anti-allergenic carpet, perfect for cosy corners, where children play.

Flotex is a unique textile floor covering that blends the durability of a resilient floor with the warmth and comfort of carpet. With its unique construction, Flotex offers unrivalled design possibilities and offers a strong, hygienic, and completely waterproof solution, making it the only truly washable textile floor covering on the market. Additionally, Flotex can be installed adhesive-free, providing a flexible and sustainable flooring solution. https://www.forbo.com/flooring/en-uk/commercial-products/flotex-flocked-flooring/ctbual

After the flooring was prepped and laid, the magic started when the furniture our team designed was being installed. It was surreal. It was exactly like the visuals.

Storage is always essential in every Classroom Design

The class was designed with open geometric shapes in the storage units, allowing the teachers to see through to the children playing in the back. The units also allow for wicker storage baskets to be added in certain areas.

We designed blue circular upholstered reading nooks for the children to relax and read. They were designed for the children to be able to crawl through in both directions. The shelves has a front facing book ledge incorporated, for children to easily choose and access their books. Reading books are essential to every child’s development and we ensure each space is designed with a reading nook.

Therapeutic and Fun

The back areas was designed to be therapeutic and fun. There is a secured playframe with a ramp and a curved slide, that leads to a ballpool. Whilst in the ball pool, as the children look up, they are greeted with alternating acoustic wave tiles in beige and brown, altogether, this gives a beautiful constrast to the blue and oak colour scheme. When the children climb out of the ball pit, they step onto gold liquid sensory floor tiles. |On the opossite wall is a role play area, with a play kitchen from Community Play Things.

In Conclusion

The install went smoothly, because it was planned and each trade was given enough time to work, therefore our client’s are pleased with the outcome. This is now the best room in the school, which gives the children the perfect start to school and helps them develop their physical gross motor skills. The children are throughly enjoying the space, and playing more in the back area. The children are more visible to the adults, and the teachers have more practical storage for the children’s learning reasources

Contact The Pre-School Designers

For assistance with designing an amazing space, email: info@mkkidsinteriors.com or call 0203 287 3722.

Our Founder Medina King on the final day of the install, resting on the upholstered curved window bench.

MK Kids Interiors xXx