How To Adapt A Modular Building For A Classroom Or Nursery

The government has pledged to create over 3,000 extra childcare places in England by September 2025. To assist with this rapid expansion, a £140 funding pot has been set up to provide grants for primary schools to adapt unused buildings or create extra space for nursery facilities.

The first round of school-based nursery (SBN) funding applications have closed, but the second round is expected to open in the spring, with eligible primary schools invited to bid for a grant of up to £150,000.

As working parents will be able to claim 30 hours of free childcare from September 2025, there will be significantly increased demand for nursery spaces. SBNs are often favoured by parents and childcare professionals alike, because they offer continuity for children and make the transition from nursery to school much easier.

It is also easier for parents who have older children at the primary school, because the drop off and pick up locations are in the same place. Staff members also value the arrangement, because it gives them the flexibility to work with different age groups within the same setting.

However, not all primary schools will have suitable spare capacity within the building to create nursery space. Here’s a look at how modular portable buildings can be adapted to provide a fast and cost-effective solution for extra nursery and classroom space.

Layout

Modular buildings have flexible layout options that can easily be adapted with the addition of partition walls, or even the thoughtful placement of furniture. In larger buildings, separate rooms can be created for hygiene facilities, cloakroom storage, and reception areas.

Nurseries can be zoned to provide designated areas for play, music and movement, quiet areas for naps, and feeding areas. The areas can be zoned with half-walls or full walls; items of furniture such as bookshelves; and the use of different flooring, such as soft flooring in play areas and water resistant flooring that is easy to keep clean in feeding areas.

In classrooms, desks and chairs can be arranged to provide distinct zones for group work, teacher-led learning, and individual study with library facilities.

Lighting and acoustics

The modular cabins may be ready-fitted with lighting options, but you may wish to supplement this with extra LED lighting over the desk arrangements to provide bright and energy efficient lighting.

Wherever possible, look for modular buildings with large windows that will let in plenty of natural light. This reduces energy consumption and is also desirable for creating a productive and uplifting learning environment.

Acoustic glazing and panelling may be desirable features for nurseries that are close to other school facilities, as small children can often be noisy and disruptive. It will also be useful in classrooms where older pupils are focusing on learning, or are having music or drama lessons.

Decor and furnishings

Nurseries should be bright and welcoming spaces that are both cheerful and reassuring for young children. Brightly coloured walls in fun colours such as yellow and pastel shades will look modern and help to create a calm and constructive atmosphere. Use wall art that is both educational and decorative, such as posters of the illustrated alphabet and maps.

Create a dedicated space for the children’s artwork to be displayed, to inspire and encourage them in their abilities.

Furnishings should be child-friendly, such as rounded desk corners to reduce accidental knocks, and of an appropriate size and height for the children to use comfortably.

Integrate with outdoor access

Outdoor play is important for children of all ages, giving them the opportunity to burn off energy and get some fresh air and exercise. It also helps children to form stronger friendship bonds with their classmates outside of structured classroom time.

If possible, position the cabin doors so that they open directly onto a safe outdoor play area. Decking and an awning or canopy can provide a transitional space between the outdoors and inside, which is useful in wetter weather conditions.

Safety and security

Safety is of course a key priority in childcare and classroom settings. Windows and doors should be fully lockable to prevent unauthorised access. The cabin should be fitted with fire alarms, smoke detectors and fire extinguishes that are tested on a regular basis.

Check that all the materials and paints are non-toxic and safe for children. Smaller children should be kept away from curtain or blind cords and trailing loose cables, and any lighter items of furniture that could easily be toppled over.