Case study

Academy of Cuxton, Rochester, Kent

Planning and building our school-based nursery

“The furniture still looks like it was bought yesterday nearly 2 years later, enabling us to complete our vision of a sustainable, natural open-ended space inspiring children to do what they do best: learning through play.”

William Worsfold
Assistant headteacher and EYFS Lead, Academy of Cuxton

The Vision

In September 2024 Cuxton Infant school expanded by opening a brand-new nursery catering for 2-3 year olds within two rooms and a large 3-4 pre-school room. We required high quality furniture as well needing to decorate and improve the existing buildings to ensure the best quality environment for our children to thrive in. We were able to secure the school-based grant which enabled us to do both to a high standard. We then reached out to different companies to purchase higher quality furniture as a long-term investment that withstood the rigours of children's exploration and daily use. Community Playthings were that company.

The Project

From start to finish we were supported in the planning of the space through initial conversations about our vision. We were provided detailed 3D visuals of how the space would look, tweaking these plans through further conversations ensuring the space was maximised and supported independent, child-led play. The furniture was delivered quickly and the delivery team helped set it up. The furniture still looks like it was bought yesterday nearly 2 years later and has enabled us to complete our vision of a sustainable, natural open-ended space inspiring children to do what they do best... learning through play.

About Academy of Cuxton:

The Academy of Cuxton Schools are 2 village schools set in an area of woodland called 6 Acre Wood. The original Infant school was built in 1905 and over the years has been extended. On the same site is the Junior school, opened in 1968. Both schools became Academies on 1st September 2014 and are now working as one primary school under the Headteacher and leadership team. The Academy of Cuxton is part of Primary First, a Trust that truly celebrates and nurtures the diversity and distinctiveness of its partner schools.

Centre Type

School Based Nurseries

Focus Area

Indoor

Region

South East

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Provision

Establishing a school-based nursery provision

A high-quality learning environment requires furniture that is robust, durable, and safe for young children and adults

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