St Chad’s RC Primary School, Witton Park, Bishop Auckland

The Brief – Proposed nursery extension and alterations 

St Chad’s RC Primary School was looking to make upgrades and renovate their nursery and external play areas. The existing internal spaces were cluttered and outdated and more storage areas were needed. There were no dedicated toilet provisions and their wet play area was in poor condition. The external play spaces were underused by students and were in an exposed area which was being impacted by the weather. The nursery’s image as a whole needed to be modernised and updated for the new students starting in September. 

The Solution

To match the client’s needs and the needs of the children, we installed a new toilet and vanity unit and upgraded the wet play area. We also created a small kitchen space that would provide further learning and play opportunities for the children. 

One of the most vital parts of a nursery space is storage. The old space was cluttered and needed more room for the equipment and toys not in use when other activities were in focus (see top photo for before). To combat this, we improved storage throughout the nursery and instantly decluttered the space creating a larger footprint for the staff and children.

The improved storage solutions instantly impact the visibility and acoustics within the space allowing for better communication and learning. In addition to the improvements, we also implemented new floor finishes, enhanced lighting and decoration throughout.

When designing, we always look for eco-friendly solutions. For the build, we used timber frame construction with cedar cladding to the exterior to minimise the carbon footprint. The now covered outdoor space suited the client’s needs while also preserving the area from adverse weather conditions. 

The Results 

Ready for the September start, the nursery is now reorganised and an improved space for the children. The increase in storage and external updates allowed for more space and additional learning and play areas. 

The covered outdoor area solved the previous problem from it being too exposed. Together with the image improvements and decoration, the nursery is now well equipped for a new year to start. 

The project was completed on time and lasted approximately 8 weeks from July 2022 to September 2022. It was within the budget which was approximately £100,000. William Kish’s services included full design from conception to completion.