Nursery World - Making space

See how early years settings can make the children's environment something they will learn from Within a Reggio school the environment is regarded as 'the third teacher', conveying messages and teaching children formally and informally. The buildings provide spaces for children that are beautiful, personal and welcoming. Spaces are created which enable children to develop their potential, abilities and curiosity through exploration and research, alone and with others.

Within a Reggio school the environment is regarded as 'the third teacher', conveying messages and teaching children formally and informally. The buildings provide spaces for children that are beautiful, personal and welcoming. Spaces are created which enable children to develop their potential, abilities and curiosity through exploration and research, alone and with others.

The piazza is a central feature, both of the pre-schools and of the Reggio philosophy. It is a light open space at the heart of the school - a place for reflection, play, encounters and performance.

Linked to the piazza is an atelier, a studio, laboratory or workshop, equipped with high-quality natural and recycled materials. Unusual and interesting recycled materials, made available through REMIDA, the municipality's recycling centre, are organised to enable children to be self-sufficient learners and to undertake long- and short-term creative projects.

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