AlmaVidaKids

Buying guide

Childcare play corners: answers on space, safety and costs

Working in a daycare, playgroup or after-school care, you ask different questions than a parent at home. Here we answer the most searched questions on space, safety, hygiene and budget — with the figures you need for a plan or a quote.

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The short answer

  • Legal minimum: 3.5 m² of indoor space per childcare place; movement corners practically need 6 to 10 m².
  • Budget guideline: €600–1,000 for a quiet corner up to €2,000–4,000 for a full group room.
  • Safety: fixed placement, a clear fall zone with mats and a monthly check of fixings.

Space: how much do you really need?

The Dutch legal norm is at least 3.5 m² of indoor space per childcare place. Within that, a corner only works when children can move undisturbed: count on 6 to 10 m² for a movement corner with climbing material, 3 to 5 m² for a quiet reading or puzzle corner, about 1 m² per child for table activities and 4 to 6 m² for a baby floor.

A full overview per zone is on the schools and childcare page.

Safety in a group

  • Fix climbing furniture where needed and keep a clear fall zone with mats around it.
  • Check screws and fixings monthly — with daily use by several children they wear faster than at home.
  • Choose rounded corners and water-based finishes; the risk assessment and final responsibility stay with your organisation.

Costs and quotes

As an indication, expect €600–1,000 for a quiet corner, €1,000–2,000 for a movement corner and €2,000–4,000 for a full group room. When you request a quote we propose a set-up per zone with current prices and delivery times from the shop, matched to your budget and daily programme.

Frequently asked questions

How much space does a play corner in childcare need?+

The Dutch legal minimum is 3.5 m² of indoor space per childcare place. As a practical guide per corner: 6 to 10 m² for a movement corner, 3 to 5 m² for a quiet reading or puzzle corner and about 1 m² per child for table activities.

What does furnishing a childcare play corner cost?+

A quiet corner with a rug, cushions and a low shelf costs roughly 600 to 1,000 euros. A movement corner with climbing or balance material and mats runs 1,000 to 2,000 euros, and a full group room with several zones 2,000 to 4,000 euros.

Is the material safe for intensive daily use?+

Yes, provided it is set up well: fix climbing furniture where needed, keep a clear fall zone with mats around climbing materials, and check screws and fixings monthly. Final responsibility for the risk assessment stays with your own organisation.

Is the furniture easy to keep clean?+

Choose washable rugs and covers, water-based finishes you can wipe with a mild cleaner, and open low shelves without crevices that trap dirt. Wash fabric parts on a low temperature.

From what age does this furniture work in a group?+

The parts follow childcare age groups: floor and crawling material for the baby room, low shelves and a learning tower from around 18 months, and climbing and table material for toddler groups and after-school care.

How do I request a quote for several groups?+

Through the request form on the schools and childcare page. You share the number of groups, ages and available space; we propose a set-up per zone with an indicative total and adjust until it fits your budget.

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Plan your play spaceView the childcare movement space