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Right from the start – choosing the perfect resources for a new service
Freya Lucas
Nov 17, 2020
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Choosing the perfect resources and furniture to fit out a new early childhood education and care service, or to refit and update an existing learning space can be equal parts exciting and overwhelming.
There are so many aspects to consider when making decisions about what to bring in, how much to spend, and what types of resources will deliver the best for the children and families in your care.Aside from the philosophy of the service, providers also need to consider the number of children and families who will be using the service, what other providers in the area are offering, what the community needs, and most importantly, creating a space where children and staff can thrive.
With so much to consider, and with such high stakes, the fit out of a new space, or a whole new service, can go a lot more smoothly when there is expert help and support from a centre fit out specialist, such as Modern Teaching Aids (MTA).
Less stress, more fun!
The team at MTA take what can be an overwhelming experience and make it fun and stress free, helping services create engaging, child-focused environments that ignite creativity and facilitate pedagogy across all developmental stages.
Using a collaborative approach, the MTA team works closely with service leaders to support best practice when it comes to the design of play spaces and learning environments. Far more than just working through a catalogue and working through possible options, the MTA specialists create complete solutions, providing equipment, furniture and educational resources for all learning areas with a customised quote that is tailored to all the unique aspects of each service, as well as staying within an approved budget.
On average the MTA specialist team works on over 300 new-build projects each year, supporting providers to attain the best possible realistion of the vision they hold for their service.
Tailored support
When it comes to the optimum learning environment, MTA knows there is no one-size-fits-all solution.
The team loves to work collaboratively with services to develop natural, exploratory and imaginative learning spaces that will inspire children, both today and into the future. With a comprehensive range of educational resources including flexible furnishing options, art and craft creative areas and outdoor learning environments, MTA can specialise in developing a range of spaces to meet every need.
From creative spaces, with learning environments that allow children to express themselves through art and craft, messy play, drama, construction and music, to quiet spaces which offer children purposeful, calming and thoughtful environments that respond to children’s need for rest and quiet.
When it comes to the outdoors, MTA can help providers to create outdoor spaces which give children the freedom and flexibility for active and physical play, while also allowing them the time to explore nature and their surroundings.
Feedback
When asked to share her experience of working with MTA, Michelle Tuffley, Chief Operating Officer of LEAD Childcare, put it simply - “The feedback has exceeded our expectations and the one word that everyone says when they walk through the rooms is WOW.”
In order to realise the vision of creating Reggio Emilia inspired spaces that have free flow between the indoor and outdoor environments, the Lead team met with five of the top resource suppliers before finally deciding on MTA.
“Janine Thompson from MTA was instrumental in our choices” Michelle said, saying she made the entire process “a very smooth one.”
The logistics of resource and furniture selection, ordering, delivery and assembly was one that was coordinated down to the finest detail, she added, complimenting the MTA team who delivered, unpacked and assembled over 56 pallets into 10 rooms without skipping a beat.
Michelle’s feedback was echoed by Helen Ketley, General Manager, and Colleen Crane, Business Manager of Stepping Stone (SA) Childcare & Early Development Centres, who describe MTA as “our provider of choice.”
“They make the time to get to know who we are and understand our culture and philosophy,” the pair said, complementing the MTA team on their commitment to building rapport in order to tailor their service and suggestions to each unique space and place.
“Their hands on approach in setting up several of our new centres and ongoing support has enabled us to create new and exciting environments with ongoing links to learning outcomes which our educators are able to access via teaching.com.au.”
Unique furniture optionsMTA’s experience with working with early childhood learning environments has allowed them to develop their own innovative and creative furniture options made from guaranteed long lasting and hard-wearing materials.
Their bespoke Aurum Spaces, Stockholm Furniture and Harmony Furniture ranges have been specifically designed to create flexible, evolving learning spaces where children can grow, learn and develop confidently.
The SafeSpace Furniture brand has been developed in house by MTA, and is specifically designed for baby and toddler rooms, providing stable and sturdy pieces featuring soft, safe and round edges, coupled with durable, non-toxic, easy-to-clean surfaces, perfect for early spaces.
Aside from being specifically designed for the unique context of ECEC, all of MTA’s products are ethically sourced, and wherever possible, are FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council) certified.
Readers who are looking to open a new centre or enhance a learning centre, can contact MTA for a personalised quote at projects@teaching.com.au, on 1800 251 497 or visit their website teaching.com.au
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