How Classroom Design Influences Behaviour and Learning in Early Years Settings

How Important is the Environment

Walk into any early years classroom and within moments you can feel its impact, not just on the children but on the educators and the overall learning experience. The way a space is designed significantly influences how children engage, behave and develop. A well-structured environment fosters curiosity, independence and a sense of security. While a poorly designed one can lead to disengagement, frustration, and behavioural challenges.

At Think Nursery, we believe that the classroom is the third teacher, shaping children’s development through its design, materials and layout. It should invite exploration, encourage problem-solving, and support independence. However, are we truly making the most of our classroom spaces? Have we, in our efforts to create structured environments, inadvertently limited children’s freedom to explore and take risks?

This blog explores how early years classroom design affects learning and behavior, we considers current debates, such as the impact of neutral, minimalist classrooms and provides insight into creating effective learning environments from baby rooms to FS2.

The Environment as a Key Factor in Learning and Behaviour

A well-considered learning environment does more than provide a space for activities—it actively shapes children’s experiences, behaviours, and attitudes towards learning. Research consistently shows that classrooms designed with intention and flexibility contribute to:

• Improved self-regulation, as a well-structured space helps children manage their emotions and behaviours more effectively.
• Higher levels of engagement, encouraging children to explore, ask questions, and problem-solve.
• Greater independence, where accessible resources allow children to make their own choices, fostering decision-making and confidence.
• Enhanced social interactions, as a well-planned layout promotes positive peer collaboration and communication.

However, an essential question remains: are we providing children with the autonomy they need to lead their own learning, or are we over-designing their experiences to the point of restriction?

Designing Early Years Spaces Meeting Developmental Needs

The needs of young learners evolve as they grow, and their environment should adapt accordingly. Below, we explore the essential features of classroom spaces from infancy through FS2, with a focus on balancing structure, exploration, and risk-taking opportunities.

Baby Rooms (0-23 Months) – A Space for Security and Sensory Exploration

The first two years of life are foundational for emotional security, physical development, and sensory learning. Therefore, the environment should provide a safe yet stimulating space that encourages infants to move freely and explore through touch, sight, and sound.

Key considerations for baby rooms include:

• Soft, warm lighting and access to natural light to create a calming atmosphere.
• Defined areas for movement and rest, allowing babies to transition seamlessly between exploration and quiet time.
• A variety of natural materials, such as wooden objects, textured fabrics, and simple, open-ended resources, to encourage sensory stimulation and early problem-solving.
• Secure but open spaces that support movement, enabling babies to roll, crawl, and pull themselves up safely.

One debate emerging in early years settings is whether we underestimate babies’ learning potential. Research suggests that even the youngest children are active learners who benefit from opportunities to manipulate objects, explore their surroundings, and experiment with cause and effect. Should baby rooms be offering more complex, open-ended materials rather than simply prioritizing safety?

Toddler Rooms (2-3 Years) – A Space for Movement, Choice, and Risk-Taking 

Toddlers are naturally inquisitive and thrive in environments that support their growing independence, physical skills, and problem-solving abilities. Their learning space should provide opportunities for movement, hands-on exploration, and early risk assessment.

Key considerations for toddler rooms include:

• Clearly defined play zones, including construction areas, sensory tables, quiet reading corners, and imaginative play spaces.
• A balance of structure and flexibility, where some fixed resources provide stability, but materials can also be used in different ways to promote creativity.
• Natural elements such as wooden blocks, plants, and organic textures that contribute to emotional well-being and creativity.
• Challenging yet safe physical spaces, including climbing structures, stepping stones, and low beams, to encourage coordination and confidence.

There is an ongoing debate about whether we are overprotecting toddlers and limiting their natural risk-taking. Modern safety guidelines often prioritize eliminating risks entirely, yet research suggests that children need controlled challenges to develop resilience, coordination, and decision-making skills. Should nurseries be reintroducing more opportunities for physical risk within early years environments?

FS1 & FS2 (3-5 Years) – A Space for Deep Thinking, Collaboration, and Exploration

As children approach school age, their environment should encourage higher-order thinking, creativity, and social collaboration. At this stage, they benefit from flexible spaces that adapt to their interests, fostering a love for independent learning.

Key considerations for FS1 & FS2 include:

• Defined yet adaptable learning areas, such as literacy, numeracy, STEM, art, and role-play zones that allow for child-led exploration.
• Easily accessible and labelled resources that enable children to independently select and use materials.
• Open-ended play areas with loose parts and natural resources to encourage problem-solving and creativity.
• Spaces designed for both social and independent learning, including small-group areas for collaborative projects and quiet nooks for focused work.

A key debate within early years settings questions whether structured learning zones limit creativity. Some argue that heavily themed or pre-defined areas restrict children’s imagination, while others believe that clear learning zones provide essential structure. Should educators allow children more freedom to repurpose spaces as they see fit, rather than dictating their use?

The Role of the Environment as the “Third Teacher”

At Think Nursery, we advocate for an approach where the environment itself becomes a teacher—supporting, inspiring, and guiding children without excessive adult intervention.

• Are materials displayed in a way that invites exploration? Children should be able to access and select their own resources independently.
• Is the space flexible enough to support evolving interests? Learning environments should be adaptable rather than rigid.
• Does the classroom spark curiosity? Open-ended materials, natural elements, and well-thought-out provocations create endless learning opportunities.

Ultimately, the best early years environments balance structure with freedom, allowing children to feel both supported and empowered.

The Think Nursery Pro Insight Audit: Supporting Effective Learning Environments

At Think Nursery, we specialize in assessing and improving early years environments through our Pro Insight Audit. We work closely with nurseries to evaluate classroom design, identify areas for enhancement, and ensure that spaces truly support high-quality learning experiences.

During our audit, we assess:

• How accessible resources are for independent learning.
• Whether the classroom layout supports positive behaviors and engagement.
• The balance between structure and flexibility within the learning environment.
• Opportunities for risk-taking and problem-solving.
• The effectiveness of learning zones in promoting deep, meaningful learning experiences.

Many nursery managers find that even small adjustments to layout, resource placement, and material selection can have a significant impact on children’s engagement, independence, and overall behaviour.

Would you like to gain valuable insight into your current learning environment?

Book a Discovery Call today to learn how our Pro Insight Audit can help transform your classrooms or outdoor area into a space that truly supports learning and development.

Click here to schedule your call.