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摘要

This sheltering roof has a symbolic role as well as the pragmatic one of providing the sort of covered play spaces that other nurseries can only envy. The encompassing tent expresses the developing role of nurseries in taking an inclusive (joined-up) approach to the early years of family life. It takes on the government's broader Sure Start agenda, supporting the early years of childhood not only by providing play and educational experiences for children from six months to five years old, but also health checks, support for parenting skills and for parents seeking employment. In particular, nurseries that also act as Children's Centres are venues for contact and training of those working in childcare. On this particular project, many of the spaces are available for community hire too and, as nurseries increasingly do, it is open for the working day, from 7.30am to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday.