Barnardos Palmerston North
Barnardos Early Learning Palmerston North recently refreshed their learning environments with support from Play’n’Learn, creating vibrant, functional, and inviting spaces tailored specifically for young children.
What was the goal?
Barnardos sought to enhance their indoor spaces, creating calmer yet engaging learning environments that foster curiosity, exploration, and independence. Their priorities included:
- Comfortable, cosy zones for restful moments and sensory play.
- Flexible furniture layouts to encourage independent exploration and creativity.
- Robust, durable furniture that meets strict compliance standards without sacrificing warmth or visual appeal.
How we helped
- Custom Furniture: Supplied carefully selected pieces, including modular seating, open shelving, and low-level units, to maximise independent exploration and accessibility.
- Engaging Play Areas: Developed inviting dramatic play spaces, such as a versatile home-corner kitchen and dress-up station, to inspire imaginative role-play.
- Natural Materials & Colours: Chose furniture and resources with natural tones and textures, complementing Barnardos’ commitment to a calm, nurturing environment.
- Safety & Functionality: Ensured all furniture and play resources met rigorous safety standards, promoting compliance without compromising creativity or engagement.
The outcome
The new layout and thoughtfully selected furniture have significantly enhanced children’s engagement, providing a comfortable environment for exploration and discovery. Teachers have praised the practicality and flexibility of the refreshed spaces, noting how easily the areas adapt to daily learning experiences and routines.

