Kindergarten in Espoo
Situated close to Helsinki, Espoo has a population of 255,500 and is a typical Finnish town, with multistorey housing blocks scattered among coniferous woods. In view of its reasonable rents, the urban district of Saunalahti has become attractive to young families, so that there has been a growing need for childcare facilities. What is more, Finnish municipalities are obliged to offer every child a place in a kindergarten. The nursery staff of the present compex look after 85 children between the ages of two and seven. Since the pedagogic concept foresees that children should be able to play outdoors in all weathers and at all times of year, a dirt sluice was incorporated at every entrance, so that children in rainwear can be sprayed clean and their clothing placed in a drying cabinet. Outdoor shoes are not allowed beyond this point.
