Expanding your nursery?
Space shouldn’t hold you back.
The government’s rollout of 30 funded childcare hours is creating an urgent need for additional floor space across the UK. Here’s how a Hoecker clear span marquee structure could be the fastest, most cost-effective way to meet the new EYFS requirements.
A perfect storm for nursery space
Since September 2024, the government has been rolling out one of the most significant expansions to childcare entitlement in a generation. From the term after a child turns nine months old, eligible working parents can now access up to 30 funded hours of childcare per week. The third and final stage of the rollout completed in September 2025, with the Department for Education estimating that ~60,000 new places were needed between September 2024 and September 2025 alone.
For thousands of nursery operators across England, this presents a clear commercial opportunity - but one with a very physical constraint: floor space. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework sets out binding minimum indoor space requirements per child, and these cannot simply be waived because demand has grown.
“One of the barriers identified by providers to expanding their childcare provision was physical space, and specifically the indoor floor space requirements set out in the EYFS.”
- DfE EYFS Space Requirements Consultation, May 2025
Whether you operate a stand-alone nursery or a school-based setting, adding indoor capacity has traditionally meant expensive building work, planning delays, and months of disruption. Hoecker Structures offers a compelling alternative.
What the regulations actually require
Under the current EYFS framework (Section 3 - Safeguarding and Welfare Requirements), every registered provider must meet the following minimum indoor space standards. These figures apply to the net useable area occupied by children, and exclude storage, thoroughfares, staff rooms, cloakrooms, kitchens, and toilets.
EYFS Indoor Space Requirements (England)
| Age Group | Min. Space Per Child | 10-child room requires | 20-child room requires |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 2 years | 3.5 m² | 35 m² | 70 m² |
| 2 year olds | 2.5 m² | 25 m² | 50 m² |
| 3–5 year olds | 2.3 m² | 23 m² | 46 m² |
These figures make it straightforward to calculate exactly how much additional covered space your setting needs in order to register more children. Even a modest 6m × 9m Hoecker clear span structure delivers 54 m² of useable floor space - enough to register up to 23 additional children aged 3-5 in a fully enclosed, weatherproof environment.
Why a clear span marquee structure is ideally suited
A Hoecker clear span marquee isn’t a party tent. Our structures are engineered from robust aluminium alloy frames with insulated panel systems and full weatherproofing, designed to be used year-round. For nursery operators, that distinction matters enormously.
No internal columns
True clear span design means no posts interrupting the play area - safer for children and fully flexible in layout.
Permanent or semi-permanent
Structures can be installed as a long-term fixed addition or retained with the flexibility to relocate or reconfigure.
Fast to install
A typical structure can be erected in days, not months - significantly faster than a conventional building extension.
Cost-effective
A fraction of the capital cost of a brick-and-mortar extension, with no requirement for significant groundworks in most cases.
Fully weatherproof
Insulated side panels, solid flooring options, heating and ventilation compatibility - year-round usability in the UK climate.
Scalable sizing
From 3m wide to 15m wide, and in any length, our structures scale precisely to your site and your capacity target.
The free-flow outdoor space consultation — and why covered space is the safer bet
In May 2025 the DfE launched a consultation exploring whether “free-flow” outdoor areas could be included within EYFS floor space calculations for children aged two and above. Under Option 2 - the government’s preferred option - providers with qualifying outdoor space could potentially take additional children, subject to a cap (the consultation cited 10% as an example). The consultation closed in July 2025, with a government response expected in autumn 2025.
However, for outdoor space to qualify as “free-flow,” the consultation specifies that doors to the area must be open at all times, the area must always be accessible to children, and children must have safe access in all weathers including having adequate shelter and shade.
A covered, weatherproof Hoecker structure connected to your existing building could be precisely what’s needed to meet the “free-flow” definition - combining the compliance benefits of indoor space with the developmental benefits of outdoor access.
Regardless of how the consultation outcome is implemented, a fully enclosed, insulated Hoecker structure will count as indoor space under the current framework, giving you compliance certainty from the day it is installed - without waiting for regulatory changes.
Practical examples for nursery operators
Here are a few ways nurseries across the UK are using clear span structures to grow their registered capacity and meet demand from working parents:
Attached playroom extension. A structure abutted directly to the rear or side of an existing nursery building, connected by a wide doorway, effectively extends the floor area. Children and staff move freely between the existing space and the new structure. Ideal for settings in urban environments with limited outdoor ground space.
Covered outdoor play zone. A semi-open or open-sided structure installed over an existing outdoor play area, protecting children from rain and harsh sunlight while maintaining the feel of outdoor play. With the government’s focus on free-flow outdoor access, this configuration positions your setting well for any forthcoming regulatory changes.
Separate activity room. A self-contained structure used as a dedicated creative arts room, sensory room, or quiet learning space. This frees up your existing indoor area to increase main room registrations, while offering additional enrichment for the children.
School-based nursery expansion. For primary schools that have opened or expanded nursery provision using DfE capital grants, a Hoecker structure on the school grounds can provide additional compliant floor space quickly, without the planning and construction complexity of extending the main school building.
Planning permission considerations
Whether a temporary or permanent structure requires planning consent depends on factors including its size, how it is attached to existing buildings, and the specific permitted development rights applicable to your site. Some nursery operators benefit from Class R or similar permitted development rights, or from the fact that a structure is readily demountable and not considered a permanent development.
We always recommend engaging your local planning authority early in the process. Our team at Hoecker Structures can provide technical drawings and specification information to support your planning application or pre-application enquiry, and we are experienced in helping operators navigate this process smoothly.
Ready to explore the right structure for your nursery?
Tell us how many additional children you need to accommodate and the space available on your site. We can help you identify the right structure size, advise on planning considerations, and provide a detailed quotation - usually within 48 hours.
Our structures are manufactured to commercial-grade specifications and are in use across schools, nurseries, and childcare settings throughout the UK.
View Our Structures Request a QuoteWhy Hoecker Structures UK Ltd?
Hoecker Structures UK Ltd is a specialist manufacturer and supplier of clear span marquee structures designed for commercial, educational, and industrial applications. Our structures are designed in the UK, built to withstand the British climate, and backed by a knowledgeable team that understands the practical requirements of operators in regulated environments.
We supply structures across a wide range of widths - from compact 6m spans ideal for a small nursery garden through to large-span event and warehouse structures - all configurable in length and with a broad choice of cladding, flooring, and accessory options. Every structure we produce is a clear span design, meaning no internal columns obstructing your useable floor area.
Whether you need a permanent addition to your nursery building or a flexible semi-permanent solution, we’re here to help you find the right fit for your site, your budget, and your children.
Published by Hoecker Structures UK Ltd — www.hoeckeruk.com — 01536 316 970
Space requirement figures sourced from the EYFS Statutory Framework and DfE EYFS Space Requirements Consultation (May 2025). Always confirm current requirements with your local Ofsted registration team.