Designing nursery cubicles at a child’s scale

A washroom designed for children is not a miniature version of an adult space. The age range, teachers’ supervision practices and habits of independent use directly influence the layout. Colour selection should follow these decisions.

Balance independence with supervision

HEWI’s guide to nursery toilet partitions emphasises child-friendly access and careful safety planning. In practice, this means creating a space children can use while allowing adults to provide support when needed.

Source: HEWI — WC partitions in the nursery

Do not assume a single age group

Clarify the ages the facility serves and whether different groups use the same space. The project team should determine door, hook, washbasin and accessory heights accordingly; one dimension found online should not be applied to every group.

Door movement and finger-entrapment risks require separate assessment. Ask hardware suppliers for solutions suitable for children and the relevant documentation. This article does not replace safety dimensioning or approval of compliance.

Create a calm, legible visual arrangement

Use a small number of tones consistently rather than giving every surface a different colour. Light walls and green cubicles, for example, can make doors easy to identify. Wayfinding should not depend solely on colour; signs must also be understandable.

Rehearse the cleaning and supervision routine with facility staff. Soap dispensers, towel holders and bins should be considered as part of the child’s route from the cubicle to the washbasin and exit.

Before you decide

Tell the project team the age range and supervision model.
Review door safety and hardware documentation.
Plan washing, drying and exit routes together.

Sources and scope

Manufacturer sources were reviewed on 24 September 2026. Brand and product properties in those sources do not automatically represent performance or certification claims for Mat Kabin products. Planning advice is general information; final selections should be based on the current technical documents for the specific product.

HEWI — WC partitions in the nursery