As part of our CSR policy, we support organisations that share our values through financial help, mentoring, network connections and in some cases, practical upgrades. For Standish Under 5s Nursery, that meant delivering a complete LED lighting upgrade free of charge.
Lighting in early years settings like Standish presents unique challenges. Young children’s eyes are more sensitive to glare and flicker, so fittings must deliver soft, diffuse light that avoids visual discomfort. Safety is also a priority as spaces need to be evenly lit with minimal shadows or harsh contrasts so staff can easily monitor activities and children can move around without risk. Nurseries combine quiet reading corners, creative activity zones and active play areas, each requiring different lighting levels, so a flexible, zoned approach works best. All of this must be achieved alongside low running costs, low maintenance and long service life.
What We Did
- Produced a full DIALux lighting design to meet CIBSE LG05 guidelines for early years environments.
- Manufactured and supplied all fittings.
- Installation carried out by our partners at Solarcrown Commercial.
- Commissioning and setup to ensure optimal light distribution and control.
- Ongoing support to keep the system performing at its best.
How the Fittings Met the Challenge
Waldron Linear Fittings
These 42W, 5967lm linear surface-mounted fittings provided bright yet glare-free illumination ideal for active nursery spaces. The IP44 rating keeps out dust and insects, ensuring clean optics and consistent output. Their TPA rating meets safety requirements, while Mymesh dimmable and addressable emergency capability allows each area to be tuned for its purpose – from calm storytime to vibrant play – without replacing the fittings.
Jarrow Bulkheads
Maintained 3W Mymesh addressable Jarrow bulkheads offer reliable, high-efficiency emergency lighting. Their impact-resistant design is well-suited to busy early years environments, while the LiFePO₄ batteries double the service life compared to traditional units, reducing maintenance. The corridor function also improves safety in circulation spaces.
Hazel Emergency Exit Signs
Robust, wall-mounted Hazel signs with up to 33m viewing distance ensure escape routes are clearly marked. The long-life LiFePO₄ batteries and Mymesh compatibility make them easy to monitor and test without disrupting nursery operations.
Smart Controls
Integrating multi-sensors and dimmable switches allowed us to create tailored lighting zones across the nursery. Lighting can adjust automatically to available daylight, ensuring visual comfort and reducing energy use.
Results
- Lighting levels optimised for young children and in line with LG05 guidance.
- A safer, more comfortable environment for both staff and children.
- Energy-efficient, low-maintenance system with long-life LEDs and smart controls, reducing running costs.
- Lower carbon footprint for the nursery through reduced energy consumption.
Client Feedback
“The difference has been brilliant… the rooms feel brighter, calmer and much more welcoming. The new lighting helps us create the right atmosphere for each activity and it’s also saving us money and reducing our environmental impact.”
Katie Wallington, Manager of Standish Under 5s Nursery
