OK - sorry chaps this is one of those non-negotiable things that while we don't approve of them, we have to comply

OFSTED insist on the idea that children (at nursery)need lots of time outside - so I am going to have large amounts of time with a door open

So apart from supplying my staff with coats - are there anyways to keep warm (paid for) air inside?

BTW I am guessing not......but I thought I'd ask

How about those curtains made of clear plastic strips that you see in supermarket cold stores and industrial buildings.
Not perfect but can make a big difference to heat loss.

Katy, I'm slightly confused. You say that the requirement is that children need to spend time outside. Fair enough, but that does not mean you cannot close the door - or have I missed something?.
In fact, it would be a good lesson for the children and staff to get used to closing the door properly when going in and out as this will then be continued at home.

Also closing doors & children in inevitably lead to accidents - I promise you - I only have 9 here and doors have caused more accidents than any other item
OFSTED require (in EYFS coming to a setting near you in September) free (unobstructed) access to the outside...grrr

Will have awning/sunshade/sail (cos we can't let them burn either - even though keeping them inside during the hottest art of the day would be sensible

How about a porch style set up where you can't open the outside door until the inside door is closed. This would act as a buffer zone. Or maybe have restaurant style kitchen doors (swing both ways) for the inner set of doors.

How about a tube slide like they have at swimming pools?

A tunnel back?

Through the dog flap.

try again

What a cutie!!!

Katymac, all seriousness aside, a light weight, insulated door will not take much power from the hinge/closing mechanism I mentioned earlier and will close at a predictable speed. If you make access to the door narrow - ie, put a cupboard next to the side which opens, it makes it harder for kids to be near the door unless they are going through it.

I recently got a lovely old fashioned double wooden school desk for my kids and realised why they got rid of them in schools. The weight of the lid and the guillotine action as the 2 lids pass each other is pretty unsafe - but I rationed, that we grew up with them so they couldn't be that bad.

To make sure I tested it by slamming it on my own fingers. . .******!! . . . then I showed the kids how dangerous they could be. . . . and then I showed them how to shut the desk properly. . . . and then I yelled at them every time i heard a slam. They both use the desk now, and love it. . . . touch wood, they treat it with respect.

I know what you mean about health and safety. I think it comes down to constantly showing the kids the correct way to do things. At my daughters preschool there are VERY steep stairs and they teach them to climb with care. (great, as we used to live in a bungalow).

Polystyrene? Cork?

Its a 2 door design. When you shut up shop there is an outer normal door you close over the top of the other one for security. When the building is in use the outer door is opened and securely tied back.

The outer door would open outwards and fasten back. I'm not so sure about the inner one opening both ways - works in comedy sketches with waiters carrying trays, but not so practical in real life. Might be better to have the inner one opening in or out. People get used to doors which ever way they open them, and mostly everyone uses all their senses when doing it - ears hear if there's anyone on the other side, and experience tells them if there's something blocking the door when they push against it. Rather than put glass in the door - makes it heavier - could you have fixed glass panels on one or both sides of the door (not very feng shui) They don't need to be wide.