Hygge is Coming to Little Acorns Nursery, Padiham

One of the exciting new initiatives that we have planned for Little Acorns nursery, Padiham, is to make it a Hygge setting. In today’s post, we explain what Hygge means and how it will benefit the setting, especially the children. Once the Hygge initiative has been fully adopted, it will positively transform the whole feel of the nursery and benefit everyone. Introducing Hygge is exciting and the children are going to love it! To be truthful, we can’t wait to get started!

First, though … what is Hygge and how do you even say the word?

What’s Hygge?

Counter to the instincts of those whose first language is English, Hygge is pronounced “Hue-Gah” rather than “Hig”. It is popular in Denmark and Norway and is a Danish word that refers to a rather beautiful lifestyle; one of cosiness, homeliness, contentment and comfort. Wellbeing, warmth and conviviality are central to the Hygge approach. Friendliness, a welcoming atmosphere and closer links to nature are key parts of the Hygge way of life too. Having a more simple lifestyle and living far more in the moment are also part and parcel of Hygge. With such facets, Hygge naturally fosters happiness and contentment in everyone that it touches. Indeed, that’s one of the many reasons we can’t wait for both children and staff to start embracing it at Little Acorns Nursery.

Hygge is like a hug but without the physical touch.

Hygge at Little Acorns Nursery, Padiham

Once we’ve adopted Hygge at the nursery, it’ll look and feel warmer and far more welcoming, with softer, warmer lighting and a more homely atmosphere. Gone will be anything that looks sterile, cold or even harshly lit. Instead, expect to see soft furnishings including cushions, rugs and blankets. Look out for little nooks where children can gather in small groups to read, play or engage with each other or with staff. Hygge nurseries are also synonymous with dens and teepees, allowing children to ‘nest’ in calm, cosy spaces and corners. All these things will also deaden sound, reduce noise levels, and banish echoes, making for a much calmer setting entirely.

‘True’ Hygge is also associated with candlelight although, of course, for safety purposes, this would be the LED version of candles at the nursery. They’ll still make the lighting magical, though, and it’s even possible to get flickering LED tea-lights.

We mentioned that Hygge brings people closer to nature and that will be evident not only outside but indoors too. We’ll ensure there are natural objects and materials for the children to explore and handle, including things like smooth pebbles, wood surfaces, pine cones and perhaps reed and wicker items. These will be lovely to handle and to be around, stimulating multiple senses, which is so important in the young. The introduction of appropriate plants will also bring children closer to nature and enhance the Hygge atmosphere.

Hygge often goes hand-in-hand with relaxing music and even calming scents, and we’ll see about introducing some of that to the nursery too. for yet more sensory stimulation, although in a very calm way.

Children will also be encouraged to be convivial, i.e. be friendly, inclusive, pleasant and welcoming to one another and to staff. We always try to foster a culture of mutual respect and equality, but the introduction of Hygge to the nursery will take this even further. Sharing and politeness are to be encouraged. Play will be calmer and more harmonious. With Hygge, growing friendships will naturally blossom. Hygge minimises conflict and leads to harmony, calmness and a very pleasurable day-to-day experience for everyone touched by it.

With Hygge, children will also be encouraged to live at times more in the moment. They will also be asked to quietly reflect on their day and to think about everything they are grateful for. It’s a great new way for children to see and appreciate the world around them including both the bigger picture and the smaller details. Indeed, it will really bring out their sense of wonder.

Hygge is magical. It will feed children’s hearts, minds and spirits — in profound ways.

We will update this site in due course as we progress on our Hygge adventure, eventually culminating in Hygge in Early Years accreditation. The children and staff of Little Acorns Nursery, Padiham, are really going to enjoy the journey and we hope that parents will embrace some of its values too.

Little Acorns Nursery & Pre-School is in Padiham, Lancashire

Little Acorns Nursery & Pre-School is in Padiham, Lancashire, conveniently near to Hapton, Rose Grove, Burnley, Altham, Huncoat, Read, Simonstone, Sabden, Higham and Wood End. We offer an outstanding weekday childcare service for babies, toddlers & children aged up to 5.

If you would like to register your interest in a place for your child at the nursery/pre-school, please get in touch. We’ll be pleased to hear from you and will be in touch, by return, to agree the next steps. We’re happy to discuss your child’s nursery application at any time and to answer any questions. Please choose a button to get started …