Bright Horizons Foundation for Children has opened a second play space in the UK’s largest women’s prison.

The new outdoor space for children and young people at HMP & YOI Bronzefield is one of more than 100 Bright Spaces established in domestic violence refuges, homeless shelters, child protection interview suites and prison visiting areas since 2005.

The spaces are designed in collaboration with service users and experienced childcare professionals to provide comfortable, child-friendly environments for young people experiencing trauma and adversity. This is the second Bright Space to open at HMP & YOI Bronzefield, and the seventh space to open this year.

The Bright Space aims to improve the prison visiting experience for children and young people, encouraging them to visit and maintain important family relationships, ultimately supporting reduced reoffending. Key features include interactive activities, sensory play items, and improved seating arrangements to foster a more relaxed and enjoyable visiting experience for children and their families.

Iain Colledge, executive director of operations for Bright Horizons, who officially opened the new Bright Space, said: “At Bright Horizons, we believe in the power of creating safe, caring environments for children and families, especially during difficult times. The opening of this Bright Space at HMP & YOI Bronzefield is our way of making a meaningful impact on the lives of disadvantaged young people in our communities.”

Caroline Dixon, family support worker at Bronzefield, said: “We recognise how vital it is for children to maintain bonds with their mothers, even in challenging circumstances. The addition of this new Bright Space will further improve the visiting experience for families, by making visits more enjoyable and less daunting for children.”

Emma Charalambous, perinatal services and mother & baby unit manager, said: “It is so important to offer a fun, welcoming and fit for purpose outdoor space, especially for children coming to visit their family members at HMP Bronzefield. The families and visits team want to continue to progress how we support families and enhance the visiting experience for families and significant others. The opening of the garden and getting the environment right is a positive step forward for these plans.”