The kit that earns its place

Most of what a co-op needs, it already has: a room, some tables, and parents willing to turn up. The list below is the small handful of things that come up again and again — the ones that quietly make a morning run better, or save somebody an argument with a printer at 7am.

Nothing here is essential, and none of it is a substitute for a good plan and a rota. Buy secondhand where you can, borrow before you buy, and ask your group first — somebody usually has one in a cupboard.