📒Physical Environment Policy (QA2) (video needed)

National Quality Standard (NQS) - Quality Area 2: Children's health and safety

 

 

Implementation

Woodlands is committed to providing an environment that promotes safety and enhances children’s learning and development by:

Choosing appropriate resources and equipment

• Providing appropriately sized furniture and equipment in both the indoor and outdoor environment for the age ranges signified in the service.
•  The Approved Provider will be responsible for any large purchases of equipment. The Nominated Supervisor is responsible for the daily running purchases of the service.
•  Educators will compile a list for the Nominated Supervisor of equipment that needs maintenance on a prioritised basis, twice annually.
•  The Service will actively seek the input of parents/guardians regarding toys and equipment at the service.
• Resources and equipment will be chosen to reflect the cultural diversity of the Service’s community and the cultural diversity of contemporary Australia, including the incorporation of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
• Providing children with challenges in relation to indoor and outdoor fundamentals in the environment to inspire appropriate challenges and risk-taking in accordance with children’s individual developmental level. 
• Ensuring the environment is organised to ensure safety and minimal disruption for children. 
• Integrating the precise requirements of children with additional needs to ensure an inclusive environment. 
• Ensuring climbing equipment is set up in a safe way and compliant with Australian Safety Standards. For example, incorporating soft fall materials wherever climbing equipment is set up. 
• Conducting consistent risk assessments of the indoor and outdoor environment in order to minimise risk and hazards.
•  Providing an environment that allows children in several dispositions to occur in the same space (e.g. quiet play areas and loud play areas)
• Providing a natural environment for children to explore and experience which may include (e.g. plants, trees, gardens, rock, mud or water) 
•  Encouraging Educators to participate in on-going professional development in order to enhance children’s learning and ensuring a safe and educational environment. 
• Working in collaboration with our Sun Safety policies and procedures, providing adequate shading for children that work in accordance with the recommendations of relevant authorities. 
•  Providing an environment that ensures children are appropriately supervised at all times.
• Ensuring all required fencing is in working condition and is compliant with current regulations. 
• Providing a variety of indoor and outdoor experiences, catering to children’s interests and abilities. 
•  Supporting the children to access appropriate furniture, resources, materials, toys and equipment. These resources will be adequate in number for the number of children attending our Service and be developmentally appropriate. 
• Providing an environment where children can explore, solve problems, create, construct and engage in critical thinking that is developmentally appropriate.
•  Providing an environment that permits children to participate in activities independently or in small groups and access resources autonomously. 
• Providing an environment that incorporates commercial, natural, recycled, homemade and real resources that can be used in a variety of ways to encourage children’s learning. 
• Providing sufficient and accessible hand-washing, toileting, eating and sleeping facilities
• Ensuring toileting and hand-washing facilities are accessible from both the indoor and outdoor environments. 
• Providing adequate and appropriate hygienic facilities for nappy changing, which are properly constructed ensuring children’s safety. 
• Incorporating natural and artificial lighting, appropriate ventilation, heating and cooling and fresh air.
• Providing appropriate areas for food preparation. 
• Providing a separate indoor space for children who are under two years of age. 
•  Providing an area for managerial purposes, consultation with children’s parents and for private conversations to occur. 
• Ensuring power points, not in use have safety caps, all double adaptors and power-boards are out of reach of children and all electrical cords are secured and not dangling. 
• Discussing with children the safety characteristics of using toys and equipment.
• Where appropriate involving the children in setting classroom guidelines. 
• Providing families with the latest safety information
• Implementing a maintenance log and register of toys and equipment
•   Ensuring all equipment, including resources, equipment, car seats, booster seats etc. meet relevant Australian Standards and educators are trained incorrect maintenance and assembly. 

 

Laundering of Soiled Items

• Soiled clothing will be returned to a child’s home for laundering. Educators will remove soiled content and placed into a plastic bag. Items will be stored securely in a sealed container and not placed in the child’s bag. 

 

Rearranging, Adding or Removing Furniture 

•  The Service will keep a record of any changes that are made to the physical environment of the service, such as rearranging of rooms etc. to show continuous improvement.
• The Service will document the links between the arrangements and choice of resources and equipment and the children’s learning in the program.

 

The Sleep/Rest Environment 

• Cots and beds should be positioned to encourage a calm and relaxing environment. They should also be separated by a minimum of 300mm to reduce the possibility of cross-infection. 
• Cots and beds should be regularly checked that all bolts and fittings are secure and safe.
• Beds should be located in an area that is easy to access for all educators and other staff
• Beds should be stored in a dry area.
• Educators must ensure to use correct manual handling techniques when moving the beds in a safe manner.
•  Beds should not be placed on high shelves or in unstable or difficult to reach stacks.

 

Ongoing Maintenance 

• The Service will continuously reflect on its environment and put in place a plan to ensure that the environment continuously reflects our ideology of providing an environment that is safe, stimulating and engaging for all who interact with it. 
• The Nominated Supervisor will document required maintenance with the administration in a maintenance plan/log for the Service as required. This will then be implemented throughout the year in accordance with priority, hazard removal, safety precautions and any relevant policies.
• The Nominated Supervisor is responsible for completing a building safety checklist of the service and its grounds bi-annually and ensure any work deemed necessary is done to Australian standards. 
• The Approved Provider/Nominated Supervisor will also ensure that the Service and its grounds comply with Local Government and BCA regulations in regards to fire ventilation, natural and artificial lighting and safety glass.

 

Grouping of Children 

• Our Service groups the children in accordance with their age and/or developmental stage. Within that space, there are a variety of different learning areas and opportunities for play experiences.
• Each age group has varying adult to child ratios, which are adhered to at all times in both the indoor and outdoor environment.
• Our indoor and outdoor environment provides opportunities for intentional teaching and spontaneous play throughout the day.

 

Safety Checks

A daily inspection of the premises will be undertaken before children begin to arrive. This inspection will include the:

• Service perimeters 
• Fences/Fence Line
• Gates
• Paths
• Buildings 
• All rooms accessible by children
• Fixed equipment
• Sand Pit

This must be done in order to identify any dangerous objects in the grounds ranging from sharps to poisonous or dangerous plants and animals. 

In the event of a sharp object being found (for example a syringe) educators will wear gloves and use tongs to pick up the object and place it in the ‘sharp object box’. This box will be disposed of as per the recommendations of our local council. 

Similarly, trees in the grounds must be checked regularly for overhanging, dead or dangerous-looking branches as well as check for any infestations or nests.

Non-fixed play equipment in the Service grounds can be no more than one metre high and must be supervised at all times by an Educator.

The Service will have regular pest inspections carried out by an accredited pest control company. Documentation of these inspections will be kept and any findings from the pest control check will be carried out in line with the recommendation of the pest control company. 

The Indoor and Outdoor Daily Safety Checklists will be used as the procedure to conduct these safety checks. A record of these will be kept by the service. The Approved Provider/Nominated Supervisor will make the appropriate arrangements to have repairs carried out as soon as possible. 

 

The following can be used as a guideline to produce Checklists for the Service’s individual needs. 

 Checklist: Outdoor

• Building maintenance – regularly maintain and check for hazards, check building is in a safe, clean and hygienic condition. Records of any damages and subsequent repairs are kept.
• Doors – have finger jam protectors.
• Dust mites, pet allergens– regular dusting and vacuuming.
• Fences – fence off securely and effectively all sides of outdoor play areas from roads, water hazards, and driveways. Maintain fences have the correct height. Install childproof self-locking devices on gates.
• Garbage – safe and prompt disposal. Use lidded secure bins that prevent child access and maintain in a clean and safe condition. Encourage recycling.
• Garden and renovation debris removed. Regularly trim branches and bushes.
• Garages and sheds - keep locked.
• Heating, cooling, ventilation, lighting – comfortable, safe, maintained, guarded and are kept out of reach of children.
• Hygienic, regularly cleaned and maintained conditions protect against vermin, bacteria, mildew, lead, asbestos and other dust allergens.
•  Non-slip floors, stairs, steps, grounds and nonporous indoor floors for easy cleaning.
• Renovation dangers e.g. lead, asbestos, holes and excavations – reduce risks.
• Pesticide residue - dangerous chemicals should not be used to remove vermin.
• Safety glass is installed according to the Australian Standards on all glass doors and windows accessible to children, and safety decals on both sliding doors and plate glass doors at child and adult eye level.
• Security - minimising unauthorised access with appropriate fencing and locks.
• Spills – clean away as they occur.
•   Under Service access (including buildings on stilts and footings) – lock or block access.
• Window fly screens securely fitted, maintained and permanent.
• Hazards and driveways. Maintain fences, have correct height, install childproof self- locking devices on gates.
• Bikes and wheeled toys– it is recommended that correctly fitted helmets be worn every time children use ‘bikes’ and wheeled toys. For detailed checklists and assistance in developing written policies to guide maintenance, programming, supervision and use of ‘bikes’ and wheeled toys in children’s services, contact the Early Childhood Road Safety Education Program on (02) 9850 9882.
• Service car park– ensure family members are aware of pedestrian safety rules such as holding their child’s hand and alighting children from the safety door. Encourage families to always supervise their children in the car park to prevent accidents and injuries, which could occur as a result of reversing vehicles.
• Finger entrapment –all holes or openings in playground equipment must be between 8-25 mm.
• First aid kit is approved, maintained, and accessible throughout the outdoor play.
•  Hazardous Plants– identify and remove or make inaccessible to children.
• Machinery, tools and equipment– ensure all engine operated or other hazardous equipment, tools or machinery are stored securely and are inaccessible to children.
• Pet and animal droppings cleared or inaccessible to children in outdoor areas, exclude dogs from children’s play areas, finger proof pet enclosures, supervise pet interactions with children.
• Pool safety, fencing and gate compliance, paddling pools emptied immediately after use, turn upside down, disinfected if soiled.
• Safe play rules and adequate safe play areas- talk with children about how to play safely. Maintain safe layouts for outdoor play areas to avoid collisions between children.
• Sandpits - cover when not in use, regularly clean, rake, and remove sand soiled by faeces or blood. Hose sandpits at the end of the day after removing contaminated sand and material.
• Soft fall-appropriate ground cover under outdoor climbing and play equipment meets standards.
• Sun protection clothing, hats, and sunscreen, for un-shaded areas - minimise play at peak sun exposure times. Install a sunshade over sandpits and play areas.
• Ensure children are visible and supervised at all times. High-risk areas and climbing and other outdoor play equipment. Make hazardous equipment, machinery, chemicals, and any other materials inaccessible to children.
• Water hazards- cover and make inaccessible to children, e.g. ponds, dams, spas, creeks, nappy buckets.
• Water troughs are to be used under adult supervision only and will not be used without a stand, keeping it off the ground.  Children are to remain standing on the ground whilst using the water trough
• Play equipment that is higher than 50cm has soft fall installed underneath at least 25cm in depth under and 1.9m from the perimeter of the equipment. Place outdoor play equipment away from paths and solid garden edging. 
•  Surfacing Used underneath and around equipment complies with Australian and New Zealand Standards AS/NZS 4422, 1996, and is maintained regularly; materials may need to be raked, redistributed and checked weekly for spiders, sharp objects or animal litter.

 

 Checklist: Indoors

• Access for children and adults with a disability - ensure safe access into, within and out of the Service, security, toilet and washing facilities, and check for hazards for wheelchairs and people with impaired sight, hearing or mobility.
• Barriers - age-appropriate, childproof, self-locking barriers to balconies, stairways, kitchen, bathroom, laundry, garage, other levels in the Service, front and back garden.
• Children at risk – maintain extra security and supervision for children at special risk.
•  Choking hazards e.g. small toy parts, beads, nuts, blind and curtain cords, plastic bags, sandwich bags and balloons.
• Decorations and children’s artwork – do not place near ceiling fans, air conditioners or heaters. Avoid the use of tacks, pins, and staples.
•  Emergency evacuations – develop an evacuation plan and emergency contact numbers display, inform families and practice evacuation procedures.
• Fire – fire blanket, extinguisher, fire exits, smoke detectors, electrical safety switch.
•  First aid kit with approved contents is maintained and accessible.  Ensure First Aid certificates are current for relevant educators.
• Furniture and nursery equipment- stable, maintained and meets safety standards.
• Guard and make inaccessible to Children: heaters, coolers, fireplaces, stoves, microwaves, power points, and office equipment. Ensure heaters are away from children’s cots.
•  Hazardous indoor and outdoor plants identify, remove or make inaccessible to children.
• Heaters – ensure that children cannot come in contact with hot surfaces. It is preferable to use heating where combustion products are ducted outside. If gas heating is used to ensure there is adequate ventilation while the heater is operating.
• Hot water - ensure the hot water supply is regulated so as to keep it below the temperature at which a child can be scalded (the current KidSafe NSW Inc. recommendation is below 43.5°C).
• Machinery, tools and equipment – ensure all engine operated or other hazardous equipment, tool or machinery are stored securely and are inaccessible to children.
• Noise – reduce excessive exposure.
•  Non-slip, non-porous floors, stairs.
• Pets and animals – inform families of pets being kept on-premises and plans to obtain new pets. Ensure pets are vaccinated, wormed, don’t have fleas, clean, and healthy. Keep pet accessories such as pet food, litter boxes, pet toys away from children. Exclude dogs from children’s play areas. Keep children-pet interactions minimal and supervise interaction times.
• Record details and notify parents of any child accident.
• Safe play rules and adequate play spaces: discourage running indoors and safe furniture layout to avoid collisions.
• Safety glass used and installed according to Australian Standards, and Australian Building Codes on all glass doors and windows accessible to children, safety decals on sliding doors and plate glass doors at child and adult eye level.
•  Security – ensure all entry doors are locked at all times and place bells on doors.
• The smoke-free environment in all areas.
•  Educator’s personal items – ensure educator‘s personal items such as bags, sharp instruments, toiletries and medicines are kept secure and are inaccessible to children.
•  Stairways, ramps, corridors, hallway, external balcony must be enclosed to prevent a child from falling.
•  Store in locked cabinet any unsafe items, e.g. chemicals, medicines, razors, knives and electrical equipment.
• Supervision and visibility of children – ensure children are visible and supervised at all times. High-risk areas are children in highchairs, playpens and play areas, on change tables, and in nappy change and toilet areas. Have at least two educators on premises at all times with the vision of each other and the children, have two educators present or in view when changing nappies or washing children.
• Toys – meet safety standards, age-appropriate, maintained, and non-toxic.

 

Cleaning of Buildings, Premises, Furniture and Equipment

General Cleaning

• The Service will use structured cleaning schedules to ensure that all cleaning is carried out regularly and thoroughly. 
• Educators will clean the service at the end of each day and throughout the day as needed.
• Accidents and spills will be cleaned up as quickly as possible to ensure that the service always maintains a high level of cleanliness and hygiene. 

 

When purchasing, storing and/or using any dangerous chemicals, substances, medicines or equipment, our service will:

• Adhere at all times to manufacturer’s advice and instructions when using products to clean furniture and equipment at the service. 
• Store all dangerous chemicals, substances and medicines in their original containers provided by the manufacturer. All labels and/or use by dates should be kept intact at all times. 
• Any substance found to be stored in a different container than originally provided, or with destroyed labels and/or unknown use by dates where appropriate will not be used under any circumstances. 
• Containers should be disposed of correctly following local council guidelines, and not reused under any circumstances.
• All dangerous chemicals, substances and equipment must be stored in a locked place or facility that is labelled, secure and inaccessible to children. These materials may include, but are not limited to, all cleaning materials, detergents, poisonous or dangerous substances, dangerous tools and equipment including those with sharp and razor edges and toiletries.
• Educators should follow the instructions of manufacturers, particularly of any product, which may need to be stored in a refrigerated environment pursuant to the aforementioned directives.
• Any Substances that need to be refrigerated must be stored in a labelled, child-resistant container, preferably in a separate compartment or in a part of the refrigerator inaccessible to children.
• All hazardous chemicals must be supplied with a Safety Data Sheet(SDS) formerly called a Material Data Safety Sheet. Our Service will adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions for use, storage, and first aid instructions recorded on the SDS. 
• The Service will keep a register of all hazardous chemicals, substances and equipment used at the Service. The information recorded should include where they are stored, their use, any risks, and first aid instructions and the current SDS. The register will be readily accessible.
• Appropriate personal protective clothing should be worn in accordance to the manufacturer’s instructions when using and disposing of hazardous substances or equipment.
• Seek medical advice immediately if poisoning or potentially hazardous ingestion, inhaled, skin or eye exposure has occurred, or call the Poisons Information Line on 13 11 26, or call an Ambulance 000.     
• In the case of any child or educator becoming injured by a chemical, substance or equipment, the Service will initiate our emergency, medical and first aid procedures, notify the appropriate authority that administers workplace health and safety immediately and any other person or authority as required by regulations or guidelines.
• In any major emergency involving a hazardous chemical or equipment, a hazardous gas or a fire or explosion hazard, call the emergency services, dial 000 and notify the appropriate authority that administers workplace health and safety and any other person or authority as required by regulations or guidelines.
• The Poison Safety Checklist will be used in order to ensure we are consistently meeting requirements.  

 

Children’s bathroom 

• Supervision in the bathroom is important when in use. 
• Educators and other staff should also encourage children to follow hygiene practices. 
• Bathrooms should be cleaned at least twice a day and when required 
• Bathroom floors should always be mopped.
• Signage is to be used after mopping to ensure that the child/children, educators and other staff and families are warned that the floor is wet.
• Educators are to ensure they follow the bathroom and toilet cleaning procedure. 

 

Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment 

• Services must ensure that electrical equipment is regularly inspected and tested by a competent person if the electrical equipment is supplied with electricity through an electrical socket and used in conditions where it could be damaged, including exposure to moisture, heat, vibration, mechanical damage, corrosive chemicals or dust.
• A record of all electrical testing and tagging must be attached and kept until the equipment is next tested or disposed of and must specify: 

1. The name of the tester
2. The date and outcome of the testing. 
3. The date on which the next testing must be carried out.

Maintenance of Fire Equipment

• All fire equipment at our Service will be maintained as per the legal standards. 
• External agencies will be employed to assist the service with this maintenance if no currently employed staff or educators are qualified to complete the maintenance checks.

 

Sun Protection

Woodlands will work in collaboration with the VIC SunSmart Program to ensure children’s health and safety is maintained at all times whilst at the service. We will use the SunSmart UV Index tool to ensure we are protecting children and staff from UV radiation.  Educators will document the UV rating each day to ensure the safety of children, staff and Educators. The UV Index will be used when:

• Planning or participating in outdoor activities 
• Undertaking recreational activities – for example, munch and move 

 

Outdoor Activities

The Service will use a combination of sun protection measures whenever UV Index levels reach 3 and above. This will include:

• From October to March sun protection is required at all times. Extra sun protection is needed between 11:00 am and 3:00 pm and during this period outdoor activities should be minimised. Minimising outdoor activities include reducing both the number of times (frequency) and the length of time (duration) children are outside.
• From April to September (excluding June and July) outdoor activity can take place at any time. However, from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm sun protection is required.
• In June and July when the UV index is mostly below 3, sun protection is not required. Extra care is needed for services in the far west and north of NSW and for all children who have very fair skin.
• All sun protection measures (including recommended outdoor times, shade, hats, clothing and sunscreen) will be considered when planning excursions and incursions.
• Educators continuing to check the UV rating prior to going outdoors and as the heat increases throughout the day. 

 

Shade

The service will provide and maintain adequate shade for outdoor play. Shade options can include a combination of portable, natural and built shade. Regular shade assessments should be conducted to monitor existing shade structures and assist in planning for additional shade.

 

Hats

Educators and children are required to wear sun-safe hats that protect their face, neck and ears. A sun safe hat is: 

• Legionnaire hat.
• Bucket hat with a deep crown and brim size of at least 5cm (adults 6cm).
• Broad-brimmed hat with a brim size of at least 6cm (adults 7.5cm).

Please note: baseball caps or visors do not provide enough sun protection and therefore are not recommended. Children without a sun-safe hat will be asked to play in an area protected from the sun (e.g. under the shade, veranda or indoors) or can be provided with a spare hat.

 

Clothing

When outdoors, educators and children will wear sun-safe clothing that covers as much of the skin (especially the shoulders, back and stomach) as possible. This includes wearing:

• Loose-fitting shirts and dresses with sleeves and collars or covered neckline.
• Longer style skirts, shorts and trousers.
• Children who are not wearing sun-safe clothing can be provided with spare clothing.
• Enclosed shoes and socks to protect children’s feet 

Please note: midriff, crop or singlet tops do not provide enough sun protection and therefore are not recommended.

 

Sunscreen 

All educators and children will apply SPF30+ broad-spectrum water-resistant sunscreen 20 minutes before going outdoors and reapply every 2 hours. Sunscreen is stored in a cool, dry place and the use-by-date monitored.

 

Babies

Babies under 12 months will not be exposed to direct sunlight and are to remain in dense shade when outside. They will wear sun-safe hats and clothing and small amounts of SPF30+ broad-spectrum water-resistant sunscreen may be applied to their exposed skin.

The Australasian College of Dermatologists does not recommend the widespread regular use of chemical sunscreens in very young babies (less than six months of age), as they absorb more of any chemical applied to the skin than adults. Sunscreens should be applied to areas of the skin not protected by clothing. The American Academy of Pediatrics has stated that sunscreens may be used on infants younger than six months on small areas of skin if adequate clothing and shade are not available. Source: Cancer Council of Australia

 

Role Modelling

Educators will act as role models and demonstrate sun-safe behaviour by:

• Wearing a sun-safe hat (see Hats).
• Wearing sun-safe clothing (see Clothing).
• Applying SPF30+ broad-spectrum water-resistant sunscreen 20 minutes before going outdoors.
• Using and promoting shade.
• Wearing sunglasses that meet the Australian Standard1067 (optional).

 

Families and visitors are encouraged to role model positive sun-safe behaviour.

Education and Information

Sun protection will be incorporated regularly into learning programs. Sun protection information will be promoted to educators, families and visitors. Further information, support and free resources are available from the Cancer Council website www.cancercouncil.com.au/sunsmartor call the SunSmart Information Line on 02 9334 1761.

Policy Availability

The sun protection policy, updates and requirements (including hat, clothing and sunscreen) will be made available to educators and staff, families and visitors.

Review

Our service will monitor and review the effectiveness of our sun protection policy regularly, at least once every 12 months. 

 

SunSmart Agreement Service name:___________________________________________________________________   This service agrees to enforce the above sun protection policy in line with the SunSmart Early Childcare Program recommendations and to inform the Cancer Council NSW of any changes to the service’s policy and practices. The service will take part in a review every 2 years.   Name: _____________________________ Position: __________________________    Signature: _________________________       Date: _______________________________

 

Water Safety

Regulations state that services are not permitted to have pools unless they existed on the premises before 6 November 1996. However, to stop accidents and illnesses relating to swimming pools, wading pools, water troughs and other water situations our service will:

• Remove any items or objects that could be used to climb into the fenced area of a pool, trough, or water storage unit e.g. chairs, bins, bikes, and any overhanging trees.
• Make sure no child swims in any water without:
• Written permission from family member to learn water safety and swimming.
• Appropriate educators/child ratios in place
• Having sufficient numbers of educators present who have first aid or recognised water safety and rescue procedures. 
• At all times children near water are closely supervised. A child will never be left unattended near any water.
• Ensure that all water containers are made inaccessible to children and also make sure children’s play areas are safely fenced off from water hazards such as rivers, dams, creeks, lakes, irrigation channels, wells etc. 
• Immediately empty all wading pools/water troughs etc. after every use, storage should prevent the collection of water e.g. upright/inverted, also check grounds after rain or watering and empty water that has collected in holes or containers.
• Ensure wading/water trough are hygienically cleaned, disinfected and chlorinated appropriately:
• On a daily basis remove leaves and debris, hose away surface dirt and scrub inside with disinfectant.
• Wash away disinfectant before filling trough.

 

 Service Closure 

• Two Educators must close the Service each night
• Both Educators are to check the entire premises to ensure that all children and families have departed by checking sign in and out sheets for all rooms. 
• Both educators must sign the sign in and out sheets confirming all children are signed out. 
• Educators are to follow Service-closing procedures each night.
• In the case where a parent has omitted to sign their child out, and the educators did not witness the child leave the service, the educators must take every step to get in contact with the parent to ensure the child has safely left the Service.
• If unable to contact the family, the educators are to contact other educators present on that day for confirmation that the child has been collected. The Nominated Supervisor is to then be notified before leaving the Service.
• Individuals visiting our Service must also sign in when they arrive at the Service, and sign out when they leave. 
• Details of absences during the day must also be recorded