Mp 4 – child care centres

Performance Criteria

1. 
   inhibit unauthorised access and egress;
   
2. 
   provide ease of access for children between indoor and outdoor areas;
   
3. 
   provide safe passage within the premises;
   
4. 
   minimise the risk of accidents from falling;
   
5. 
   enable persons with disabilities to move between the building and any outdoor area;
   
6. 
   inhibit young children from gaining access to dangerous areas;
   
7. 
   facilitate the safe evacuation of children in an emergency;
   
8. 
   minimise disturbance to other groups; and
   
9. 
   minimise the need for equipment and materials to be carried through an indoor area occupied by children, to minimise the risk of accidents.
   

1. 
   Access to and within the premises must be consistent with the requirements under the National Construction Code.
   
2. 
   An indoor play area has at least one door leading to its associated outdoor play area.
   
3. 
   Each group has access between the group’s indoor play area and an outdoor play area without passing through another group’s indoor play area or a functional area.
   
4. 
   Fencing not less than 1200mm high complying with AS 1926.1–2007, is provided around those parts of a centre where children are cared for, including all buildings and grounds accessible to children.
   
5. 
   Other than at any gate that is required for service vehicles, any person entering the premises from a car park or street is required to pass through a safety zone provided with a self-closing and self-latching gate or door complying with AS 1926.1–2007 between the entrance and the safety zone and another self-closing and self-latching gate or door complying with AS 1926.1–2007 between the safety zone and the perimeter of the premises.
   
6. 
   Any pedestrian access openings in the fencing are protected with a self-closing and self-latching gate or door complying with AS 1926.1–2007.
   
7. 
   Any swimming pool, as defined in the Building Act 1975, on the premises is provided with a fence complying with AS 1926.1–2007 and AS1927.2–2007, except that direct access is not provided between any building and the pool..
   
8. 
   The centre is fenced to inhibit unauthorised access by children to any serious hazards such as water bodies and roads that are adjacent to the site, to a standard no less than that required for a swimming pool under clause (g).
   
9. 
   Any gate in the perimeter fence which is required for service vehicles is key-locked closed at all times when children are outdoors.
   
10. 
    Clear access ways are provided and maintained for the evacuation of children in an emergency.
    

1. 
   facilitates the creation of a safe environment free from overcrowding so as to minimise the risk of injury, conflict between children, illness due to infection and loss of amenity;
   
2. 
   permits the ready supervision of all parts from any other part, including all functional areas for that group;
   
3. 
   provides unimpeded access to children’s toilets and washing facilities;
   
4. 
   provides unimpeded access to outdoor play areas;
   
5. 
   provides unimpeded access for staff between functional areas for that group;
   
6. 
   minimises noise nuisance from the reflection and transmission of excessive sound;
   
7. 
   enables the temperature to be maintained at a comfortable level relative to the prevailing climatic conditions; and
   
8. 
   provides suitable separation between each group’s area to minimise disruption.
   

1. 
   The indoor play space has an area of not less than 3.25m² for each child within the group it serves, exclusive of any passageway, thoroughfare, storage areas (including areas required for bedding), children’s lockers, built-in furniture, cots, separate sleeping areas, toilets, bathrooms, washrooms, kitchens, offices, laundries, entrances and staff rooms.
   
2. 
   All parts of the indoor play space, nappy change facilities and toilet facilities for a group are able to be readily viewed by staff.
   
3. 
   The indoor play space is located so as to avoid the need for people who are not part of the group to pass through it.
   
4. 
   The required toilets and washbasins for a group adjoin the indoor play space for that group.
   
5. 
   A group has unimpeded access to toilets, washbasins and outdoor play areas without the need to pass through another group’s indoor play area
   
6. 
   Indoor play spaces for each group are separated by walls that by construction have a sound insulation rating equivalent to that provided by a 70mm framed wall sheeted both sides with 10mm plasterboard or glazed areas or doors, all of which extend down to the floor and have a height of not less than 1200mm.
   
7. 
   Any indoor playground equipment must –
   
   1. 
      Comply with AS 4685.1, AS 4685.2, AS 4685.3, AS 4685.4, AS 4685.5, AS 4685.6 and AS 2155.
      
   2. 
      have soft-fall areas complying with AS 4422 provided to play ground equipment with a fall height exceeding 500mm.
      

1. 
   facilitates the creation of a safe environment free from overcrowding so as to minimise the risk of injury, conflict between children, illness and loss of amenity; and
   
2. 
   permit visual supervision by staff of all children within a group, at all times; and
   
3. 
   provide plants so that children have the opportunity to experience, interact with and be stimulated by both the natural and the surrounding built environment; and
   
4. 
   provide an environment suitable for a variety of play activities; and
   
5. 
   provide unimpeded access for staff and children to children’s toilets, nappy change areas and personal washing facilities; and
   
6. 
   are readily accessible from indoor play areas; and
   
7. 
   are shaded to avoid excessive ground surface temperatures, and reduce exposure to UV radiation.
   

8. 
   have raised ceilings to provide a feeling of openness;
   
9. 
   allows noise to be managed so that children using indoor play facilities are not significantly impacted by those using the outdoor play facilities;
   
10. 
    allow children to see outdoors to a natural environment;
    
11. 
    have windows or openings that provide lighting from a natural light source to simulate a natural environment;
    
12. 
    have windows or openings that provide opportunities for natural airflow to simulate a natural environment;
    
13. 
    have a significant definition between the indoor play facilities from the outdoor play facilities;
    
14. 
    have outdoor play facilities that can be cleaned;
    
15. 
    provides adequate unencumbered space for the licensed capacity; and
    
16. 
    provides children with access to natural materials.
    

1. 
   Outdoor play facilities are located in outdoor play areas.
   
2. 
   Outdoor play areas, including access doors to toilet facilities and indoor areas, are able to be readily viewed by staff from other parts of that outdoor play area.
   
3. 
   Toilet facilities adjoin and provide unimpeded access for children from the outdoor play area they serve.
   
4. 
   A group has unimpeded access to the outdoor play area without passing through another group’s indoor play space.
   
5. 
   The surface is sloped to prevent the ponding of water.
   
6. 
   A variety of surfaces is provided, including hard, soft, level and undulating.
   
7. 
   Playground equipment structures comply with AS 4685.1, AS 4685.2, AS 4685.3, AS 4685.4, AS 4685.5, AS 4685.6 and AS 2155.
   
8. 
   Soft-fall areas complying with AS 4422 are provided to play ground equipment with a fall height exceeding 500mm.
   
9. 
   A total outdoor play area of not less than 5 m² for each child of the licensed capacity.
   
10. 
    A shaded area which is not less than 1m² for each child of the licensed capacity.
    
11. 
    The required shaded area in (j) is calculated exclusive of the shade provided by trees.
    
12. 
    At least 50% of the required shaded area in (j) is roofed with a material impervious to water and UV radiation;
    
13. 
    Areas in (i) and (j) are calculated exclusive of:
    

1. 
   garden beds used only as landscaping that is inaccessible to children;
   
2. 
   land that is -
   

1. 
   rough
   
2. 
   steeper than 1 in 6;
   
3. 
   less than 2m in width;
   

3. 
   permanent storage areas;
   
4. 
   sheds; and
   
5. 
   any fenced body of water and its surrounds within the fencing.
   

1. 
   safeguard the health of children from injury and infection;
   
2. 
   minimise delays for children requiring to use a toilet;
   
3. 
   are readily accessible to children;
   
4. 
   facilitate independent use;
   
5. 
   enable staff to provide assistance;
   
6. 
   permits adequate supervision by staff, appropriate to the age of the children; and
   
7. 
   are screened so as to respect the dignity of children, and are appropriate having regard to the ages of the children.
   

at least 2 water closet suites and are provided in accordance with the following:

1. 
   A junior toilet seat and a stable platform for a child to step on where adult water closet suites are used.
   
2. 
   Children’s toilets adjoining the area they serve that provide unimpeded access to that group.
   
3. 
   Wall and floor surfaces impervious without cracks and crevices.
   
4. 
   Slip resistant floor surfaces.
   
5. 
   Screened from the view of children in the indoor play space by a wall, which, except for doorways, is opaque for a height of at least 900mm but no more than 1200mm above floor level. The section above may be open or clear glazed to permit supervision.
   

1. 
   safeguard the health of children from infection;
   
2. 
   safeguard children and carers from injury;
   
3. 
   minimise delays for children requiring a nappy change;
   
4. 
   create an environment conducive to interaction between children and carer; and
   
5. 
   permit visual supervision of other parts of the play area for that group.
   

1. 
   A nappy change mat facility for each designated group, other than school children, which -
   
   1. 
      is built-in or otherwise securely fixed to prevent accidental dislodgment;
      
   2. 
      is wide enough for a change mat, measuring not less than 0.81m² in area and at least 850mm but no more than 900mm high; and
      
   3. 
      has an impervious surface without cracks and crevices so as to be easily cleanable.
      
      2. 
         A washbasin for carer use, supplied with hot and cold water limited to a maximum temperature in accordance with AS 3500.4 and situated within 500mm of each change mat facility.
         
      3. 
         Premises that cater for children under the age of 15 months have the following additional nappy change facilities –
         
         1. 
            bench space of not less than 0.81m² for a portable bath for each group of 8 children; and
            
         2. 
            for each required bath, a built-in area at least 0.81m² for drying and dressing children, at a height of at least 850mm but no more than 900mm that is situated within 500 mm of the bath. (This area may double as the nappy change mat facility required above).
            

1. 
   minimise delays for children requiring to use a washbasin;
   
2. 
   encourage hand washing;
   
3. 
   are easily accessible to children;
   
4. 
   facilitate the personal washing of young children by carers; and
   
5. 
   safeguard the health of children.
   

1. 
   has a height of at least 450mm but no more than 500mm from the floor; or
   
2. 
   has a stable, portable platform so that the effective height is at least 450mm but not more than 500mm from the floor.
   

1. 
   safeguard the health of children from infection;
   
2. 
   safeguard children from injury;
   
3. 
   enable perishable food to be stored at a safe temperature;
   
4. 
   enable food to be prepared in hygienic conditions; and
   
5. 
   (e) enable staff to be able to readily wash their hands for the purpose of handling food.
   

1. 
   A space and power outlet for a refrigerator having a capacity of not less than 150 litres (excluding freezer).
   
2. 
   A single bowl sink with cold water.
   
3. 
   A power outlet suitable for heating water.
   
4. 
   Is separate from the indoor areas, and the toilet and nappy change facilities.
   

1. 
   are not less than 4m²; and
   
2. 
   are accessible from the outdoor area.
   

2. 
   enable carers to adequately rinse nappies and children’s clothing;
   
3. 
   provide for the safe cleaning of soiled nappies and clothes;
   
4. 
   are easily accessible to carers;
   
5. 
   safeguard the health of children and carers; and
   

1. 
   A sluice is located so that it may be accessed by carers within the licensed premises.
   
2. 
   Floor surfaces are slip resistant.
   

1. 
   a depth capable of containing 300 mm of play-medium;
   
2. 
   all exposed edges rounded to prevent injury to children;
   
3. 
   at least 50% of the required area is shaded with a roof, being part of the total shade requirement of the premises, that is impervious to water and UV radiation;
   
4. 
   drainage to prevent the retention of water, discharged to a point where it will not stagnate or cause a nuisance;
   
5. 
   a ventilated cover to prevent contamination but still allow air to circulate, when not in use; and
   

1. 
   The installations comply with AS 3000.
   
2. 
   The installations are protected with a residual current device (RCD) complying with AS 3000.
   
3. 
   Electric power outlets are either –
   

1. 
   located at a minimum height of 1500mm from the floor in areas accessible to children; or
   
2. 
   fitted with safety plugs when not in use.
   

1. 
   any moving parts, controls, or parts which may be at a temperature below 10° C or above 40° C, of machinery, plant, equipment, incinerators, service installations, hot water pipes, storage tanks and the like, fitted with securely fixed solid guards to prevent contact by children, or a barrier complying with AS 1926.1–2007;
   
2. 
   hot water supplied to taps in areas accessible to children limited to a maximum temperature in accordance with the AS 3500.4;
   
3. 
   Water troughs must not be accessible to children under two years
   
4. 
   a fan may not be located any lower than 2100mm above the floor;
   
5. 
   any fan located between 2100mm and 2400mm above the floor is fitted with a guard in which any opening does not permit a 50mm sphere to pass through it;
   
6. 
   storage cupboards for chemical substances and for other dangerous items in areas accessible to children fitted with child-resistant latches; and
   
7. 
   storage cupboards for bulk chemical products and substances in an area inaccessible to children.