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 reduce 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 opening to its associated outdoor play area, without passing through a functional area or another indoor 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; 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 –
   

3. 
   Comply with AS 4685.1, AS 4685.2, AS 4685.3, AS 4685.4, AS 4685.5, AS 4685.6 and AS 2155.
   
4. 
   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;
   
2. 
   permit visual supervision by staff of all children within a group, at all times;
   
3. 
   provide trees and vegetation so that children have the opportunity to experience, interact with and be stimulated by both the natural and the surrounding built environment;
   
4. 
   provide an environment suitable for a variety of play activities;
   
5. 
   provide unimpeded access for staff and children to children’s toilets, nappy change areas and personal washing facilities;
   
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 provided in accordance with the following:
   
   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 area.
      
   5. 
      The surface is sloped to prevent the ponding of water.
      
   6. 
      A variety of surfaces are 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 playground equipment with a fall height exceeding 500mm.
      
   9. 
      A total outdoor play area of not less than 7m² for each child of the licensed capacity.
      
   10. 
       A shaded area which, at 10am and 3pm provides, as part of the total area not less than 2m² 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 4m in width;
   

1. 
   permanent storage areas;
   
2. 
   sheds; and
   
3. 
   any fenced body of water and its surrounds within the fencing.
   
1. 
   Outdoor play facilities include areas of landscaping that includes trees and/or natural vegetation within the required outdoor area. The landscaped areas must be equivalent to at least 4% of the total minimum required outdoor play area in (a)(i).
   

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. 
   provide for different needs and developmental abilities of children;
   
6. 
   enable staff to provide assistance;
   
7. 
   permits adequate supervision by staff, appropriate to the age of the children; and
   
8. 
   (h) are screened so as to respect the dignity of children, having regard to the ages of the children.
   

1. 
   At least one child size water closet suite for every 10 children or part thereof over the age of 15 months within the licensed capacity.
   
2. 
   At least 2 child size water closet suites in each location.
   
3. 
   Children’s toilets adjoin the area they serve and provide unimpeded access to that group.
   
4. 
   Wall and floor surfaces impervious without cracks and crevices.
   
5. 
   Slip resistant floor surfaces.
   
6. 
   Screening from the view of children in the indoor play area by a wall, which, except for doorways, is opaque for a height of at least 900mm but no more than 1200mm high above floor level. The section above may be open or clear glazed to permit supervision.
   
7. 
   Nappy change facilities are provided to each group, unless the toilet facilities are only used by school children.
   
8. 
   Where care is provided to school age children –
   

1. 
   there is either –
   
   1. 
      at least one adult water closet, that is not a staff facility, for every 15 children or part thereof located in a separate room adjacent to the area where care is provided; or
      
   2. 
      for every 15 children or part thereof, one of the required toilets at (a) is separated from the other required toilets by walls or partitions not less than 1800mm high and includes a lockable door to provide privacy; and
      
2. 
   a facility for the disposal of sanitary items.
   

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. 
   They are situated adjacent to the area accommodating each group they serve; and –
   
   1. 
      are built-in or otherwise securely fixed to prevent accidental dislodgment;
      
   2. 
      are wide enough for a change mat, measuring not less than 0.81m² in area and at a height of at least 850mm but no more than 900mm; and
      
   3. 
      have an impervious surface without cracks and crevices so as to be easily cleanable.
      
      2. 
         Carers have access to a washbasin that is –
         
         1. 
            supplied with hot and cold water limited to a maximum temperature in accordance with AS 3500.4;
            
         2. 
            located at a height between 850mm and 900mm situated within 500mm of each change mat facility; and
            
         3. 
            shared by no more than two groups,
            
      3. 
         The wall and floor surfaces are impervious and without cracks and crevices.
         
      4. 
         Floor surfaces are slip resistant.
         
      5. 
         Premises that cater for children under the age of 15 months have the following additional nappy change facilities:
         

1. 
   One built-in infant size bath that is available to no more than two groups, with an integral hand held shower, supplied with hot and cold water limited to a maximum temperature in accordance with the AS 3500.4, at a height of 850mm to 900mm.
   
2. 
   For each required bath, an area of at least 0.81m² for drying and dressing children is provided, at a height of at least 850mm but no more than 900mm, situated within 500mm of the bath. (This area may double as a nappy change 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. 
   Premises have a washbasin provided for each 10 children or part thereof within the group that it serves, for children aged older than 15 months, which –
   

1. 
   has a height of at least 450mm but no more than 500mm from the floor; and
   
2. 
   is situated in the toilet area.
   

2. 
   Premises are provided with a built-in bath or shower with a hand held shower rose, located within the area accommodating the youngest age group above 15 months. This facility is in addition to the bath in A18(e)(i) above.
   
3. 
   Premises have –
   

1. 
   every required built-in bath,
   
2. 
   shower and adult washbasin connected with hot and cold water; and
   
3. 
   hot water connected to a washbasin, shower or bath which is situated in an area accessible to children, limited to a maximum temperature in accordance with AS 3500.4.
   

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. 
   enable staff to be able to readily wash their hands for the purpose of handling food.
   

1. 
   Barriers, and doors with controls that are unable to be operated by children, are installed to prevent unauthorised access by children into the food preparation area.
   
2. 
   Cupboards are installed for the storage of food, crockery, tableware and kitchen utensils, which provide protection from dust, insects, vermin or other contamination.
   
3. 
   Impervious floor surfaces, washable wall surfaces, impervious bench tops/splash backs and table tops, without cracks and crevices, so as to be easily cleanable.
   
4. 
   They are separate from the indoor play facilities, toilet facilities, and nappy change facilities.
   
5. 
   Space and power outlets for refrigerators having a total capacity, excluding freezer, equal to 10 litres for each child of the licensed capacity, situated so as to accommodate -
   

1. 
   at least one refrigerator within each bottle preparation area; and
   
2. 
   other refrigerators either within the food preparation area or the indoor play areas.
   

6. 
   A double bowl sink, or a single bowl sink and a dishwasher, with hot and cold water.
   
7. 
   A washbasin for staff with hot and cold water.
   

1. 
   Premises, other than those that cater for only 3-5 year olds, have laundry facilities located in a separate room that is provided with–
   

1. 
   a laundry tub and cold water supply;
   
2. 
   plumbing connections and a space for a washing machine where centres launder bed linen, children’s clothes, towels or other items;
   
3. 
   at least 0.81m² of built in bench space for the purpose of storing or sterilising soiled articles prior to laundering; and
   
4. 
   a barrier and doors with controls that are unable to be operated by children, that prevent access into the laundry area by children.
   

2. 
   Premises that only cater for children
   

1. 
   are not less than 6m²; and
   
2. 
   are accessible from the outdoor area.
   

1. 
   provide a safe and healthy environment to minimise the risk of accidents and illness;
   
2. 
   permit visual supervision from the indoor play area, including functional areas for that group;
   
3. 
   permit easy access to all parts of the sleeping area;
   
4. 
   permit easy evacuation of children, including cots containing children, in the event of an emergency; and
   
5. 
   provide a quiet environment.
   

1. 
   For each group, a sleeping room is provided that is separate from the group’s indoor play area which –
   
   1. 
      has an area of not less than 2.5m² for each child under the age of 15 months;
      
   2. 
      is provided with one or more glazed panels having a total area of not less than 1m², located such that all children in the sleeping area may be observed from the associated indoor play area; and
      
   3. 
      has any external openings fitted with insect screens.
      
      2. 
         A door leading to the associated indoor area.
         
      3. 
         A path of travel from each sleeping area to outdoors, which may be via other rooms, having a width of not less than 1m, with any doorway therein having a clear opening width of not less than 950mm.
         

1. 
   safeguard the health of children from infection; and
   
2. 
   enable bottles to be prepared in hygienic conditions.
   

1. 
   Adjoins the indoor area and provides unimpeded access for each group it serves.
   
2. 
   Shared by no more than two groups.
   
3. 
   Located so as to enable all parts of the indoor play area to be viewed by carers from that location.
   
4. 
   Physically separated from any nappy change facilities to prevent cross infection, by a distance of not less than 2m, or by a fixed solid screen extending the full depth of the bench and not less than 1m above the bench top.
   
5. 
   Provided with a barrier and doors with controls which are unable to be operated by children, to prevent unauthorised access into the area by children.
   
6. 
   Has a double bowl sink or a single bowl sink and an adult washbasin which –
   

1. 
   is at a height of at least 850mm but no more than 900mm; and
   
2. 
   is supplied with hot and cold water limited to a maximum temperature in accordance with the AS 3500.4.
   

7. 
   At least 0.81m² area of bench space is provided, with an impervious top and a splash back not less than 300mm high, without cracks or crevices, so as to be easily cleanable.
   
8. 
   A power outlet is provided for a heating appliance for bottles.
   

1. 
   administration functions to be carried out independent of the caring for children; and
   
2. 
   consultation with parents to be conducted in private.
   

1. 
   Located in an area not less than 4m².
   
2. 
   Located in a room that is separate from and in addition to the indoor play area and any staff room.
   
3. 
   Privacy is afforded from other areas for consultation.