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• Services must comply with the requirement of AS/NZS 4422:1996 Playground Surfacing

• Playground equipment on the premises must be safe and in good repair

The Playground Advisory Unit (PAU) is available to children's services for inspection, maintenance, design and planning advice for existing and new playspaces. Please do not hesitate to contact the PAU on 02 9845 0890.

Publications and resources available to assist playspace owners regarding playground safety and design:

• Concept Designs for Early Childhood Services:

  A series of concept plans including bike tracks, mound slides, seating, stages, sandpits, dry creek beds, walkways & stepping stones.

• "Plan it" Guidelines:

  Guidelines for Planning Early Childhood Outdoor Supervised Playspaces.  Information on safety, planning, design and construction of playspaces, maintenance and legal issues

• Early Childhood Information Kit:

  Includes Playspace Resource Kit, Concept Designs for Early Childhood Services, Fact Sheets, Resource Directory, Checklists & Site Inventory Forms.

• Plants for Playspaces:

  Includes listings of suggested shade trees, shrubs, wind breaks, screening, fragrance, play props, bush tucker & edible plants and an extensive poisonous plants list.

Toddler Trampoline with Safety Handle

When using this type of trampoline ensure that the recommended safety guidelines are followed. Whilst the handle offers support for a young child learning to use a trampoline there is concern that a serious injury could occur if the child were to fall on the handle. Click here for Trampoline Fact Sheet

Shade Requirements for Children's Services - Providing adequate shade is an important element in any children's service sun protection strategy. Contact the Cancer Council NSW for a copy of The Shade Handbook and for information on how to develop a Sun Smart policy for your children’s service, get practical advice on shade provision, or order and download activities and resources to encourage children and parents to be Sun Smart.

 

Fencing in Children's Services - The Children's Services Regulation 2004 states "The design and height of any fence or gate on the premises must prevent children from scaling or crawling under or through it".

Kidsafe NSW recommends that services contact their local Council to discuss fencing requirements as per the Council's Development Control Plan.

It is recommended that careful consideration be given to the positioning of taps, pot planters, equipment items and plant types so that unintended access is not provided to the top of the fence. It is recommended that items are positioned at least 1000mm from the fence.

Kidsafe NSW provides information to children's service providers regarding suitable fencing. Contact The Playground Advisory Unit on 02 9845 0890.

Potting Mix - Potting mix may contain bacteria that is harmful to adults and children. When using potting mix Kidsafe NSW recommends:

• Read the manufacturer’s instructions printed on the bag before you use the mix.

• Before exposing the potting mix to children, be careful not to inhale airborne particles. Wear a paper mask that fits over your nose and mouth. Open the bag slowly. Dampen the mix with a light spray of water to reduce the risk of airborne particles.

• Always wear gloves when handling potting mix. Rinse or dispose of gloves afterwards.

• If children are using the potting mix, provide children with adequate fitting gloves if available. Alternatively, encourage children to use tools (such as a trowel, spade or old spoon).

• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after using potting mix.

• Store potting mix securely away from children.

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