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Quality Area 3 – Physical environment
Introduction
The aim of Quality Area 3 under the National Quality Standard is to ensure that the physical environment is safe, suitable and provides a rich and diverse range of experiences that promote children’s learning and development.
The way that the environment is designed, equipped and organised determines the way that the space and resources are used and has the potential to maximise children’s engagement and level of positive experience and inclusive relationships.
Physical environment |
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|---|---|---|
| Standard 3.1 | Design | The design of the facilities is appropriate for the operation of a service. |
| Element 3.1.1 | Fit for purpose | Outdoor and indoor spaces, buildings, fixtures and fittings are suitable for their purpose, including supporting the access of every child. |
| Element 3.1.2 | Upkeep | Premises, furniture and equipment are safe, clean and well maintained. |
| Standard 3.2 | Use | The service environment is inclusive, promotes competence and supports exploration and play-based learning. |
| Element 3.2.1 | Inclusive environment | Outdoor and indoor spaces are organised and adapted to support every child's participation and to engage every child in quality experiences in both built and natural environments. |
| Element 3.2.2 | Resources support play-based learning | Resources, materials and equipment allow for multiple uses, are sufficient in number, and enable every child to engage in play-based learning. |
| Element 3.2.3 | Environmentally responsible | The service cares for the environment and supports children to become environmentally responsible. |
Design
- Ideas to actions – Environment makeover – Early Childhood Australia
- Indoor and outdoor environment – Community Child Care Co-operative (NSW)
- Information sheet: Quality Area 3 – Keeping pets in education and care services – ACECQA
- Kidsafe
- Natural play in your environment – Early Childhood Australia
- Standards Australia
- We hear you blog: Physical environment – ACECQA
- We hear you blog: Supporting indoor and outdoor play – ACECQA
Use
- Bush kinders – Department of Education and Training, Victoria
- Bush preschool – AITSL
- Building sustainability from the start – The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne
- Connecting with young children and nature – Jule Davis and Sue Elliott
- Create the perfect play space: Learning environments for young children – Child Australia
- Education for sustainability: Waite Campus Children’s Centre – University of Adelaide
- Examining environmental education in NSW early childhood education services – Office of Environment and Heritage, NSW
- Exceeding NQS: Standard 3.2 Use – Case study 1 – ACECQA
- Growing from gardening: What can we learn? – Gowrie Professional Support Coordinator
- Heuristic play materials: Unstructured play materials for infants and toddlers – Gowrie Professional Support Coordinator
- Information sheet: Quality Area 3 – Babies and outdoor play – ACECQA
- Information sheet: Quality Area 3 – The environment as the third teacher – ACECQA
- Information sheet: Quality Area 3 – Inclusive Environments – ACECQA
- Learning through play in Pilyabilyangga: Waite Campus Children’s Centre – University of Adelaide
- Little Green Steps: Sustainability Education for Childcare Centres – Little Green Steps
- Meeting the NQS – Quality Area 3: Introduction – ACECQA
- Natural learning spaces – Government of South Australia
- New contexts for learning – AITSL
- NQS PLP e-Newsletter: An environment for learning – Commonwealth of Australia
- Promoting, exploring and sharing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures: EYLF Outcome 2 – SNAICC
- Quality Area 3: Physical environment – Case Study 1 – Commonwealth of Australia
- Quality Area 3: Physical environment – Case Study 2 – Commonwealth of Australia
- Sustainability audit tool: Education and care services – Community Child Care
- Sustainability resources – NSW Department of Education
- Video: Connecting with practice: Opportunities for learning in natural spaces – Commonwealth of Australia
- We hear you blog: A 'green' thumbs up to sustainable programs – ACECQA
- We hear you blog: Demystifying sustainability – ACECQA
- We hear you blog: Reflecting on and planning for inclusion – ACECQA
- We hear you blog: Taking an active role in the environment and promoting a sustainable future – ACECQA
- What are the consequences of limited play? – Time Gill / VicHealth