Every October, Safe Work Australia runs National Safe Work Month. This year's theme is "Safe work is for life." It's usually a conversation for workplaces. But your child's centre is a workplace too.
The checks that keep educators safe at work are the same checks that keep your child safe at play. Most of them happen quietly, before you walk through the gate. So this Safe Work Month, we're opening the door on what that everyday safety work looks like.
What a safe childcare environment looks like
In Australia, every approved centre must keep its premises, furniture and equipment safe, clean and in good repair. This is set out in the Education and Care Services National Regulations. It's also part of how centres are assessed against the National Quality Standard.
In practice, a safe room is one where you might notice:
- Secure entry, so only authorised people can come in
- Fences and gates that close and latch properly
- Furniture that's stable and sized for little bodies
- Rooms set out so educators can see and hear children at all times
- Clean surfaces, toys and equipment, cared for on a regular cleaning schedule
Some things are harder to spot. Like the cord tucked out of reach, or the shelf fixed to the wall. That's the point. Good safety often looks like nothing at all.
The checks that happen before your child arrives
Each day starts with educators looking over the indoor and outdoor spaces before play begins. They're checking for things like:
- Gates and doors that latch properly
- Sticks, debris or broken items in the yard, especially after wind or rain
- Anything in the sandpit that shouldn't be there
- Wet or slippery floors
- Anything broken, loose or out of place
If something isn't right, it's removed, fixed or blocked off before children use the space. Then it's reported, so it can be repaired properly.
How centres assess risk
A risk assessment sounds formal. At its heart, it's three simple questions. What could go wrong? How likely is it, and how serious would it be? And what will we do to reduce the risk?
Centres think this way about their rooms, their yard and their daily routines. For excursions, it's a legal requirement. A risk assessment must be done before children head out. For regular outings, like a walk to the local park, a new assessment is needed at least every 12 months. It's also redone sooner if something changes, like the route or the number of children going.
Assessing risk isn't about removing every challenge. Children need chances to climb, balance and test their limits. A good risk assessment helps educators tell the difference between a healthy challenge and a real hazard. We explain more in our post on why risky play matters.
Equipment checks, from cots to climbing frames
Equipment gets a lot of love in a busy centre. That means it needs regular attention too.
- Cots are checked for damage, and to make sure folding and locking parts work properly
- High chairs and nappy change areas are checked for wear and stability
- Toys are cleaned and checked for broken parts or pieces small enough to be a choking risk
- Playground equipment and soft fall are inspected for wear, and repaired or topped up as needed
Australian Standards apply to many items in a centre, including playground equipment and surfacing. Centres are expected to maintain equipment to these standards and follow manufacturers' advice. Anything broken comes out of use until it's fixed or replaced.
Keeping outdoor play safe
Outdoor play is a big part of every day. Educators keep it safe by:
- Positioning themselves so every part of the yard is supervised
- Using shade, SPF 50+ sunscreen and hats when children play outside
- Checking surfaces like slides and metal rails, which can get very hot in summer
- Closely supervising any water play, and emptying containers straight after
- Watching the weather and moving play inside when conditions change
Raising Children Network has more tips on playground safety you can use at your local park too. And with warmer days ahead, our sun safety guide explains how we protect children under the Australian sun.
Practising for the unexpected
Centres must rehearse their emergency and evacuation procedures at least every three months. Each practice is recorded and reviewed.
Regular practice means children get used to the routine. When an alarm sounds, they know what to do and who to follow. Educators make it calm and familiar, so it never feels scary.
Questions you can ask your centre
You're always welcome to ask how safety works at your child's centre. Here are a few good questions to start with:
- How do you check the rooms and yard each day?
- When was the playground last inspected?
- Where is the emergency evacuation plan displayed?
- What happens when a piece of equipment breaks?
- How will you let me know if something changes?
If you're comparing centres, our childcare centre checklist covers safety and security too. And if you ever notice something that worries you, tell your educators or centre director. You can also raise a concern online.
Safe work is for life
Educators who feel safe at work can give children their full attention. That's why Safe Work Month matters to everyone in our centres, big and small.
Want to know more about how your centre keeps children safe? Have a chat with your centre director or educators next time you're in. You can also read about our safety commitment.