Playground
10. PLAYGROUND
Outdoor Programs:
- The playgrounds should be set up in accordance with children’s emerging interests and in reference to the Emergent Plan
- Educators should provide open-ended play spaces and learning environments where children can connect with, explore, create and embrace their natural environments
- The playgrounds should be set up in an inviting and stimulating manner.
- The playgrounds should provide children with a variety of active and quiet areas to play and sufficient activities to provide choice and avoid conflict.
- As much time and effort must be put on setting up and preparing the outdoor environment as with the indoor environment
- Educators MUST ensure that children spend a minimum of 1˝ hours indoors participating in indoor experiences each day
- All educators should assist in the setting up and packing away of the playground each day. Educators should be mindful of OH&S guidelines, and seek assistance in carrying heavy equipment.
Playground Operations:
Before commencing activities outdoors, ALL areas of the playground must be checked by a team member to ensure they are free from dangerous objects and pests as per the Daily Hazards Identification Checklists.
In accordance with our Sunsmart Policy, all children are indoors or in the shade between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. from September 1st to April 30th when UV levels are at their highest and most damaging and between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. all other times of the year.
- Opening times for the playgrounds are flexible, however the playgrounds MUST be closed by 5:00 p.m. during Winter and 5:30 p.m. during Summer.
- Upon returning indoors, a team member must thoroughly check ALL areas of the yard to ensure that ALL children have been moved safely inside.
- Educators should attempt to allow some outdoor play each day regardless of the weather, even if it is just for a short run
Outdoor Supervision:
Upon commencing activities outdoors, educators must take care to ensure that the playground is well supervised at ALL times, in both educator ratios and from where ALL children can be seen. (see SUPERVISION policy)
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