NQS Quality Area 3: Physical Environment

NQS Quality Area 3: Physical Environment is one of the 7 Quality Area under the National Quality Standard.

The aim of Quality Area 3 is to ensure that the physical environment is safe and suitable, whilst providing 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. It also has the potential to maximise children's engagement, level of positive experience and inclusive relationships.

The 2 Standards of QA3 are Design (3.1) and Use (3.2).

These Standards are crucial to delivering quality learning outcomes for children under the National Quality Framework because:

• Inclusive built and natural environments in indoor and outdoor spaces, when appropriately resourced, promote play-based learning

• Well-maintained, fit-for-purpose facilities keep children safe and support each child's access to facilities and participation in activities/experiences

• Physical environment significantly impacts on the quality of children's experiences and encourages children to become environmentally responsible.

Each standard is a high-level outcomes statement, and is accompanied by elements, which describe outcomes that contribute to the standard.

NQS Quality Area 3: Standard 3.1 - Design

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.

Documentation that may be sighted by assessors relating to Standard 3.1

Element 3.1.1:

• The service's approach to grouping children

• Plans of indoor and outdoor areas, including information about soft fall

• Plans that show evaluation of and changes to the placement of furniture and equipment, if available

Element 3.1.2:

• Documented procedures, correspondence and schedules relating to:

  - maintenance and safety checks

  - the cleaning of buildings, premises, furniture and equipment

  - adhering to manufacturers' advice when using and cleaning furniture and equipment

• Documents that confirm equipment meets Australian Standards and/or Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) requirements, for example for cots, mattresses and other bedding equipment.

• Risk assessments of the physical environment

• A management plan that is in place to protect the safety of children, families and service staff while major work is occurring at the service (where relevant).

NQS Quality Area 3: Standard 3.2 - Use

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.

Documentation that may be sighted by assessors relating to Standard 3.2

Element 3.2.1:

• Documented learning programs that:

  - Pay equal attention to planning outdoor and indoor environments to support children's learning outcomes and extend on child-led learning

  - Outline opportunities for children to engage in outdoor and indoor experiences, such as dramatic play, construction, music and exploration

  - Incorporate opportunities for children to: be active and wholly engaged for long periods of uninterrupted play, spend time in a quiet area away from other children if they wish, and choose whether they wish to participate in large and small group activities.

  - Indicate that the outdoor and indoor spaces are re-organised to continuously engage children

• The statement of philosophy that describes the service's approach to inclusion

• Documented evidence that indicates the educational leader, nominated supervisors, educators and co-ordinators work collaboratively with family members, specialists and/or resource agencies to:

  - Plan for the inclusion of children with disability and children experiencing barriers to participation

  - Access adaptive equipment to support children's requirements

  - Facilitate access to support services required while the child is at the service

Element 3.2.2:

• Documentation and learning programs that demonstrate links between the arrangement and choice of resources, materials and equipment and learning outcomes for children

• Plans for the arrangement of indoor and outdoor spaces to create inviting learning environments and documentation of how children's ideas have influenced these plans

• Photographs of children using materials and equipment in a variety of ways.

Element 3.2.3:

• Documentation of children's learning about environmental and sustainability issues

• Policies that promote children's understanding about their responsibility to care for the environment and the development of life skills (such as growing and preparing food, waste reduction and recycling)

• Planning documents that support children's learning through investigation and exploration of the natural environment

• Photographs and displays highlighting children's understanding and learning of the natural environment, including their contributions.

What to do to Meet of Exceed NQS Quality Area 3

Now you know the basics of what documentation needs to be sighted by authorised officers, it's important to ensure that your documentation is:

• Efficient: you don't want to spend too much time documenting that you spend less time promoting the health and safety of the children in your care.

• Easy to communicate: when an assessor comes in, you want these things to be sighted quickly and easily. This will help the assessor to understand that you have everything you need to Meet/Exceed QA3.

But efficiency and communication can be hard. That's why we've developed OWNA.

See how OWNA can help you improve your NQS rating by making documentation efficient and communication easier.

Download your FREE guide to improving your NQS rating below.