Strict Adherence to Child-Safe Facility Design
The physical layout of a childcare centre plays a major role in keeping children safe. Well-designed spaces can help reduce hazards and create an environment where children can explore with confidence.
Things to look for include:
- Secure entry points to monitor who enters and leaves the premises
- Age-appropriate furniture and fixtures with rounded edges
- Non-slip flooring to reduce the risk of falls
During a visit, note whether classrooms, hallways, and play areas feel open yet contained, with visibility that allows staff to keep an eye on children at all times.
Comprehensive Health & Hygiene Practices
Good hygiene habits are central to a healthy environment, especially in group settings where illnesses can spread quickly. Cleaning and hygiene routines should be well-structured and consistent.
Parents often ask about:
- Frequency of cleaning for toys, surfaces, and bathrooms
- Handwashing routines for children and staff, particularly before meals and after outdoor play
- Food preparation processes, including how snacks and meals are stored and served
Observing these routines in action during a tour can give insight into how hygiene is integrated into daily activities.
Qualified & Caring Staff
While qualifications alone do not define the quality of care, they provide a baseline for understanding the knowledge and awareness educators bring to safety. Staff with relevant early childhood education qualifications and who regularly update their knowledge are better positioned to identify and respond to potential risks.
At
Sanctuary Early Learning Adventure, parents can:
- Ask about staff qualifications relevant to early childhood learning and care
- Discuss the centre’s approach to ongoing professional development
- Observe how educators interact with children during visits
Looking for engaged, attentive interactions can be just as telling as reading certificates on the wall.
Robust Emergency Preparedness Plans
Emergencies can happen unexpectedly, and preparation is key to managing them calmly and effectively. That’s why we have clear, documented plans for a variety of scenarios, from fire evacuations to severe weather events.
Questions you should feel free to ask include:
- How often are emergency drills conducted?
- Is first-aid equipment readily available and regularly checked?
- How are incidents recorded and communicated to families?
We run regular drills to help both staff and children become familiar with emergency procedures, reducing confusion and ensuring everyone knows how to respond confidently if an actual emergency occurs.
Appropriate Supervision Ratios
The number of educators present in relation to the number of children directly affects the level of supervision. Adequate ratios help reduce the likelihood of accidents and allow for more attentive care.
Parents often:
- Ask what the current ratios are for each age group
- Compare them with the minimum legal requirements
- Observe how staff move between activities to maintain oversight
While ratios are set by regulations, how they are implemented in daily routines can vary between centres.
Safe & Engaging Outdoor Play Areas
Outdoor play is an important part of our early learning, providing opportunities for physical activity, exploration, and social interaction. However, the outdoor environment should also be designed with safety in mind.
When inspecting outdoor spaces, we consider:
- Secure fencing that fully encloses the area
- Surfaces under climbing equipment that reduce impact in the event of a fall
- Shaded areas to protect children from excessive sun exposure
Well-maintained equipment and clean play areas indicate regular checks are being conducted.
Clear Policies on Illness & Medication
Managing health-related matters requires clear procedures that balance individual needs with the well-being of the group. Centres should have written guidelines on how illness and medication are handled.
Key points to clarify:
- How our centre determines when a child should stay home due to illness
- Steps followed when medication needs to be administered, including consent requirements
- Communication methods for notifying families about outbreaks or health concerns
Having these policies in place helps reduce misunderstandings, provides clarity during stressful situations, and supports a fair and consistent approach for all enrolled families.
Ongoing Communication Between Centre & Families
Strong communication between staff and families supports a safer and more connected learning environment. Regular updates can help parents feel informed about their child’s day-to-day experiences and any incidents that occur.
Ways communication is often handled include:
- Daily updates via apps, emails, or communication books
- Scheduled parent meetings to discuss development and wellbeing
- Immediate notifications if an accident or incident occurs
When you visit our centre, feel free to ask how we keep families involved and how promptly we share important information.
Author: Lauren Hall
Find Sanctuary Early Learning Adventure Ashmore here.
Find Sanctuary Early Learning Adventure Buderim here.
Find Sanctuary Early Learning Adventure - Health & Knowledge Precinct here.
Find Highfields Child Care Centre here.
Find Sanctuary Early Learning Adventure Maudsland here.
Find Sanctuary Early Learning Adventure Redlynch here.
