October is National Safe Work Month, run by Safe Work Australia. This year's theme is "Safe work is for life." It's mostly about workplaces. And your child's centre is a workplace too.
The checks that keep our educators safe also keep your child safe while they play and learn. Most of this happens before you arrive, so you might not see it. This Safe Work Month, we want to show you what everyday safety looks like.
What a safe centre looks like
In Australia, every approved centre must keep its building, furniture and equipment safe, clean and in good repair. This is part of the Education and Care Services National Regulations. It's also part of how centres are checked against the National Quality Standard.
Here are some things you might notice in a safe room:
- Secure entry, so only the right people can come in
- Fences and gates that close and latch properly
- Strong, steady furniture that's the right size for little ones
- Rooms set up so educators can see and hear every child
- Clean toys, tables and equipment, cleaned on a regular schedule
Some safety features are hard to spot, like a shelf fixed to the wall or a cord kept out of reach. That's a good thing. Good safety often looks like nothing at all.
Checks before the day starts
Before children start playing, educators walk through the rooms and the yard. They check for things like:
- Gates and doors that latch properly
- Sticks, rubbish or broken things 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 that space. Then it's reported so it can be repaired properly.
How we think about risk
A risk assessment is a simple way of thinking ahead. We ask three questions. What could go wrong? How likely is it, and how bad could it be? What can we do to make it safer?
Educators think this way about rooms, the yard and daily routines. For excursions, it's the law. A risk assessment must be done before children leave the centre. For regular outings, like a walk to the local park, a new assessment is needed at least every 12 months. It's done again sooner if something changes, like a new route or more children going.
Thinking about risk doesn't mean taking away every challenge. Children need to climb, balance and try new things. It's how they grow strong and confident. Read more in our post on why risky play matters.
Safe outdoor play
Outdoor play is one of the best parts of the day. Educators keep it safe by:
- Standing where they can see every part of the yard
- Using shade, SPF 50+ sunscreen and hats when children play outside
- Checking slides and metal rails, which can get very hot in summer
- Watching water play closely, and emptying containers straight after
- Keeping an eye on the weather and moving inside when needed
Raising Children Network has more tips on playground safety for when you're at the park. With summer coming, our sun safety guide explains how we keep children safe in the sun.
Practising for emergencies
Centres must practise their emergency and evacuation plans at least every three months. Each practice is written down and reviewed.
Practising often helps children learn what to do. If an alarm sounds, they know who to follow and where to go. Educators keep it calm and simple, so it doesn't feel scary.
Questions you can ask us
You can always ask how safety works at your child's centre. Here are some good questions:
- How do you check the rooms and yard each day?
- When was the playground last checked?
- Where is the emergency evacuation plan?
- What happens when something breaks?
- How will you tell me if something changes?
Our childcare centre checklist has more questions about safety and security. If you ever see something that worries you, talk to your educators or centre director. You can also raise a concern online.
Safe work is for life
When educators feel safe at work, they can give children their full attention. That's why Safe Work Month matters to everyone at Aussie Kindies.
Want to know more about safety at your centre? Have a chat with your centre director or educators next time you're in. You can also read about our safety commitment.