Commitment to Workplace Safety Statement

TG's Physical Environment (Workplace Safety, Learning, and Administration) Policy

At TG's Child Care, we are deeply committed to creating a physical environment, especially our award-winning gardens that is not only safe and secure but also stimulating, inclusive, and engaging. This policy is part of our broader commitment to ensuring the well-being of every child, educator, family, and community member that interacts with our service. We align with the National Quality Standards (NQS), the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and to TG's Way to ensure that our operations go beyond meeting basic requirements, offering a space that fosters children's growth, exploration, and learning in a safe, welcoming environment.

​

Our Philosophy on the Physical Environment

Our approach to creating a safe and engaging environment is rooted in the understanding that children’s physical surroundings significantly impact their development. We believe that well-designed spaces encourage creativity, foster relationships, and provide opportunities for active learning, emotional connection, and well-being, the TG's Way. At TG's, we go beyond the minimum standards by offering an environment that is responsive to the unique needs of each child, supporting their growth and security in every aspect of their experience.

​

Aims of Our Physical Environment Policy

​

• Safety and Security: Our highest priority is the safety of every child in our care. This means creating environments that minimise risks, enhance supervision, and ensure all equipment and resources are in optimal condition.

• Engagement and Learning: We aim to provide a space where children are inspired to learn through play and interaction with both the physical and social environment. Our spaces are designed to encourage curiosity, problem-solving, and creativity.

• Inclusivity: The physical environment must cater to the diverse needs of all children, supporting not only their physical health but also their social, emotional, and cognitive development.

• Sustainability and Community: We emphasise sustainability and community within our physical spaces, integrating natural elements and fostering a sense of belonging that extends to families and the local community.

​

Key Responsibilities

TG's Approved Provider / Nominated Supervisor / Centre Manager:

• Oversee the continual assessment of the physical environment to ensure it meets safety standards and promotes children’s learning and well-being.

• Manage compliance with the National Education and Care Regulations and relevant building and safety standards, ensuring facilities are accessible, hygienic, and conducive to learning.

​

Educators and Team Players:

• Supervision: Always maintain a high level of supervision to ensure children's safety in both indoor and outdoor spaces. This includes close monitoring of high-risk areas such as bathrooms, nappy change facilities, and outdoor play zones.

• Environmental Assessment: Conduct daily safety checks to identify and address potential hazards before they pose a risk to children. This includes ensuring proper ventilation, non-slip surfaces, safe access to hygiene facilities, and hazard-free play areas.

• Child Engagement: Create a dynamic, stimulating environment that encourages play-based learning, supports children's interests, and adapts to their developmental needs while building relationships, recognising their gifts and develop collective thinking. Educators are encouraged to collaborate with children, integrating their input into the environment design to enhance their sense of ownership and belonging.

​

Our Approach to Physical Environment Maintenance

​

• Routine and Preventative Maintenance: All furniture, equipment, and facilities are maintained regularly to meet Australian Standards, including safety glass installations, secure fencing, and safe electrical practices. This ensures the ongoing safety of children while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing and functional environment.

• Continuous Improvement: Through regular risk assessments and feedback from families, educators, and children, we ensure that our environment evolves to better support our community's needs. Changes and improvements to the physical space are documented and reviewed annually.

​

Responsibilities and Tasks Aligned with Standards

​

• Fit for Purpose: Our indoor and outdoor spaces are designed to support active learning and diverse play, ensuring children can explore and engage safely while learning.

• Health and Hygiene: Hygiene practices are fundamental. We provide ample handwashing stations and ensure cleaning practices follow strict protocols, especially in high-touch areas. Educators are responsible for maintaining cleanliness and using eco-friendly cleaning solutions.

• Adequate Facilities: The space is equipped with the right facilities for rest, food preparation, and private discussions between parents and educators, contributing to a comfortable environment that meets children's needs.

• Supervision: We have effective systems in place to ensure that all children are supervised at all times. This includes visual supervision across all areas of the service, both indoors and outdoors.

​

Our Guiding Principles

​

• Empowerment through Environment: We believe the physical environment empowers children to learn independently and in collaboration with others. Our environments are designed to be flexible, allowing for a variety of learning experiences that cater to the evolving needs of children.

• Safe Exploration: We recognise that learning is often about taking risks, and our environments are structured to allow for safe exploration. This is done through secure spaces for both active and quiet play, ensuring children can engage in activities that challenge their creativity while being closely monitored.

• Ongoing Reflection: At TG's, we continually reflect on the effectiveness of our physical spaces. This involves engaging with children and families to ensure the environment is not just safe but also fulfilling and inspiring.

 

Our Promise: A Safe, Inspiring Place for Every Child

TG's Child Care is committed to offering an environment where every child feels safe, respected, and valued. Our physical environment is an extension of our values and philosophy, designed to reflect the nurturing and inclusive nature of our service. Through continuous improvement and alignment with regulatory standards, we ensure that our spaces remain at the forefront of child safety and educational excellence.

​

By fostering a space that celebrates children’s potential, respects their individuality, and promotes a sense of community, TG's provides a foundation where children, families, and educators can thrive together.

​

This policy ensures that our physical environment isn't just a space for care, but a vibrant and safe hub for children to explore, learn, and grow. It highlights how TG’s is making a genuine, ongoing effort to promote the well-being of the entire community while meeting national standards and exceeding expectations.

​

If you have any questions about this policy on child safety at TG’s, please reach out to the Centre Manager.

​

Contact TG's Child Care

​

Review Date: November 2025

Created: November 2024

​

All TG’s Child Care Policies are reviewed annually to ensure it aligns with current legislation, as well as the National Quality Standards (NQS), the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and TG's Way. This ongoing review process allows us to meet the evolving needs of our families while maintaining our commitment to continuous improvement. By actively seeking feedback from families, educators, and management, we ensure that our policies not only comply with regulations but also support the high standards that have earned TG's Centres their proud meeting or exceeding NQS ratings.