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Fences
Education (Early Childhood Services) Regulations 2008, regulation 45 – New Zealand Legislation
Outdoor activity space needs to be enclosed by structures and/or fences and gates designed to ensure that children are not able to leave the premises without the knowledge of adults providing education and care.
Height and aesthetics
Fences of less than 1.2 metres high are unlikely to be high enough to prevent children from climbing over them. A safer height is 1.5 metres, and 1.8 metres may be desirable if older children (that is, 4-year-olds) attend. When deciding on the fence height, consider:
- how many adults will be able to be outside with the children at any time
- whether the layout of the outdoor space creates any barriers to supervision
- how equipment is likely to be placed and whether moveable equipment could create hazards in the future (for example, if children shift equipment closer to a fence)
- the surrounding environments – paddocks, a busy road or bodies of water offer different ‘attractions’ and hazards for children
- fencing that allows the children to see out to the world around them – swimming pool fencing is 1 way to provide this opportunity, and windows can be inserted in solid fences to allow children to look out and community members to see in and interact with children (discuss your situation with staff from your regional Ministry of Education office and regional health authority)
- resource consent issues that may dictate the height and construction of the fence – solid fencing reduces noise transfer from the centre to any neighbours
- adding windows, framed mirrors and areas suitable for painting (for example, a large piece of light-coloured Formica) that can create interest, make spaces feel larger and utilise space effectively
- having a small gap of 5 mm between each paling that allows wind to flow through rather than build up and come over the top of a solid fence.
General tips
- If horizontal supports are on the outside, children won't be able to use them to climb over the fence. If the fence is already built, a fillet on the horizontal rail or covering the area between the rails may prevent children from climbing.
- If using a hurricane pipe and wire fence, consider using the wire that is 25 mm across the diamond. This is a smaller size than normal, but children can easily climb the 60 mm size. The pipe needs to be secure at the top and bottom.
Gates and doors
- Swimming pool gates with high safety locks and springs that close the gate automatically are well designed to meet ECE services' needs. A swimming pool gate also allows staff to see who is coming into the centre. A large wooden gate with high locks makes it hard to see if a person in a wheelchair is trying to get in. However, if it is very noisy or polluted outside the gate, a solid gate with a window may be a solution.
- It is a good idea to have a gate between the car park and the entrance door. This contains children in a safe area if a door is left open by mistake. It also ensures that strangers are not provided direct access to the play area.
- Consider how parents are going to come into the building. If they come into the building first, rather than through the playground, staff can then monitor the arrival and departure of children and visitors to the centre.
- Consider how large pieces of equipment or materials are going to be brought into the centre – for example, a ride-on mower or a load of sand. It is a good idea to install a gate wide enough for a trailer to give access to the sand area.
- Fire and Emergency New Zealand usually recommends that there are at least 2 outward opening doors from the inside of a centre to the outside. This allows people to get out easily in case of fire. Also, you need to consider how children will get out of the playground to a safer space in the event of a fire.
Take advice from your local fire service or visit the Fire and Emergency New Zealand website.
Windows
Education (Early Childhood Services) Regulations 2008, regulation 45 – New Zealand Legislation
- Windows or other areas of glass accessible to children need to be either made of safety glass or covered by an adhesive film designed to hold the glass in place in the event of it being broken, or effectively guarded by barriers that prevent a child striking or falling against the glass.
- Sliding windows are a good idea for opening onto a deck or ramp. The protruding edge of windows that open outwards can create a hazard.
- Children should be able to see outside through most windows. If windows are placed 500 to 600 mm above the floor, older children will be able to see out and display units can still be positioned up against the wall. Consider setting some non-opening windows at a very low height to create interest for infants and toddlers.
- Windows should have safety catches where they are a potential hazard to children. The older type of window that slides up and down (sash window) should have a bolt that holds the window when it is open at approximately 200 mm. This is to ensure that the window does not accidentally drop down on a child, causing injury.
Handrails
- Consider providing handrails at child height.
- The Building Code does not require decks or steps under 1 metre to have handrails. However, because ECE services are designed for young children's use, it is advisable to have balustrades surrounding decks. An alternative is to have very wide steps (platforms) surrounding a deck. If wide enough, these will prevent children from falling far.
- Where balustrades are installed make sure they do not allow entrapment of body parts and are high enough that means children are not able to sit or climb on them. The space between balustrades should not be greater than 100 mm.
- Platforms that are 'deep' (that is, 350 to 700 mm) and 'low' (that is, 100 to 110 mm) are an appropriate alternative to steps for infants and toddlers who do not 'walk' down steps (but tend to crawl or climb down). Such platforms may not require handrails. Take advice from your local building authority.
