Education (Early Childhood Services) Regulations 2008, regulation 45 – New Zealand Legislation

PF13 Outdoor activity space

• Outdoor space has to be directly connected to the indoor activity space and can be easily and safely accessed by children.
• Fire and Emergency New Zealand, your local public health authority and the Ministry of Education should be consulted in the early stages of planning so that issues relating to access to outdoor play areas, evacuation plans, and other safety and quality considerations can be discussed – and solutions identified – before renovation or building begins.
• You should consider higher fencing where major hazards exist (such as a fall from a building). Consider building fencing at least 1.8 metres high. Solid fencing will reduce noise. Windows in solid fences can be built to create interest for children and let in light and so on.
• You need to take particular care in developing evacuation procedures for centres above ground level.

Evacuation Schemes – Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Read the guidance for service providers.