1.1. Describe the factors to take into account when planning healthy and safe indoor and outdoor environments and services

This guide will help you answer 1.1. Describe the factors to take into account when planning healthy and safe indoor and outdoor environments and services.

Ensuring that environments and services for children and young people are both healthy and safe is a significant responsibility. A well-planned environment supports children’s learning and development, promotes their safety, and protects their wellbeing. In this guide, we cover some of the factors to account for when planning these spaces.

Legal and Regulatory Requirements

Laws and regulations guide how to plan safe environments. These include:

• The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 – This law outlines the responsibilities of employers to ensure the safety of employees and service users, including children and young people.
• The Children Act 1989 and 2004 – These acts stress the importance of safeguarding and the welfare of children.
• The Equality Act 2010 – This law ensures environments are inclusive and accessible for all, protecting against discrimination.
• The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Framework – This provides statutory guidance for early years providers in terms of health, safety, and wellbeing procedures.
• The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) – This regulation protects children and workers from harmful substances.

When planning, you must work within these legal frameworks. Ensure proper policies are in place, shared with the team, and consistently followed.

Age and Developmental Needs of the Children

Children of different ages and developmental stages have unique needs. When designing spaces or services, think about:

• Babies and toddlers – Younger children require soft flooring, smaller furniture, and safe exploratory spaces free from hazards such as choking risks.
• Preschoolers – These children need room to explore, engage in play activities, and develop motor skills. Bright, stimulating environments promote curiosity while remaining safe.
• Older children – As independence increases, older children need adaptable spaces that encourage creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration without compromising safety.

By taking into account their age and stage of development, you can create spaces where children thrive while staying safe and healthy.

Risk Assessment and Management

Conducting risk assessments is a critical aspect of planning. Risk assessments identify potential dangers and determine how to minimise them. Key steps include:

1. Identifying hazards in the space (e.g., sharp edges, slippery floors, electrical sockets).
2. Deciding who might be harmed and how (e.g., uneven outdoor surfaces might cause trips for younger children).
3. Evaluating risks and implementing precautions (e.g., securing furniture to walls, gating staircases, or adding appropriate surface grip).
4. Recording the findings and reviewing them regularly to keep everything up-to-date.

Both indoor and outdoor environments should be risk-assessed to make them as safe as possible.

Accessibility and Inclusivity

Spaces should be accessible for all children, including those with additional needs or disabilities. Consider:

• Installing ramps or lifts for wheelchair access.
• Adding tactile or sensory play areas for visually impaired children.
• Ensuring materials are offered in different formats (e.g., large print or Braille).
• Positioning furniture and equipment at appropriate heights so children can use them independently.

By planning for inclusivity, you create a space where every child feels welcomed and able to engage.

Hygiene Standards

Good hygiene is vital. Children are more vulnerable to illnesses, and shared spaces can spread germs quickly. For a hygienic environment:

• Clean surfaces, toys, and equipment regularly.
• Provide antibacterial wipes or soap dispensers.
• Encourage handwashing, with guidance and step stools for younger children.
• Dispose of waste safely and promptly.

Outdoor areas, like sandpits, should also be checked and sanitised to reduce the risk of contamination.

Space and Layout

The amount of space available impacts whether activities run smoothly and safely. Overcrowding can increase injury risks. To address this:

• Allocate enough space for movement.
• Ensure clear pathways for emergency exits.
• Zone the area into purposeful sections (e.g., quiet reading corners, messy play zones, or outdoor climbing areas).

Layouts should also comply with ratios set out in the EYFS standards, providing sufficient space to maintain supervision and support safety.

Equipment and Resources

The quality and maintenance of equipment play a key role in keeping children safe. Look for resources that are:

• Age-appropriate and suitable for the children using them.
• Tested to meet safety standards (e.g., British or European safety marks).
• Regularly inspected for wear and tear.

For outdoor equipment, ensure climbing frames, swings, or slides are installed securely on appropriate soft flooring, such as rubber matting or bark chippings, to reduce potential injuries.

Supervision

Proper supervision is non-negotiable. Depending on the number of children and their needs, you’ll set ratios to maintain safety and wellbeing. Consider:

• Low ratios for younger or high-need children.
• Rota systems to ensure staff breaks do not compromise supervision.
• The importance of actively engaging with children to monitor behaviour and prevent unsafe actions.

Environmental Conditions

Both indoor and outdoor spaces need to offer comfortable conditions. Factors include:

• Temperature – Keep indoor spaces warm enough while avoiding overheating. For outdoor activities, provide layers or sun protection as necessary.
• Ventilation – Open windows or use ventilation systems to ensure fresh air circulation.
• Lighting – Use natural light where possible. Provide adequate artificial lighting in darker rooms.

Temperature extremes, poor ventilation, or insufficient lighting can prevent children from fully engaging and affect their health.

Outdoor Safety

Outdoor spaces boost physical and mental wellbeing, but they must be well-prepared. Safety considerations outdoors include:

• Boundaries – Secure fences or gates to keep children within safe areas.
• Weather – Plan for suitable outdoor clothing, such as coats during winter or hats and sunscreen in summer.
• Natural hazards – Remove stinging plants, poisonous berries, or sharp sticks.
• Water safety – Never leave still water in buckets or paddling pools unsupervised.

Transporting Children Between Spaces

If moving between indoor and outdoor areas, consider the safety of transitions, such as:

• Ensuring clear paths free from blockages.
• Supervising children closely.
• Using hand-holding or “buddy systems” for younger children.

Emergency Preparedness

Accidents and emergencies can happen, so readiness is key. Steps to think about include:

• Having updated first aid kits accessible in both indoor and outdoor spaces.
• Training staff on emergency protocols, such as what to do in cases of fire or medical emergencies.
• Displaying emergency contact numbers where everyone can access them.

Staff Training and Awareness

Staff play a big part in maintaining safety. Ensure all team members:

• Understand health and safety policies.
• Complete relevant training, such as paediatric first aid or safeguarding courses.
• Stay aware of their roles during activities, so responsibilities are shared.

Engaging Parents and Families

Parents and carers should feel confident in the safety of the environment. Share with them:

• Health and safety policies.
• Risk assessment summaries.
• Tips for supporting safety, such as appropriate footwear for outdoor activities.

Open communication helps families trust that you’re prioritising their children’s needs.

Monitoring and Review

Finally, planning healthy and safe environments is not a one-off task. Regularly:

• Review risk assessments.
• Check equipment and the structural condition of settings.
• Gather feedback from staff, parents, and children to highlight issues.

This cycle helps maintain high standards and adapt to any changes.

By considering the above factors, you ensure that both indoor and outdoor settings are equipped to meet children’s needs while keeping them protected.