“It’s our polite nudge in the ribs to help you and your team stay organised and on task.”
This week’s subject is: Inclusive environment
Element 3.2.1: Outdoor and indoor spaces are organised and adapted to support every child’s participation and to engage every child in quality experiences in both built and natural environments.
Services provide an inclusive environment when indoor and outdoor spaces are designed to support the diverse interests, preferences and learning styles of all children in the service. Educators can also enhance inclusion by identifying aspects of the environment that can be adapted to support each child’s participation. Guide to the NQF
Ensure the setup and organisation of the environment facilitates a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces, engagement with the natural environment and accessibility to age-appropriate equipment, multi-use, flexible materials, and resources.
When assessing the inclusivity of your physical environment, consider the following:
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- Is the service environment welcoming, accessible and responsive to the diverse range of children and families in the community?
- How are the backgrounds and cultures of families and the broader community reflected in the environment?
- Does the environment include age-appropriate furniture & seating for both children and adults to allow for adult educators and family members to engage in quality interactions with children?
- How is our approach towards inclusion communicated in our Service philosophy?
- What opportunities are provided for children to be involved and contribute to the setting up and modifying of the physical environment?
- How do we ensure that the physical environment is a representation of the diverse backgrounds of children, families and the community?
- How does the setup and layout of the environment cater to the varying ages and capabilities of the children in our care?
- How does the environment support children to engage in play experiences that promote exploration, investigation and safe, appropriate risky- play?
Resources/links:
The Environment as the Third Teacher
Creating Inclusive Environments for Children with a Disability
Within System7 go to Quality Area 3/ modules 6, 7, 8 to submit self-assessment notes and if required, open a QIP issue if you identify any areas of improvement.
The Childcare Centre Desktop has a range of resources to assist services with inclusive environment. These include Physical Environment Audit, Physical Environment and Parent Journey Procedure, Physical Environment Policy, Inclusive Audit and much more.
Resources, NQS Element, Regulation and System7 links:
Childcare Centre Desktop – Childcare Centre Desktop
National Quality Standard – QA 3/ 3.2.1- Inclusive environment
National Regulations – 73, 75, 76, 105, 113
If you have any questions send us a note via the Contact page here!
