Criterion PF209#

Parts of the home used by children have: 

• lighting (natural or artificial) that is appropriate to the activities offered or purpose of each room;
• ventilation (natural or mechanical) that allows sufficient fresh air to circulate (particularly in sanitary and sleep areas); and
• a safe and effective means of maintaining a comfortable room temperature.

Guidance#

How to show you are complying #

You need to make sure areas of the home used by children are well-lit and properly ventilated. You also need to be able to maintain a comfortable room temperature.

Lighting 

Lighting, whether natural or artificial must be suitable for the activities taking place or the intended purpose of each room. Where artificial lighting is used, you should ensure it is positioned and selected to suit the function of the space—for example, brighter lighting in activity areas and softer lighting in sleep rooms.

Ventilation

Spaces within buildings need enough ventilation to circulate fresh air for the number of people and their activities and keep everyone healthy and comfortable.

All areas used by children must allow for adequate circulation of fresh air to maintain good air quality and comfort within play and learning spaces and particularly in sanitary and sleep areas.

Ventilation can be achieved through natural methods (for example, opening windows and doors) or by using mechanical systems. Mechanical ventilation should operate whenever children are present. Natural ventilation should also be actively used during attendance by opening windows and doors on opposite sides of the room to allow cross-ventilation. Ventilation systems must be appropriate for the size and purpose of the room and maintained to ensure consistent airflow and good air quality.

Comfortable room temperature

A safe and effective system must be in place to maintain a comfortable room temperature while children are present in the home. This means the educator will need to be able to effectively heat rooms in the building used by children and if necessary to cool them down. This includes sleep spaces and bathrooms. 

In some parts of New Zealand, temperatures are higher or lower than in others. The system or systems that educators choose should reflect the requirements of their area.

There are a range of options to control room temperature, but safety of children is paramount. You need to make sure heating systems do not pose a risk of burns or injury.

WorkSafe provides guidance on thermal comfort ranges and is linked in our tools section. 

Further guidance on providing a comfortable of no lower than 18 degrees Celsius can be found on HS215 Room Temperature.