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Fences#
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, or 1.8m if older children (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
- resource consent issues that may dictate the height and construction of the fence
- fencing that allows the children to see out to the world around them.
Swimming pool fencing and windows inserted in solid fences allow children to look out and community members to see in and interact with them.
Solid fencing reduces noise transfer from the centre to any neighbours.
Having a small gap of 5mm between each paling allows wind to flow through rather than build up and come over the top of a solid fence.
Adding windows, framed mirrors and areas suitable for painting (for example, a large piece of light-coloured Formica) can create interest, make spaces feel larger and use space effectively.
Discuss your situation with staff from your regional Ministry of Education office and local National Public Health Service.
See the relevant regulation and licensing criterion.
Education (Early Childhood Services) Regulations 2008, regulation 45 – New Zealand Legislation
General fencing tips#
If horizontal supports are on the outside, children will not 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#
Think about how people will come in and out of your premises and how you will get equipment and larger items into the outside play area. Install a gate wide enough to give trailer and large equipment, such as a ride-on lawn mower, access to the outside play area.
If people come into the building first, rather than through the playground, it may be easier for staff to monitor arrivals and departures.
Having a gate between the car park and the entrance door contains children in a safe area if a door is left open by mistake. It also means strangers do not have direct access to the play area.
Types of gates#
Swimming pool gates with high safety locks and springs that close the gate automatically are well designed to meet the needs of early childhood services. 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 someone is trying to get in, such as a wheelchair user. If you need a solid gate to block noise or pollution outside the gate, putting a window in the gate may help.
Emergency exits#
Fire and Emergency New Zealand usually recommends 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.
You need to also consider how children will get out of the playground to a safer space in the event of a fire.
Seek advice from your local fire service or visit the Fire and Emergency New Zealand website.
Windows#
Windows or other areas of glass accessible to children need to be:
- made of safety glass
- 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.
If your service is in a new building, you are already likely to meet this requirement. The Building Act requires the use of safety glass in windows and doors located in high-risk areas of all new buildings.
When assessing which glass areas in your service are accessible to children, consider:
- height from the floor – glass below 800mm is typically within reach of young children
- nearby furniture or climbable objects can make higher glass reachable.
Children should be able to see outside through most windows. If windows are placed 500mm to 600mm 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.
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.
Safety catches#
Windows should have safety catches where they are a potential hazard to children.
Types of window that slide up and down (sash windows) should have a bolt that holds the window when it is open at approximately 200mm so they do not accidentally drop down on a child, causing injury.
See the relevant regulation and licensing criterion.
Education (Early Childhood Services) Regulations 2008, regulation 45 – New Zealand Legislation
Handrails#
The Building Code does not require decks or steps under 1 metre to have handrails but for young children's use, it is advisable to have balustrades or handrails surrounding decks.
Consider providing handrails at child height.
Make sure balustrades will not trap body parts and are high enough so that children are not able to sit or climb on them. The space between balustrades should not be more than 100mm.
You could also have very wide steps or platforms surrounding a deck. If wide enough, these will prevent children from falling far. Platforms that are 'deep' (350mm to 700mm) and 'low' (100mm to 110mm) are appropriate for infants and toddlers who tend to crawl or climb down steps. Such platforms may not require handrails. Take advice from your local building authority.
