The Education (Early Childhood Services) Regulations 2008 require early childhood education and care centres to have premises and facilities that support safe and healthy practices.

The licensing criteria for education and care services aim to keep children safe by ensuring that all items, equipment, furniture, materials and surfacing used in the service is of a standard that is considered safe.

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

PF104 Safe and suitable items, surfaces, furniture, materials and equipment

Standard for playground equipment and surfacing#

The New Zealand standard for playground equipment and surfacing is NZS5828:2015 Playground equipment and surfacing.

Copies of the standard are available to buy from Standards New Zealand. This standard is aimed primarily at manufacturers and installers of playground equipment and is written in technical language.

NZS5828:2015 – Standards New Zealand

Buying and installing playground equipment and surfacing#

Before buying new equipment or safety surfacing, you should make sure that:

• the product has been tested against New Zealand Standard NZS5828:2015
• the manufacturer can supply a certificate of compliance for that product.

Newly installed playground equipment or safety surfacing must have a certificate of compliance to show that it is installed according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Remember to provide enough storage for moveable outdoor equipment. In a large storage shed, finding things can be made much easier with a polycarbonate (clear plastic) roof, especially if electricity is not available.

Demonstrated compliance#

Service providers must demonstrate that playground structures, equipment and surfacing are safe, have been installed according to manufacturer’s instructions and meet relevant licensing criteria.

Ministry of Education licensing staff complete an inspection of each service’s playground equipment and surfacing as part of the licensing assessment process.

If there are concerns, you may be asked for additional evidence, like a certificate of compliance, that shows the equipment and/or surfacing comply with the New Zealand standard for playground equipment and surfacing, NZS5828:2015.

In some cases, you may be required to have a comprehensive inspection of your premises and facilities completed. This would need to be completed by an appropriately qualified expert such as an engineer or qualified playground safety inspector.

People offering an inspection or assessment service – especially for detailed inspections or compliance checks – should be able to produce evidence of relevant qualifications and training in inspecting against NZS5828:2015.

See the relevant regulations and licensing criterium.

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

PF104 Safe and suitable items, surfaces, furniture, materials and equipment

Constructing a sand area#

Drainage, edging and the 'look'#

The area dug out for the sand should be up to 600mm deep.

It is a good idea to create an edge, to clearly separate the sand from the surrounding soil. Tanalised posts can work well or line the sides with marine ply.

Consider how you want children to access the sand area, particularly children with disabilities or very small children. Also consider how natural you want it to look.

You can create edging up to 200mm above the ground to contain the sand without obstructing most children's access. However, you may decide to design the sandpit without a raised edging so that children can crawl into it.

Tussocks and large rocks provide an attractive natural barrier between the sand area and other activities. If rocks are used, make sure the area on their other side is not close to climbing equipment or activities where children are prone to fall – such as bike tracks.

Line the bottom of the pit with 300mm of scoria if there is no stormwater drain. If a drain is available, scoria is needed to contain it.

Cover the scoria with a layer of filter cloth, mud matting or shade cloth. Water can then drain through. The children cannot dig up the scoria.

Add approximately 500mm of sand. Dune sand is a fine grain sand good for making sandcastles. East Coast sand is also a good option because it is not too light and won't fly about in the wind. It is a white grain of sand.

Covers#

The Education (Early Childhood Services) Regulations 2008, Regulation 46 and licensing criterion HS108 require that equipment, premises, and facilities are regularly checked for hazards to children. Hazards can include dangerous objects and foreign materials.

Sand areas should be covered after the last session each day, or raked and inspected for animal droppings and dangerous objects before children arrive each morning.

Covers should:

• be easy to remove
• allow the sand to 'breathe'
• allow rain in to clean the sand.

It is a good idea to talk with other early childhood services about covers that they have found useful.

Seating#

Consider building a seat around part of the sand area. Any corners should be rounded off.

Shade #

A suitable sunshade should be provided. Consider natural shade options like trees.

It is a good idea to talk with other early childhood services about the pros and cons of various sunshade solutions.

Size and position#

The sand area is a very important area of play and will be well-used. Consideration of size and position should be well thought through. A warm position that is easily supervised is recommended.

For sand pits, bigger is generally better.

Storage and other considerations#

Provide a storage area close to the sand for equipment. If possible, children should be able to select their own equipment. Good storage will help this process and save teachers’ time.

Think about having a tap close by so water can be added to sand.

Consider having a decking platform for extended play such as the water trough, water spouting or dramatic play near the sandpit.