+ Serendipity Early Learning Centre The Outdoor Environment Policy Review

+ Document Consulted Legislative, Regulatory and Ethical Education and Care Services National Law (2013) Education and Care Services National Regulations (2014) National Quality Standards (ACECQA, n.d.) Child Care Regulation (2011) Code of Ethics (Early Childhood Australia, 2015) Early Years Learning Framework (Australian Government: Department of Education, 2013)

+ Current Misalignments in Policy Legislative and Regulatory No mention of toileting and nappy change facilities being able to be accessed safely and conveniently from the outdoor environment (Education and Care Services National Law, 2013, s. 109) Brief mention of supervision under Goals heading in policy, however no link to further supervision policy provided

+ Current Misalignments in Policy Ethical Code of Ethics Families 4. Develop partnerships with families and engage in shared decision making where appropriate Conduct of Research 2. Be responsive to children’s participation in research, negotiating their involvement taking account of matters such as safety, fatigue, privacy and their interest Early Years Learning Framework Practice – Learning Environment – “Educators can encourage children and families to contribute ideas, interests and questions to the learning environment”

+ Current Misalignments in Policy Comparison to Centre Philosophy “Children make decisions about and have input into all aspects of their learning” “Our pedagogical decision and practices are constructed through rich discussions and collaboration with children, families and the wider community” “surround the child with natural beauty” “embrace the use of natural and improvised materials” “deep connection with the natural world”

+ The Importance of Policy Reviews and Updates Critical and essential part of centre operation Review and updating allows for updating of information and practices Review and updating allows for consideration of new philosophy and beliefs to be put into action Places important information from legal, regulatory and ethical requirements into one document Rowell, P. (2006)

+ The Importance of Meeting Legislation and Regulations Essential to health, safety and wellbeing of children and educators Provides base for assessment and rating process (Gibbs, 2008) Sets framework by which educators, teachers and providers must abide (Waniganayake et al, 2012) Most reliable and up to date information available is used (Rowell, 2009).

+ The Importance of Meeting Ethical Requirements and Collaborations Code of ethics provide responsibilities and practices for all educators and professionals in education and care settings Builds environment where protection and wellbeing is essential (Early Childhood Australia, 2015) Helps to build partnerships, family involvement and community involvement

+ Achieving Quality Care Incorporating all legislation, regulations, ethical requirements and collaboration builds quality care Allows a positive difference to be made in the lives of children, families and community (Waniganayake et al, 2012)

+ Steps to an Updated Policy Discussions with children to be led by educators in regards to the outdoor environment Layout, use of area, equipment and resources Family and community offered a chance to be involved in decisions about the outdoor environment Policy ed to parents and displayed at centre and parents and families encouraged to give input After input gathered, the outdoor environment policy to be updated Include reference in regards to toilet and nappy chance access under We will ensure that: Link to supervision policy added Collaboration with children to be included under The Educators will: Note in regards to the collaboration with families and the community to be added in Collaboration heading under Reference to standards and frameworks in policy document Include reference to natural materials being used under We Will:

+ References Australian Government: Department of Education. (2013). The Early Years Learning Framework. Retrieved from Early Childhood Australia Inc. (2015). Early Childhood Australia’s Code of Ethics. Retrieved from Education and Care Services National Law (Queensland). (2013). Retrieved from Education and Care Services National Regulations. (2014). Retrieved from Gibbs, L. (2008). Policy development in early childhood settings: From idea to evaluation. Pademelon Press, NSW. Rowell, P. (2006). Why have policies? Retrieved from articles/Special_Feature_Developing_Policies_Dec06.pdf Rowell, P. (2009). Ask a child care adviser: policies and procedures in everyday practice. Retrieved from Waniganayake, M., Cheeseman, S., Fenech, M., Hadley, F. & Shepherd, W. (2012). Leadership; contects and complexities in early childhood education. South Melbourne, VIC: Oxford.