Childcare Facilities Design and Certification

Project Works Design specialises in the design and certification of childcare facilities throughout Sydney, Central Coast and all areas of NSW. Project Works Design has been Accredited for the Certification of Childcare Centres since 2004 and have provided certification for more than 20 childcare facilities and designed numerous new childcare centres.

The Children’s Services Regulation 2004 came into effect 7 years ago in September 2004. This regulation replaced the Centre Based and Mobile Child Care Services Regulation (No.2) and the Family Day Care and Home Based Child Care Regulation 1996. Currently, the Regulation is under review and it is expected that the revised regulation will be implemented in 2011.

Under the regulation, childcare centres must be certified every when a new license application is submitted and when the childcare premises are sold.

A significant part of the compliance of a Child Care Centre premises with the 2004 Regulation relates to the design of the buildings. Issues such as:

• Space requirements, 3.25sqm of unencumbered indoor space & 7.0sqm of outdoor space.
• Dedicated areas for administration, parent interviews & staff respite.
• Provision of laundry, food preparation area, craft facilities etc.
• Provision of shade for outdoor play spaces.
• Sleeping requirements for children under 2.    etc.

In relation to the certification of a Childcare Centre, Division 1.15 (d) (iv) the Children’s Services Regulation 2004 requires that premises at which the service is to be provided -

(d)  (iv)is drawn by a person who is an architect within the meaning of the  Architects Act 2003 or who is Accredited by the Building Designers Association of NSW Inc in relation to the design of the class of buildings concerned’

and will require certification by that person–

(e)   a statement in writing signed or sealed by the applicant and by the person referred to in paragraph (d) (iv): (i) stating that the premises comply with the Part 3 facilities and equipment requirements applicable to a centre based children’s service, or (ii) stating any respect in which the premises do not comply with those requirements,

Existing Child Care Centres being purchased by a prospective licensee will also require certification under Division 1.15 (e).

So if you are planning to build a new Childcare Facility or selling an existing Childcare Facility or need your 3 yearly certification, Project Works Design have the qualifications and experience to assist in a timely and efficient manner.