How high was Humpy Dumpty? Revised Australian playground equipment and surfacing standards

Abstract

The Playground Equipment and Surfacing AS4685, 2014 (Parts 1-6 and 11) was published by Standards Australia to replace the previous documents AS4685, 2004 (Parts 1-6 and 11). The new documents contain specific clauses that relate to Supervised Early Childhood Services (SECS), and apply to: '... defined play spaces used by an educational and care service, or children's services, for children under school age, which is supervised by educators (i.e. early childhood practitioners who work directly with children in education and care services or children’s services)'. In early childhood settings, the Standards provide the basis for educators to make effective decisions regarding the design and placement of both fixed and moveable play equipment, and overall play space arrangement and management. These Standards also emphasise the importance of accessible, inclusive play spaces in recognition of all children's rights to play (UNICEF, 1989)