3.5 Application to use a verandah as indoor space

[  National Regulations, Regulation 107 ]

There must be at least 3.25 square metres of unencumbered indoor space for each child being educated and cared for at a centre-based or family day care venue. An approved provider can apply to the regulatory authority to use a verandah as indoor space.

The application may be made with the initial application for service approval, or at a later time.

Considering an application

The regulatory authority will determine applications on a case-by-case basis.

In some climates and in some buildings, verandah space may be a preferable space for children to carry out indoor play activities. Regulatory authorities will balance the health, safety and wellbeing of children with the intent of the legislation to allow suitable verandahs to be included in indoor space calculations.

Services in Queensland

 QLD  Approval in Queensland is subject to evidence from a building practitioner which demonstrates that the verandah meets the requirements under the relevant building code to be classed as indoor space. A building practitioner may impose requirements on a provider to enable such evidence to be provided (such as requiring the installation of waterproof blinds) and to ensure the space can be considered 'indoors'.

Services in Tasmania

  TAS  The Early Childhood Centre and School Age Care Facilities Code restricts the Tasmanian regulatory authority from approving verandahs as indoor space, due to the climate.

Services in all other states and territories

All other regulatory authorities may consider the following factors in approving a verandah as indoor space:

• the square metres of usable and unencumbered space
• taking into account the physical elements of the space, such as adequate flooring, roofing and the shape of the space, and whether there are significant periods of the year in which the space will be unsuitable
• taking into account year round weather conditions, community expectations of suitability and measures available to manage climate, such as air conditioning, heating and weatherproofing.

Regulatory authorities may refuse applications if children are at risk of overcrowding because the verandah is unsuitable for indoor play activities for a significant period of time.

Minimum space requirements

There are no minimum space requirements for verandahs to be approved as indoor space.

Building requirements

  QLD  All regulatory authorities (excluding Queensland) do not need to consider building approvals when assessing applications for verandahs to be included in indoor space calculations.

Light and ventilation

The requirements for natural light, ventilation and temperature that apply to indoor spaces do not apply to verandahs.

Supervision

Adequate supervision is a consideration for any part of the service premises where children are educated and cared for. Supervision does not generally form part of the considerations for assessing whether verandahs are counted towards indoor or outdoor space. Regulatory authorities may consider supervision in cases where the approved provider alters, or intends to alter, the service premises as part of making a verandah suitable as an indoor space (see Operational Requirements – Physical Environment).