New outdoor space requirements in the ACT

New outdoor space requirements have been introduced in the ACT, and will be considered by the ACT regulatory authority as part of the service approval process. The new requirements are for centre based services that apply for service approval or apply to amend their service approval to increase the maximum number of children. 

Approved providers are already required to provide 7m_² of unencumbered outdoor space for each child being educated and cared for at the service. The recent changes mean that when calculating unencumbered outdoor space under new regulation 259A(3), the unencumbered outdoor space must:

• be outside the external walls of a building on the premises 
• be at ground level or finished ground level
• receive at least 60% direct sunlight, for at least 3.5 hours, between 9am and 3pm on the winter and summer solstices
• be under not more than 30% permanent cover.  

For more information, please contact the ACT regulatory authority.