SA Regulatory Authority brings out new Creating Safe Facilities guide

South Australia’s regulatory authority, the Education Standards Board (ESB), has published a new guide to legal requirements and other considerations when building a new education and care service or doing significant renovations.

Jane Bilberry, Senior Authorised Officer with the ESB, said she hoped the resource will become a “one-stop shop” when designing or building a service.

The Creating Safe Facilities guide is designed to support providers of education and care services, developers, builders, architects and council planners, and replaces the facilities for centre-based services fact sheet on the same topic. 

“When considering the build of a new education and care service, an architect, builder or relevant professional needs to have a sound knowledge of the requirements under the National Construction Code, our Law and Regulations and now our policy positions,” Ms Bilberry said.

“Getting things right the first time may save the architect, builder or approved provider time and money.”

The ESB has designed the guide to cover common queries and best-practice considerations.

“These support educators to ensure they are able to consistently meet the health, safety and wellbeing needs of the children in their care,” she added.

The ESB is happy to discuss approved providers building plans, and encouraged relevant parties to begin consultations early.

“Most times, we will suggest amendments or considerations to plans before they have been submitted to council for approval,” Ms Bilberry said. 

The guide is not relevant for family day-care services, but will be “invaluable” when building or renovating other education and care services, she added. 

A copy of the guide has been sent to early childhood services associations, councils, and architect and building associations to distribute to their members and contacts.

For advice about building or renovating a South Australian service, contact the Early Childhood Services Team on (08) 8226 0077 or [email protected]