Childcare knowledge

Practical guidance for childcare operators and educators: how to plan an outdoor environment and what makes a good one, how the yard supports the EYLF and different age groups, how to bring nature, challenge and inclusion into a centre, and how shade and materials perform over time.

Planning and master planning

• How do you plan a childcare outdoor environment?
• What makes a high-quality childcare outdoor play space?
• How should a childcare outdoor space cater for different age groups?
• Should a childcare outdoor environment be renovated in stages or all at once?
• How can drainage problems be solved in childcare outdoor areas?

Nature and outdoor learning

• How do you create a nature play environment in childcare?
• How can outdoor environments support the EYLF?
• How can childcare outdoor spaces support sensory play?
• How should loose parts be incorporated into childcare outdoor environments?

Safety, standards and inclusion

• How do you design for risky play in childcare?
• What playground standards apply to childcare centres in Australia?
• How do you design an inclusive childcare outdoor environment?
• How often should childcare playgrounds be inspected and maintained?

Shade, surfacing and materials

• How should shade be planned in a childcare outdoor environment?
• Is synthetic grass sustainable for childcare centres?
• How can childcare centres reduce heat in outdoor play areas?
• How do you choose durable materials for a childcare playground?

Working with ULP

Questions about the ULP Childcare Delivery System: what we do, how a project runs and what to expect after you get in touch.

1. What makes ULP different from other landscape companies?

   Urban Landscape Projects provides a complete design and construction service for childcare outdoor environments.

   Rather than engaging separate designers, consultants and contractors, our integrated team manages the entire project from concept through to construction and handover.

   This creates a simpler, more coordinated experience with one point of accountability throughout the project.

2. Can you create a unique design for our childcare centre?

   Yes.

   Every childcare centre is different, and every outdoor environment we create is designed specifically for your site, centre philosophy and operational requirements.

   Our design team works closely with you to create an engaging outdoor environment that reflects your vision while supporting children’s play, learning and wellbeing.

3. Do you only design, or do you also build?

   We provide a complete turnkey service.

   ULP designs and constructs every project we undertake. By managing both design and construction, we ensure the finished environment reflects the original design intent while providing greater cost certainty, buildability and quality throughout delivery.

   We do not provide standalone design services or construct projects designed by others.

4. Can you help us meet childcare regulations and standards?

   Yes.

   Our team has extensive experience designing and constructing outdoor environments for Australian childcare centres. Throughout the project, we consider the relevant standards, regulations and operational requirements that influence outdoor environments, helping create spaces that are practical, compliant and designed for everyday use.

5. How long does a childcare project take?

   Timeframes vary depending on the size and complexity of the project, but every project follows a structured delivery process from initial consultation through to construction and handover.

   Following your enquiry, we’ll discuss your objectives, assess your site, recommend a suitable approach and prepare a proposal tailored to your centre. Once approved, our team manages design refinement, documentation, procurement and construction to ensure the project progresses smoothly with minimal disruption to centre operations.

   Where possible, construction can also be scheduled during quieter periods to reduce impacts on children and educators.

6. How much does a childcare outdoor environment cost?

   Every project is unique, so costs vary depending on the size of the site, project scope and design objectives.

   During an initial conversation, we’ll discuss your vision, priorities and budget expectations before recommending the most appropriate pathway for your project.

7. What types of childcare projects do you work on?

   ULP delivers bespoke outdoor environments for a wide range of childcare projects throughout Greater Sydney, including:

   • Existing centre upgrades
   • Complete outdoor environment redevelopments
   • Greenfield childcare developments
   • Centres requiring Development Approval (DA)
   • Redesign of approved landscape plans
   • Capacity expansion projects
   • Centre acquisitions and rebranding
   • Nature play and sustainability upgrades

   Whether you’re planning a new centre or revitalising an existing one, our integrated design and construction team can guide you from concept through to completion.

8. What areas do you service?

   ULP designs and constructs childcare outdoor environments throughout Greater Sydney.

   By focusing on a defined service area, we’re able to provide responsive site consultations, consistent project delivery and ongoing support throughout every stage of your project.

9. What happens after I contact ULP?

   Every project begins with a conversation about your centre, your objectives and the opportunities for your outdoor environment.

   We’ll discuss your project, budget expectations and development stage to determine whether we’re the right fit for your project. If so, we’ll guide you through a structured process from concept design through to construction and handover, providing one experienced team and one point of accountability throughout.

Planning a project?

• Outdoor environments for childcare
• Talk to us about your project