How can childcare centres reduce heat in outdoor play areas?
Reducing heat in a childcare outdoor environment requires a combination of shade, planting, surface selection and thoughtful site planning.
This is particularly important for young children because outdoor play can involve sitting, crawling and playing directly on ground surfaces.
Start with adequate shade
For centre-based services, Regulation 114 of the Education and Care Services National Regulations requires adequate shade over areas used for both active and passive outdoor play. ACECQA notes that shade can be provided by elements including large trees, shade cloth and solid roofs.
That establishes the requirement, but good design should go further.
Shade needs to be where children actually use it.
Observe how the sun moves
A shade structure shown directly above a play area on a plan does not mean the surface will be shaded throughout the day. Orientation, structure height and sun angle affect where the shadow falls.
Mapping sunny and shaded areas at different times is also recommended within NSW Department of Education landscape-learning resources and is a useful site-analysis principle more generally.
Surface selection matters
ACECQA notes that natural surfaces such as grass, soil and bark can reduce UV reflection and radiant heat.
Synthetic turf and other manufactured surfaces can still have useful roles, particularly in heavily shaded or high-use locations, but their exposure needs to be considered carefully.
Use living landscape
Trees can provide shade while planting and natural ground surfaces contribute to a more varied outdoor environment.
The National Regulations also require outdoor spaces to allow children to explore and experience the natural environment. Heat management and nature therefore do not need to be treated as separate design objectives. A well-planned landscape can address both.
Looking for something else?
About Urban Landscape Projects
Urban Landscape Projects designs and builds outdoor environments for schools and childcare centres across Greater Sydney. We have operated since 1990, with more than 35 years of experience, 1,100+ completed projects and 30+ industry awards. We work with schools and childcare operators from planning and design through to construction and handover.
Published by Urban Landscape ProjectsChildcare guidance, part of the ULP Knowledge Centre.