The aim of Quality Area 2 under the National Quality Standard is to safeguard and promote children’s health and safety, minimise risks and protect children from harm, injury and infection.
All children have the right to experience quality education and care in an environment that provides for their physical and psychological wellbeing and provides support for each child’s growing competence, confidence and independence.
When using the NQS handout, the quality areas have been broken down to easily identify the concept and descriptor that describes each quality area, standard and element.
Standards
There are 2 standards that underpin Quality Area 2: Children’s health and safety.
Standard 2.1 Health: Each child’s health and physical activity is supported and promoted.
Standard 2.2 Safety: Each child is protected.
Elements
There are 3 elements that underpin standard 2.1 Health
Element 2.1.1 Wellbeing and comfort: Each child’s wellbeing and comfort is provided for, including appropriate opportunities to meet each child’s need for sleep, rest and relaxation.
Element 2.1.2 Health practices and procedures: Effective illness and injury management and hygiene practices are promoted and implemented.
Element 2.1.3 Healthy lifestyle: Healthy eating and physical activity are promoted and appropriate for each child.
There are 3 elements that underpin standard 2.2 Safety
Element 2.2.1 Supervision: At all times, reasonable precautions and adequate supervision ensure children are protected from harm and hazard
Element 2.2.2 Incident and emergency management: Plans to effectively manage incidents and emergencies are developed in consultation with relevant authorities, practised and implemented
Element 2.2.3 Child Protection: Management, educators and staff are aware of their roles and responsibilities to identify and respond to every child at risk of abuse or neglect
Quality Area 2 of the National Quality Standard plays a crucial role in creating safe, healthy, and supportive environments for children. By implementing these standards and elements, early childhood educators ensure that children are protected, cared for, and able to thrive in both their physical and emotional development.
For more information on Quality Area 2
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