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The outdoor learning environment standard (PDF 969 KB) details the minimum and recommended standards for creating and maintaining an outdoor learning environment that provides children with optimal learning opportunities and can be used across government and non-government organisations to support this outcome.
This standard is to be read in conjunction with the design standards (PDF 1 MB) which provide guidelines for contractors who design, build and maintain SA government schools and preschools.
Schools or preschools considering developing their own outdoor learning environments need to consider:
- design and planning the space for children’s learning outcomes
- design standard for quality and safety
- risk management processes and procedures.
The ongoing maintenance and replacement costs of Outdoor Learning Environments are the responsibility of the site. Further information is available on creating a safe outdoor learning environment (staff login required).
Nature Play SA resources
Nature Play SA has developed a range of resources to assist schools and preschools in understanding the risks and challenges that come with outdoor learning environments and how they can be used to optimise learning opportunities through diverse and meaningful experiences.
The Learning Outdoors – benefits risks guide (PDF 6.7MB) should be read in conjunction with the outdoor learning environments standard (PDF 969 KB) to create a balanced approach to developing and maintaining outdoor learning environments.
Risk management
Site leaders must exercise their professional judgement to analyse the risks against the benefit of play activities to optimise learning outcomes for children and young people. These tools and processes are provided to help with that assessment:
