Describe the Factors to Take Into Account When Planning Healthy Safe Indoor and Outdoor Environments and Services.

The environment has immediate effect on the quality of the children’s learning and development therefore it should be comfortable, interesting, attractive and appropriate for child or children who use it. There are a number of important factors to be considered while planning for safe indoor and outdoor environment but the most important ‘Every Child Matters’ i.e. everyone is an individual and may have particular needs that will depend on their age and abilities. A suitable environment for a baby will be different from a suitable environment for a three or four year old although some features will be the same. Age and abilities are the major factor while planning room layouts e.g. a baby room having a lot of toddlers will require different equipments and resources or areas as compared to the room with babies only. Therefore the resources used should be age and stage appropriate, should carry the safety marks and there must be specialist equipment for children with specific needs.
‘Every Child Matters: Change for Children’ recognises that a child’s performance, learning and well being go hand in hand, they cannot learn if they do not feel safe or health problems are allowed to create barriers. Some children may have specific needs such as sensory impairment or allergies to some of the foods (sometimes they are so allergic to food item that they are not even allowed to touch it). So while planning activities, health conditions or any other special needs should be considered e.g. visual aid or sign language for children with hearing impairment. Placing pictures of hands being washed near the toilets, showing picture where it is made clear that you walk not run etc. Children should always be within the sight of the adult whilst also allowing them to enjoy their environment.
Most activities should have clear aims and objectives that are based around outcomes linked to their age. The desired outcome of activity should always be the primary focus with clear aim and...