The department aims to provide safe outdoor learning environments, including playgrounds and nature play areas, for children and young people.

The department’s Outdoor learning environments standard (OLE standard) aligns with Australian Standards for managing safety risks associated with playgrounds. A key safety control measure is to conduct regular playground inspections, which facilitates early identification of potential safety hazards.

The OLE Standard requires sites to carry out quarterly playground inspections by an employee who holds the unit of competency AHCPGD212 Conduct visual inspection of park facilities (formerly AHCPGD206 prior to reaccreditation in 2022). Sites must also conduct daily playground inspections, which must be performed by an employee who holds the unit of competency AHCPGD212 Conduct visual inspection of park facilities or has been provided with appropriate instruction about how to conduct a visual inspection by an employee who holds the unit of competency AHCPGD212 Conduct visual inspection of park facilities.

There is an ongoing need for the department to provide this training as all sites with playgrounds are required to have at least 1 member of staff trained in AHCPGD212 Conduct visual inspection of park facilities.