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TOPIC 1 CREATING QUALITY EARLY LEARNING ENVIRONMENT 
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can result from poor design and maintenance. Hence, adults are responsible for minimising hazards and avoiding accidents by ensuring the environment is well designed and well maintained.
(c) Cleanliness
Early childhood setting needs to be clean. Cleanliness is a key component of a childÊs overall experience. Thus, the physical environment of early childhood setting needs to be appealing and offer a comfortable and clean space. All equipment and materials should be wiped, cleaned and disinfected regularly. The surroundings should be tidy and well organised.
(d) Check materials, learning and play area regularly
All learning materials and toys should be cleaned and sanitised every day. There should be no sharp or broken toy pieces displayed. All areas should be kept clear of anything that may cause children to trip or fall. For example, wet floors must be cleaned up to avoid children falling on the floor.
(e) Arrange rooms that allow adults to see all the children
(f) Provide first aid kit
All rooms should arrange in a way that allows adults to see all children at
all times. Cubicles and partitions should be arranged at right angles to allow adults to see around as many angles as possible. For example, chairs and tables can be arranged in a circle. Play area also can be set up at the
centre of the setting.
It is also important to have at least a first aid kit in early childhood setting
or to take it outside on a field trip. First aid kit items should be checked regularly to make sure they are in the box. It should be kept in cold and dry areas, and out of the reach of children. The basic first aid kit may contain different sizes of plasters, gauge, bandage, skin rash cream, antiseptic cream, sticky tapes and cleansing wipes. Caregivers or teachers may label
the items on the kit so they know what is in the kit.
(g) Outdoor security
Outdoors is a critical place for children to develop. Therefore, early childhood settings must offer a secure environment for children to explore and be involved in gross motor activities. It should provide a play area that does not allow strangers access without staff acknowledgment and accompaniment. Children should not be allowed to exit the area unnoticed. The outdoor activities area should be fully fenced with adequate height and gate should be locked.
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