Contribute to the Support of Positive Environments for Children and Young People

CU1513 – Contribute to the support of positive environments for children and young people 1.1. Describe what is meant by a positive environment? Whatever age group or setting you are working with, you must plan an environment that encourages the development of the whole child. First of all you think about the different settings that children and young people aged 0-16 years may experience. These settings have both indoor and outdoor physical spaces that need to be considered. The layout of the physical environment is your team’s responsibility and contributes to giving each child positive outcomes in their learning, and development. The available space will influence the way the furniture and equipment is set out. While it is important to create an attractive environment, everything should be safe, secure and have purpose that supports each area of the children 1.2. Identify regulatory requirements that underpin a positive environment for children and young people.
A positive environment for children and young people must be a safe place to work in, so a number of legal health and safety requirements are in place. Whatever the setting, policies and proceduresguide the working practice of the staff and ensure the requirement are carried. All settings that have under 16 year olds on site for more than two hours a day are likely to be inspected by Ofsted and will have to meet certain requirements. These are detailed in Ofsted national standards. These are some examples:
Heating
* Tempreture at 15-18 degrees or 20-22 degrees for babies * Fireguards in front of fires * Radiators and pipes covered * Smoke alarms and emergency equipment available.

lighting and electricity * All areas well lit for full visibility * Current breakers for all electrical equipment * Plugs covered
Ventilation
* Window opens when nesscesery to circulate air so that there are no draughts * The space used must meet basic