There are various long child care centres that provide outside school hours care (OSHC) for school age children. Providing care for school age children especially for long child care means that the service should also plan physical environments for school age children because their needs and interests are different from early childhood aged children. The physical environment provided for school age children is important because it will influence the quality of their experiences at the child care centre.

Physical space enables school age children to engage in a balance of vigorous play, quiet play and relaxation after a day at school. Therefore it should be carefully considered by calculating how much indoor and outdoor space will be required by the number of school age children in care. In addition, services should also make sure there is enough space for children so that overcrowding can be avoided and positive interactions and relationships between children can be promoted.

In providing indoor environments in child care centres, it should be noted that dividing areas to create smaller inviting spaces and zones is important to promote an interesting and engaging environment. Creating smaller spaces allows children to focus on activities and will minimise interruptions, noise and accidents. In order to make children feel that they are welcome and respected, an inviting and comfortable environment should be created. Personalising the spaces used by older children is one way to create a welcoming environment. Meanwhile, an example of making an inviting environment is by creating a home-like aesthetic. The use of table arrangements, sofas and rugs is a simple way to create it.

For outdoor environments, it is necessary to provide access to open space along with simple activities to support children’s development and encourage them to be active. A range of group and individual activities, as well as sporting, music and dance activities will encourage children to participate so that their fitness and overall development can be promoted.

A safe physical environment is essential in providing physical environment for school age children in long child care. Risks can be minimized by making sure that buildings, grounds, equipment and furniture, and the safe storage are safe. For high risk activities and for activities that children are trying for the first time, direct and constant supervision should be used.