NQS Standard 3.1: Design (elements 3.1.1 to 3.1.2) explained

Last reviewed: 8 November 2026. Standard and element wording from Schedule 1 of the Education and Care Services National Regulations as published on ACECQA’s Quality Area 3 page, checked on 8 November 2026. Explanations and model answers are in our own words.

For each element below: what it means in practice, what an assessor looks for, the common gaps, and a model short answer for “briefly explain” questions in certificate III and diploma assessments.

Element 3.1.1: Fit for purpose

“Outdoor and indoor spaces, buildings, fixtures and fittings are suitable for their purpose, including supporting the access of every child.”

What it means: The building and grounds suit the ages and number of children and the way the service runs, and every child, including children with disability, can get to and use the spaces.

What an assessor looks for:

• Enough unencumbered space: 3.25 m² indoor and 7 m² outdoor per child (regulations 107 and 108)
• Fencing, toilets, hygiene, nappy change, ventilation and natural light that meet regulations 104 to 112
• A layout that lets educators supervise at all times while respecting children’s dignity (regulation 115)

Common gaps: Spaces that cannot be supervised from where educators stand; facilities sized for older children used by toddlers; ramps or access points missing for a child who needs them.

Element 3.1.2: Upkeep

“Premises, furniture and equipment are safe, clean and well maintained.”

What it means: The service keeps everything safe, clean and in good repair through regular checks, cleaning routines and prompt repairs, and records that show it.

What an assessor looks for:

• Daily safety checks of indoor and outdoor areas before children arrive
• Cleaning schedules and a maintenance log with repairs followed up
• Broken equipment removed from use until fixed (regulation 103)

Common gaps: Checklists signed without the check being done; hazards reported but never fixed; worn equipment left in use.

The regulations behind Standard 3.1

• Regulation 103: premises, furniture and equipment must be safe, clean and in good repair.
• Regulation 104: outdoor spaces must be enclosed by a fence or barrier that children preschool age or under cannot go through, over or under (with exceptions for services for children over preschool age).
• Regulations 107 and 108: at least 3.25 m² of unencumbered indoor space and 7 m² of unencumbered outdoor space for each child at a centre-based service.
• Regulations 106 and 109 to 112: laundry and hygiene, toilet and hygiene facilities, ventilation and natural light, administrative space, and nappy change facilities.
• Regulation 115: centre-based premises, including toilets and nappy change areas, must be designed and maintained to facilitate supervision at all times, having regard to children’s rights and dignity.

For the detail of each premises rule, see our premises requirements guide.

See the whole quality area in Quality Area 3: Physical environment, or all 40 elements on one page.

Frequently asked questions

This page is a research summary, not legal or compliance advice. It is written in our own words from the sources linked on the page; confirm the position with your regulatory authority before relying on it for a compliance decision.