Why Single-Storey Childcare Centres Offer Extra Safety for Children

When families think about choosing childcare, the focus is often on quality, educators, and reputation. But the design of the building itself also plays a vital role in children’s safety and wellbeing.

Quicker, safer evacuation
In any emergency — fire, power outage, or evacuation drill — a single-storey building allows children and educators to exit quickly and calmly. There are no stairs, lifts, or complex escape routes to navigate. Babies in prams, toddlers still learning to walk, and children needing extra support can be guided outside in a matter of seconds, not minutes.

The challenges of multi-storey centres
In contrast, centres operating in multi-storey buildings face unique challenges. ACECQA’s Multi-Storey Buildings: Evacuations and Approvals fact sheet (2023) highlights that services must provide detailed evacuation policies showing exactly how children will be moved from one floor to another.

Some services use specialised evacuation equipment such as:

Baby evacuation aprons or slings (so educators can carry multiple infants at once)
Evacuation sleds or cots (to slide babies and children down stairways)
Walking ropes (to lead toddlers safely in a line)

While these tools are ingenious, they add complexity and require constant training, more staff, and absolute discipline under pressure. Even with the best preparation, evacuation from an upper floor inevitably takes longer and carries more risks than from a ground-floor setting.

Everyday peace of mind
Beyond emergencies, single-storey design simplifies everyday routines. Children move between rooms or outdoors without negotiating stairs, and educators can supervise more effectively in calm, open spaces. It’s a safer, less institutional setting.

Supporting best practice
The National Quality Standard requires all services to ensure environments minimise risk.

While all approved centres must comply, a single-storey layout naturally reduces many risks from the start. It’s a design choice that gives families extra peace of mind.

At Dalkeith Early Learning Centre, our boutique heritage building is single-storey, surrounded by calm gardens. Families appreciate that safety and tradition are built into the very design of our service — one more reason generations of local parents trust us.

Join our waitlist today and discover why Dalkeith ELC combines safety, quality, and tradition for children aged 0–6.

Dalkeith Early Learning Centre
58 Dalkeith Road, Nedlands WA 6009
08 9386 9930
www.dalkeithelc.com.au
admin@dalkeithelc.com.au

Choosing the right childcare is a big decision. Families in Nedlands, Dalkeith, and Perth’s western suburbs often ask us similar questions.

Common Questions & Answers
What’s your educator-to-child ratio? → We keep groups small.
What are your operating hours? → 7am–6pm, year-round.
How are meals provided? → Fresh, nutritious meals on site.
What makes you different? → Boutique, small-group, Exceeding NQS rating.
Do you offer kindergarten programs? → Yes, led by a qualified teaching team.

Helping Families Feel Confident
We encourage parents to ask as many questions as needed. Choosing childcare is about trust, relationships, and shared values.

Conclusion
Have more questions? Book a tour at Dalkeith ELC and see our boutique approach in action.

Dalkeith Early Learning Centre
58 Dalkeith Road, Nedlands WA 6009
08 9386 9930
www.dalkeithelc.com.au
admin@dalkeithelc.com.au

Real Gardens: Supporting Children’s Growth

Children today need more time outdoors, and at Dalkeith ELC, our real gardens provide endless opportunities for exploration and growth.

Learning in the Garden
Hands-On Discovery: Finding worms, planting seeds.
Healthy Bodies: Outdoor play builds strength and coordination.
Environmental Awareness: Caring for plants fosters respect for nature.

Why Families Value Our Gardens
Our shady trees and natural play spaces are a calming contrast to screens. Parents love that children return home muddy, curious, and happy.

Conclusion
Our gardens are an extension of the classroom. Book a tour to see how nature supports children’s growth.

Dalkeith Early Learning Centre
58 Dalkeith Road, Nedlands WA 6009
08 9386 9930
www.dalkeithelc.com.au
admin@dalkeithelc.com.au

How Continuity of Care From Birth to Kindergarten Supports Children

Consistency is one of the greatest gifts we can offer young children. At Dalkeith ELC, children can begin in our infant room and remain with us right through to kindergarten, developing strong attachments and a sense of security during these important early years.

The Importance of Continuity
Strong Attachments: Familiar educators provide trust, comfort and confidence.
Smooth Transitions: Children adjust easily when surrounded by known faces.
Holistic Understanding: Long-term educators understand each child’s unique learning journey.

Our Teaching Team
Dalkeith ELC is proud to have a well-established teaching team, including university-educated early childhood teachers who lead our kindy program and support high-quality practice across all age groups. Their stability and experience are central to our reputation for nurturing, relationship-based care.

Our Kindy Program
Our on-site kindy program provides a strong start to school, with:

• Long 7am–6pm hours
• All-year operation (not limited to school terms)
• A team of dedicated early childhood teachers
• Daily access to our large natural gardens
• Delicious, nutritious meals
• Support for routines like toilet training
  
  This combination gives children the benefit of a true kindy program with the convenience families need.

Why Families Value This Approach
Parents appreciate having one trusted centre from nursery through to school entry, avoiding disruption and giving their child a stable, consistent, warm place to grow.

Continuity of care builds confidence and wellbeing. Secure your child’s place on our waitlist today.

Dalkeith Early Learning Centre
58 Dalkeith Road, Nedlands WA 6009
08 9386 9930
www.dalkeithelc.com.au
admin@dalkeithelc.com.au