Identify access barriers and plan practical improvements across early learning centres, kindergartens and childcare facilities.
Access Solutions National (ASN) provides detailed accessibility audits for childcare operators, centre directors, property owners, designers and approval teams. We assess how people arrive, enter, move through and use the facility, then document clear priorities for action.
Request a fee proposal or call 1300 276 222 to discuss your site.
Why accessibility audits matter for early learning centres, kindergartens and childcare facilities
Accessibility affects participation, safety, service delivery and the everyday experience of people with disability. An audit creates a reliable picture of current conditions before upgrades, budgets or project briefs are finalised. ASN considers the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA), the National Construction Code (NCC), the AS 1428 suite of Australian Standards and the agreed operational context.
The assessment is not a generic checklist. It follows representative user journeys and considers how individual barriers interact across the property.
What the audit can cover
Depending on the agreed scope, the audit can review parking and set-down, entry security, reception, indoor learning areas, outdoor play, staff and family facilities, sanitary facilities and paths between activity zones. Relevant elements may include parking, paths of travel, ramps, stairs, doorways, circulation spaces, lifts, sanitary facilities, signage, tactile ground surface indicators, luminance contrast and service points.
Common accessibility risks
- secure entry arrangements that reduce clear opening or circulation space
- changes of level between indoor and outdoor learning areas
- family and staff amenities that need coordinated accessible design
- fit-outs where furniture and storage affect usable circulation
Findings are supported by site observations and photographs where relevant. The report explains why an issue matters and provides practical recommendations for the next decision.
What you receive
- Defined audit scope: a clear record of the areas, routes and facilities assessed.
- Documented findings: identified access issues with locations, photographs and relevant references.
- Practical recommendations: actions suitable for operational change, maintenance, design development or capital works.
- Prioritised planning: findings that can inform new centre approvals, pre-lease decisions, refurbishment planning and existing-centre improvement programs.
- Post-report support: clarification for the client and project team within the agreed service.
Desktop and onsite audit options
For proposed work, ASN can complete a desktop access audit of drawings and documentation. For existing buildings or completed works, an onsite access audit records physical conditions and measurements. Projects can use both services at different stages.
ASN also provides access consulting for schools and childcare centres, Performance Solution reports and luminance contrast testing where required.
Why engage ASN?
- Accredited expertise: ASN consultants are qualified and Accredited Members of the Association of Consultants in Access Australia (ACAA).
- Established experience: ASN has provided disability access and inclusion advice since 2002.
- Lived experience: Director Dale Sheppard brings more than 20 years of lived experience of disability alongside academic qualifications and industry experience.
- Practical reporting: findings explain the issue, relevant requirement and recommended response.
- Independent advice: our focus is an accessible, compliant and workable built environment.
Frequently asked questions
Can ASN review childcare plans before construction?
Yes. A desktop access audit can identify documentation issues before approval or construction, while an onsite audit assesses existing or completed facilities.
Are outdoor play areas included?
They can be. The scope may include accessible routes to play areas, gates, level changes, surfaces and supporting facilities.
Can an audit help before signing a lease?
Yes. A due diligence assessment can identify access constraints and potential upgrade implications before a lease or fit-out is finalised.
Request a fee proposal
Send ASN the property address, building type, areas to be assessed, available plans and your required timeframe through our fee request form. You can also email info@asnpl.com.au or call 1300 276 222.