Sleep

Criterion

A procedure for monitoring children's sleep is displayed and implemented and a record of children’s sleep times is kept.

Documentation required

1. A procedure for monitoring children's sleep. The procedure ensures that children:

   • do not have access to food or liquids while in bed; and

   • are checked for warmth, breathing, and general wellbeing at least every 5 to 10 minutes, or more frequently according to individual needs.

2. A record of the time each child attending the service sleeps, and checks made by adults during that time.

Rationale/intent

The criterion aims to uphold the safety and wellbeing of children while they are sleeping and minimise risk of harm. Requiring a documented procedure allows for parental input. Display ensures that all adults at the service are made aware of the procedure. Record-keeping requirements serve 2 purposes:

1. to demonstrate compliance with the criterion; and

2. to ensure that parents have access to important information about their child's sleeping patterns while at the service.

Criterion

# Furniture or items intended for children to sleep on (such as cots, beds, stretchers or mattresses) are arranged and spaced when in use so that:

• adults have clear access to at least one side (meaning the length, not the width)

• the area surrounding each child allows sufficient air movement to minimise the risk of spreading illness; and

• children able to sit or stand can do so safely as they wake.

Rationale/intent

The criterion aims to ensure that sleeping provisions are arranged so that they do not present a hazard to children's safety and wellbeing.

Criterion

# If not permanently set up, furniture or items intended for children to sleep on (such as cots, beds, stretchers or mattresses) and bedding is hygienically stored when not in use.

Rationale/intent

The criterion aims to prevent cross-infection by ensuring that sleep provisions used periodically (that is, not permanently set up) are hygienically stored when not in use.