Policy Number Version 1
Link to CCQA Principles Regulation 168 2 (v)
Quality Practices Guide (2004) – Principle 4.5
Quality Improvement and Accreditation System (QIAS) Quality Practices Guide (2005) – Principle 6.5
- Effective rest and sleep strategies are important factors in ensuring a child feels secure and safe in a child care environment.
- The service consults with families about their child’s individual needs and to be aware of the different values and parenting beliefs, cultural or otherwise that are associated with rest.
- If a family’s beliefs conflict with best practice then the service will not endorse an alternative practice, unless the service is provided with written advice from a medical practitioner.
- The service defines ‘rest’ as a period of inactivity, solitude, calmness or tranquillity, and can include a child being in a state of sleep. This would usually occur in our setting if a child has been up late the previous night, away at camp or engaged in unusually strenuous activities.
- MPSOSHC has a duty of care to ensure that all children are provided with a high level of safety when resting or sleeping while in care.
- It is understood by staff/carers, children and families that there is a shared responsibility between the service and other stakeholders that the Rest and Sleep Policy and procedures are accepted as a high priority.
- In meeting the service’s duty of care, it is a requirement that management and staff implement and adhere to the service’s Rest and Sleep Policy.
The primary safe resting and sleeping practices for children in care at this service are:
- Children’s rest environments are free from cigarette or tobacco smoke as detailed in the service’s Smoke Free Environment Policy.
- The rest environment, equipment and materials will be safe and free from hazards
- Staff/carers monitor resting children at regular intervals and supervise the rest environment as per licensing regulations/best practice standards.
Safe resting practices for school age children
- If a school age child requests a rest then there is a designated area for the child to be inactive and calm, away from the main group of children.
- The designated rest area may be a cushion, mat or seat in a quiet section of the care environment.
- Quiet, solitary play experiences are available for those school age children who request the need for a rest or time away from their peers.
- Safe resting practices are relevant to school age children because, if they are resting or sleeping they should be monitored at regular intervals and a school aged child’s face should be uncovered when they are sleeping.
Protective behaviours and practices
Supervision of resting children
- All children who are resting will be supervised by staff/carers.
- All children who have fallen asleep in the service will be monitored regularly with specific attention to breathing patterns.
- Parents will be notified if a child falls asleep or appears unwell.
- The service will review the Rest and Sleep Policy and procedures, and related documents, including behaviours and practices every 12 months or as necessity dictates.
- Families are encouraged to collaborate with the service to review the policy and procedures.
- Staff/carers are essential stakeholders in the policy review process and will be encouraged to be actively involved.
Sources and further reading
- National Childcare Accreditation Council Inc. (2005). Quality Improvement and Accreditation System (QIAS) Quality Practices Guide. NSW: Author.
- Occupational Health & Safety Act
Policy created date 05/06/2018
Policy review date 02/07/2018
