SLEEPING POLICY

RATIONALE

To ensure adequate provision is made for children to rest undisturbed.

Source (R45/PF37, Education (ECS) Regulations 2008) ERO D1.3 D2)

PRINCIPLES

To develop a written policy for sleeping children.

To comply with the requirements of Education E.C.S. – 2008

POLICY

To develop effective procedures for children to have adequate space and facilities for undisturbed rest.

To meet R45/PF35, PF36, PF37, HS10 Education (ECS) Regulations.

PROCEDURES

• Individual beds of a suitable and safe type are provided, having regard to the number and age of the children attending and the period for which they attend.
• All non- porous sleep surfaces are covered with a non-porous protector.
• The centre supplies and launders all bedding weekly and records this procedure.
• Beds used by children are to be kept hygienic, safe, and arranged with adequate means of access.  Stretcher beds are sanitized weekly.
• Only non-mobile babies will be placed on the top row of stacker cots. Once a child can roll or sit up, they will be re-assigned to a cot on the bottom row. When a child in the bottom row of the stacker cots can stand, they will be transitioned into a stand-alone cot or stretcher or alternatively the side will be left up as a safety precaution.
• Children will not have any fluid or food whilst in bed, as required in Reg 46/HS9 Education ECS 2008.
• The ratio of on-duty adults: children, as set out in Education ECS Regulation Schedule 2 or as required will be maintained at all times the centre is operating, including periods when children may be resting/sleeping.
• Children are checked for warmth, breathing, and general well-being at least every 5-10 minutes, or more frequently according to individual needs.
• Records will be available for inspection.
• Details of sleeping/resting policy are displayed on the sleep room wall.
• Parents will endorse the sleeping policy through their enrolment contract.
• Tikanga guidelines (beliefs and values) are respected when setting up children’s beds, position head to head or feet to feet wherever possible.
• All children are offered an opportunity to have a rest if they do not wish to sleep.
• Windows must be left open while children are in the sleep room to allow for cool, fresh, circulating air.  If windows unavailable, cold air must be allowed to circulate through air conditioners.
• Room temperature is maintained of between 18-20C + recorded daily

Curious Minds Early Learning will clarify roles, responsibilities, expectations, and standards for every member of staff in implementing this policy.

COT ROOM PROCEDURES

Children are encouraged to self-regulate in developing their own sleep routines / patterns. If required, individual sleep plans will be developed to support the child to develop their own sleep routines.

Position babies always and only on the back

It facilitates breathing and enables a clear airway during a vulnerable stage of development.  Associated with placing babies on the back is the need for them to lie flat and on a level surface with no propping of the baby, tilting of the bed, pillows under the head or any product or practice that may cause babies to slump and assume a ‘chin-to-chest’ position of the neck.  A doctors’ certificate is needed for any and all exceptions to the positioning of babies not on their back.

A hazard is anything that has the potential for a covered face, pinched nose, chin-to-chest position of the neck or pressure on or against a baby’s chest.  Best practice is a sleep space bare of all non-essential items.

Consider the age of the baby in safety checks

Younger babies may be swaddled.  Swaddling, if practiced, must be stopped when babies begin to roll.  Where babies are swaddled for sleep, the material must be light weight and always form around the shoulders, loose around the hips and clear of baby’s face with the baby on the back only.

Choose safe clothing and bedding

Babies’ or children’s sleep wear needs to be light weight, of a maximum of 1 – 3 layers, with no cords or ribbons that could constrict breathing, and no head coverings, hoods or hats that can contribute to over-heating.  Bibs and necklaces must be removed before sleeping.

Where traditional bedding is used, it must be light weight in such that it drapes a baby’s body, be firmly tucked under the weight of the baby, and 1-3 layers.  Avoid over-bundling.  Placing babies nearer to the foot end if applicable of the cot reduces the risk of getting under covers should the baby creep downward.

Where infant sleep bags are used, these replace traditional sheets and blankets.  Adjust to cooler or warmer conditions by putting more or less clothing on the baby inside the bag.  Do not place covers over babies in sleeping bags as this removes the safety features of the bag for older babies.

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Te Whariki strand Well-Being, “The health and well-being of the child are protected and nurtured.

Reference:  Ministry of Health – Change for Children.