NATIONAL QUALITY STANDARD (NQS)

QUALITY AREA 2: CHILDREN’S HEALTH AND SAFETY

Education and Care Services National Law and National Regulations

Aim

The education and care service will ensure that all children have appropriate opportunities to sleep, rest and relax in accordance with their individual needs, age and developmental stages according to Regulation 81. 

All children have individual sleep and rest requirements. Our objective is to meet each child’s need for sleep, rest and relaxation by providing a comfortable, relaxing and safe space to enable their bodies to rest. This environment will also be closely and consistently supervised, ensuring all children are safe and feel secure.

Purpose

Our Sleep and Rest Policy will assist the approved provider, management, educators and other staff to ensure that all children have appropriate opportunities to sleep, rest and relax in accordance with their individual needs whilst attending the Service.

The risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) for infants will be minimised by following practices and guidelines set out by the national authority on safe sleeping practice for infants and children- Red Nose (formerly SIDS and Kids). Our policy sets out quality practice and is informed by recognised and evidence-based principles. Safe sleep practices are informed by Red Nose and guidance from ACEQCA.

We believe that children’s safety, rights, and best interests are the paramount consideration for all Service operations, decisions and functions. We have a duty of care to ensure children are provided with a high level of safety when sleeping and resting, and every reasonable precaution is taken to protect them from harm and hazard. In meeting the service’s duty of care, it is required that all educators implement and adhere to this policy and associated procedures to ensure we respect and cater for each child’s specific needs and that all risks are appropriately addressed.

SLEEP AND REST SPECIFIC RISK ASSESSMENT

The approved provider, in conjunction with educators of the Service, will conduct a comprehensive risk assessment to ensure all protentional hazards are identified and specify how any risks identified are managed and minimised in sleep and rest areas in line with Red Nose and ACECQA guidelines (Reg. 84A).

The risk assessment will be reviewed annually, or after being aware of an incident or circumstance where the health, safety or wellbeing of children may be compromised during sleep or rest. All risk assessments will be regularly assessed and evaluated to facilitate continuous improvement in our service. If a risk concerning a child’s safety during sleep and rest is identified during the risk assessment, the approved provider must update the Sleep and Rest Policy and procedure as soon as possible. The risk assessment must be stored safely and securely and kept until the end of three years after the last date on which the child was educated and cared for. 

Our risk assessment will consider and include the following information:

• the number, ages, developmental stages and individual needs of children

• the sleep and rest needs of individual children being educated and cared for (including specific health care needs, cultural preferences, sleep and rest needs of individual children and requests from families about a child's sleep and rest)

• the suitability of staffing arrangements to adequately supervise and monitor children during sleep and rest periods

• the level of knowledge and training of staff supervising children during sleep and rest periods

• the location of sleep and rest areas, including the arrangement of cots and beds within the sleep and rest areas

• the safety, cleanliness and condition of sleep equipment

• the safety and suitability of any cots, beds and bedding equipment, having regard to the ages and developmental stages of the children who will use the cots, bed and bedding equipment

• any potential hazards

  • in sleep and rest areas 

  • on a child during sleep and rest periods (such as jewellery, clothing)

  • use of inclined sleep products

  • use of inclined non-sleep products

• the physical safety and suitability of sleep and rest environments (including temperature, lighting and ventilation)

• for services that provide overnight care (such as services located in hospitals catering for shift workers), the risk assessment must address management of risks relating to overnight care

Responsibilities for the Approved Provider/Nominated Supervisor

• That obligations under the education and care services national law and national regulations are met.

• Educators, staff, students, visitors and volunteers have knowledge of and adhere to this policy and associated procedure.

• All new employees are provided with a copy of this policy as part of their induction process.

• All staff, educators and casual educators are provided with sleep/rest training before supervising children

• Families are aware of this sleep and rest policy.

• Children’s safety and wellbeing is paramount.

• A sleep and rest specific risk assessment is conducted every 12 months to ensure all potential hazards are controlled in sleep or rest areas in line with Red Nose and ACECQA guidelines.

• Every reasonable precaution has been taken to protect children from harm and from hazards likely to cause injury. Hazards posing a risk of suffocation, choking, crushing or strangulation risk to children must be removed from the sleep and rest environment. (s.167).

• No child is subjected to inappropriate discipline or inappropriate conduct, including any form of rough handling or physical restraint, to assist children to sleep or rest.

• Inclined sleep products or infant sleep products that swing or rock are not used within our service.

• Inclined sleep products must have an incline of no more than 7 degrees to reduce the risk of suffocation from child to chest position, and the surface must be flat and not curved. Infant sleep products that swing or rock must not have a tilt or incline more than 7 degrees to the horizontal.

• Infant sleep products and inclined non-sleep products must be supplied with safety information on the use of the product and warning label affixed to the product during its lifecycle at the service.

• The use of inclined non-sleep products not intended for sleep (rockers, bouncers) must only be used for their intended purpose and children must never be left unsupervised using these products- children who fall asleep must be moved to an appropriate cot or bedding immediately.

• Up-to-date knowledge regarding safe sleeping practices is maintained, and information is communicated to educators and families.

• Families are advised that amber teething necklaces and bracelets are not to be worn by babies and young children at our service.

• Ongoing training is provided on safe sleep practices for all educators and keep a record of all such training. The room leader of the baby (0-2 room) undertakes annual training with Red Nose safe sleep and shares with team members as necessary at quarterly staff meetings, room meetings, and as needed through day-to-day training. 

• Opportunities are provided for educators to participate in red nose professional training

• Reasonable steps are taken to ensure that each child’s need for sleep, rest and relaxation is provided 

• Consideration is given to the ages, developmental stages and individual needs of children

• A safe indoor environment for sleep and rest is provided for children that is well ventilated, has adequate natural light and can be maintained at a temperature that ensures children’s safety and wellbeing and is free from all hazards including cigarette, vape and tobacco smoke (reg. 82)

• The supervision window (or similar) is kept clear to ensure safe supervision of sleeping infants

• That sleeping infants and children are supervised continuously and that all sleeping children are always within hearing distance and observed. This involves physically checking/inspecting sleeping infants and children at 10-minute intervals, ensuring that educators are always within sight and hearing distance of sleeping and resting children so they can easily monitor a child’s breathing and the colour of their skin. It is recommended that educators will not perform administrative duties that would take their attention away from sleeping/resting children- (note: cctv, audio monitors or heart monitors do not replace the need for physical checking/inspecting sleeping children).

• Educators only have access to service supplied/issued electronic devices to monitor children’s sleep/rest.

• Children who are sleeping or resting have their face uncovered at all times.

• Any soft items are removed from the cot, such as blankets, pillows or toys.

• Information is provided to parents and families about safe sleep practices.

• All equipment and furniture used for sleep and rest is safe, clean and in good repair (reg. 103, 105).

• There are adequate numbers of cots and bedding (including mattresses) available to children that meet Australian standards and are only to be used for sleep and rest purposes.

• All infant sleep products meet mandatory standards for design, construction, performance and testing (including products that are inclined).

• All cots used in our service will meet the current mandatory Australian standard for cots (as/nzs 2172) and will carry a label to indicate this.

• Sleep surfaces are checked for firmness in accordance with Australian standard as/nzs 8811:1:2013 .

• Bassinets are not used or stored within the service.

• Children are not accepted into care in a bassinet.

• They stay up to date with acc/product safety banned/recalled products and remove these immediately from the service if required.

• To negotiate sleep and rest routines and practices with families to reach agreement on how these occur for each child at the service.

• Nominated supervisors and educators are not expected to endorse practices requested by a family if they differ from red nose safe (formerly sids and kids) sleeping recommendations.

• If any requirements differ from red nose sleeping recommendations, written authorisation from a medical practitioner will be required and shared with educators.

• Educators follow the administration of first aid policy if the child's face/body appears blue. 

• And the child is not breathing, initiate first aid immediately including calling an ambulance and beginning resuscitation.

• An incident, injury, trauma and illness record is completed in its entirety.

• The parent and the regulatory authority are notified as soon as possible and within 24 hours of a serious incident.

Responsibilities for the Educators

• Recognise the differences between each child and family’s preferences in relation to routines for rest, sleep and clothing. These needs will be met, provided they are within the service’s requirements.

• Educators will be sensitive to each child’s needs so that sleep and rest times are a positive experience.

• Respect family preferences regarding sleep and rest and consider these daily while ensuring children feel safe and secure in the environment. Any sleep requirements that differ from Red Nose recommendations must be supported by a medical certificate. Conversations with families may be necessary to remind families that children will neither be forced to sleep nor prevented from sleeping. 

• Ensure that bed linen is clean and in good repair. Bed linen is for use by an individual child and will be washed before use by another child. 

• Arrange children’s beds and cots to allow easy access for children and staff. 

• Arrange children’s beds and cots to allow for appropriate air flow.

• Provide a quiet and restful environment for sleep and rest periods that is within hearing and observation range for educators, to closely monitor children.

• Create a relaxing atmosphere for resting children by playing relaxation music, reading stories, cultural reflection, turning off lights and ensuring children are comfortably clothed. The environment should be tranquil and calm for both educators and children. Educators will sit near resting children and support them by encouraging them to relax and listen to music or stories.

• Encourage children to rest their bodies and minds for an appropriate window of time, in line with their age and developmental needs. If children are awake after this time, they will be provided quiet activities for the duration of rest time. 

• Maintain adequate supervision, ensuring that ratios are met at all times.

• Assess each child’s circumstances and current health to determine whether higher supervision levels and checks may be required. 

• We will communicate daily with parents about their child’s routines, that are in place at the service and at the child’s home. 

• We ask that you, the parents, to discuss your child’s requirements for sleep with Educators and please understand that Educators will not forcefully keep a child awake or force a child to sleep.  This is not meeting the child’s physical needs.  Educators will work cooperatively with families to the best of our ability, while maintaining the rights of the child. 

• We do understand some parents prefer their child not to sleep or to be woken up after a short nap and our Educators will assist as best they can. We welcome parents at any time to come in to wake up their child. 

• Develop positive relationships with children to help them settle confidently when sleeping and resting.

• We respect the need for rest, sleep and clothing requirements to be aligned with each child’s social and cultural background and personal preferences.

• Encourage children to dress appropriately for the room temperature when resting or sleeping. Lighter clothing is preferable, with children encouraged to remove shoes, jumpers, jackets and bulky clothing as well as jewellery included amber necklaces and other dangling items around the neck. The room temperature will be considered to ensure maximum comfort for the children.

• Ensure that children who do not wish to sleep are provided with alternative quiet activities and experiences after a short respite period, whilst those children who do wish to sleep are allowed to do so, without being disrupted. If a child requests a rest, or if they are showing clear signs of tiredness, regardless of the time of day, there should be a comfortable, safe area available for them to rest. It is important that opportunities for rest and relaxation, as well as sleep, are provided.

• Ensure children rest/sleep with their beds/mattresses head to toe to minimise the risk of cross infection. 

• Acknowledge children’s emotions, feelings and fears in regard to sleep/rest time.

• Educators will work with children to help them learn about their need for rest and comfort. Children will be encouraged to communicate their needs where possible

  
  

PARENTS/FAMILIES WILL:

• Be informed during orientation of our Sleep and Rest Policy and procedure

• Be informed that amber teething bracelets or necklaces are not to be worn at our Service due to the risk of choking 

• Be provided with regular information and communication about safe sleep practices from Red Nose and any changes to our policies or procedures

• Be informed that if any requirements for sleep for their child differs from Red Nose sleeping recommendations, written authorisation from a medical practitioner will be required 

• Be requested to provide educators with regular updates on their child’s sleeping routines and patterns, especially for infants

Safe resting practices for babies (birth to 24 months)

• Give bottle-fed children their bottles before going to bed. Children will not be put in cots or in beds with bottles for dental hygiene purposes.

• Ensure that cot rooms and sleep rooms must have operational baby monitors on at all times and conduct daily safety check of cot monitors. 

• Observe children at 10 intervals while they sleep in these rooms. Educators must go into the rooms and physically see babies breathing. The educator will then officially record this. Educators will physically check that the infant/child from the side of the cot (or floor mattress/toddler bed) to include:

• breathing- rise and fall of child’s chest

• skin and lip colour

• head position

• body temperature

• airway

• head and face- ensure they remain uncovered

• Ensure that cot mattresses are clean, firm and the correct size for the cot frame. 

• Do not elevate or tilt mattresses.

• Remove any plastic packaging from mattresses.

• Babies or children should not share cots or beds at any time.

• Babies will be placed on their back to rest. 

• If a medical condition exists that prevents a child from being placed on their back, the alternative resting practice must be directed in writing by the child’s registered medical practitioner.

• If older babies turn over during their sleep, allow them to find their own sleeping position, but always lay them on their back when first placing them to rest.

• At no time will a baby’s face be covered with bed linen.

• To prevent a baby from wriggling down under bed linen, they will be placed with their feet closest to the bottom end of the cot.

• Quilts will not be used as bed linen. Pillows, soft toys, lamb’s wool and cot bumpers will not be used.

• Light bedding is the preferred option, which must be tucked in to prevent the baby from pulling bed linen over their head.

• Sleeping bags with a fitted neck and arm holes are an alternative option to bed linen and encourage a baby to rest on their back. Sleeping bags should not have a hood.

• Calm relaxing music will be played.

• Dummies may be provided but they will not be attached to chains.

• Securely lock cots sides into place to ensure children’s safety. 

• Cot rooms will be air conditioned and maintained at an appropriate temperature.

• Be aware of manual handling practices when lifting babies in and out of cots. 

 Safe resting practices for toddlers (18months – 3 years)

• Toddlers will be placed on their back to rest. If toddlers turn over during their sleep, allow them to find their own sleeping position, but always lay them on their back when first placing them to rest.

• At no time will a toddler’s face be covered with bed linen..

• Quilts will not be used to cover toddlers. Pillows, soft toys, lamb’s wool and cot bumpers will not be used.

• Light bedding is the preferred option, which must be tucked in to prevent the toddler from pulling bed linen over their face.

• Sleeping bags with a fitted neck and arm holes are an alternative option to bed linen and encourage a toddler to rest on their back. If parents request to continue using the sleeping bag option when the toddler rests on a mattress, then the service will comply.

• Quiet experiences may be offered to those toddlers who do not fall asleep.

• Calm relaxing music will be played.

Safe resting practices for preschool children  (3-5yrs)

• Preschool children will be encouraged to rest on their back. If they turn over during their sleep, allow them to find their own sleeping position but always ask them to lay on their back when first placing them to rest.

• At no time will a preschooler’s face be covered with bed linen when they are sleeping.

• Light bedding is the preferred option.

• Quiet experiences will be offered to preschoolers who do not wish to sleep.

• Calm, relaxing music will be played. 

Preschoolers' respite routine will be reviewed during room meetings and updated as required. This will mostly occur in the middle of the year and will reflect the changing needs of children. 

EDUCATORS WILL:

• Be respectful of children’s individual sleep and rest requirements 

• Discuss children’s sleep and rest needs with families and include children in decision-making (children’s agency)

• Provide a tranquil and calm environment for children to rest by turning off lights, playing quiet, relaxing music, reading stories, and cultural reflection

• Introduce relaxation techniques into a quiet respite routine

• Provide quiet activities for children- puzzles, books, drawing, if they do not fall asleep

Supervision of resting children

• All children who are resting will be supervised by educators, ensuring ratios are upheld at all times. 

• All children who fall asleep during the service will be monitored regularly, with special attention paid to their breathing patterns. The child’s period of rest will be recorded on the nutrition and respite chart. 

USE AND MAINTENANCE OF COTS/SLEEP PRODUCTS 

• Ensure beds, cots and mattresses are used for the correct purpose of sleep and rest only.

• Ensure safety information and warning labels remain affixed to infant sleep products and non-inclined sleep products during its lifecycle at the service.

• Ensure all equipment and furniture is safe, clean and in good repair (reg. 103, 105).

Ensure cots comply with the following:

• Spaces between bars and mattress sides are as per regulations/guidelines (not more than 25 mm apart)

• Spaces do not pose any danger to children- arm and leg traps/finger traps

• Cots are not painted with any paint that contains lead

• Paint work of cots is not chipped when babies are teething

• Cots have high sides- from top of mattress to top side of cot should be at least 500 mm

• There are no toys, bumpers, pillows, doonas, loose bedding or fabric in the cot that could cause suffocation

• There are no sharp edges

• Sleep surfaces are checked for firmness in accordance with australian standard as/nzs 8811:1:2013

• Bolts and screws are tight and regularly checked

• Plastic packaging is removed from mattresses

• Waterproof mattress protectors are strong, not torn, and a tight fit

• Mattresses are not elevated or tilted 

• Banned/recalled products are removed immediately from the service if required

• Ensure there are no choking hazards- cords, strings, bunting in the sleep environment

• Use firm, clean, and well-fitting mattresses on portable cots

• Beds and mattresses are wiped over with warm water and neutral detergent or vinegar solution between each use

• Children’s beds and cots are arranged to allow easy access for children and staff

• Cots/stretchers are stored safely in rooms, either via bed storage cupboards or in designated spaces – i.e., Laundry. 

• Bed linen is used by an individual child and is washed before use by another child

• Children rest/sleep with their beds/mattresses head to toe to minimise the risk of cross-infection- consider positioning of cots, mats, cushions etc 

Hygiene practices, please refer to cleaning schedules

• Cots and mattresses protective covers are cleaned with soap and water when visibly soiled or needed. 

• Children’s bed linen will be stored in zip locked plastic bags, with the child’s name clearly written on it, when not in use; for a period no longer than two weeks; unless required sooner due to soiling, excess drool or outbreak of any form of illness.

Sleepwear

Educators monitor the temperature of the rest environment and address children’s clothing needs. Children will not have hoods and cords from clothing as per our clothing policy.

Key Terms 

SOURCES

• ACECQA. (n.d.). Safe sleep and rest practices

• ACECQA. (2024). Sleep and Rest for Children. Policy Guidelines.

• Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority. (2026). Guide to the National Quality Framework

• Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). (2022). Find out more: Your First Steps to help parents keep their baby safe 

• Children (Education and Care Services) National Law (NSW) 

• Early Childhood Australia. (2016). Code of Ethics

• Education and Care Services National Law Act 2010.

• Education and Care Services National Regulations. (Amended 2025) 

• NSW Department of Education. (2024). Sleep and rest for children-Policy guidelines for early childhood education and care services. 

• Red Nose: Cot to bed safety 

• Red Nose: Safe Sleep and Safer Pregnancy  

  
  

Review

The policy will be reviewed annually. The review will be conducted by:

• Management

• Employees

• Families 

• Interested Parties

Last Reviewed:

April 2026          

Next Review:

April 2027

Reviewed by:

Laura Clarke

Position:

Nominated Supervisor