Sleep/Rest Times

Safe sleep and relaxation Policy

At VBECC during relaxation and sleep times, educators will follow the current recommended practices by the 'Red Nose' (sids) safe sleeping program to create a safe sleeping environment.

All staff will ensure each child feels safe and secure in the early childhood environment and will consult with families about their child's individual needs at sleep/relaxation time. When a family's beliefs and practices are in conflict with 'Red Nose & NQS,' we will not endorse an alternative practice unless we are provided with written advice from a medical practitioner. Our rooms and indoor/outdoor program is always set up with quiet activities for children who do not need a formal sleep.

Procedure

* On orientation staff will inform families of the current recommended Red Nose safe sleeping recommendations and VBECC sleeping/relaxation policy and procedures.

* Sleep/relaxation times are an essential part of the day for all of the children at VBECC. Some children use this time to sleep, others to play quietly in a peaceful and relaxing environment.

* Your child's sleeping routine at VBECC is developed with your help, to compliment your home routine. Any requests you may have, such as limiting sleep times or additional relaxation times, will be followed through by all educators. Noting staff are not phyiscally able to keep a child awake, if they do fall asleep on their own.

* Your child is welcome to bring a comfort item such as a named dummy, blanket, or special toy. All sheeting is supplied by VBECC.

* At VBECC your child will never be forced to sleep but encouraged to either relax by reading or to play quietly.

* An infants individual sleep pattern at home is used for the basis of establishing a sleep routine at VBECC. On orientation, our staff will enquire on your child's sleep routine and discuss with you how your child's individual needs can be accommodated within the room routines.

* Children under 12 months will be placed on their backs only to sleep, unless directed in writing from a medical practioner.

* Children under 12 months will be placed at the bottom of the cot to sleep, with light bedding or a safe infant sleeping bag with fitted arm and neck holes.

* Should a child under 12 months of age move and fall asleep on their side or stomach they will be placed onto their backs by a staff member (once they are in a deep sleep)

* A safe and strong cot (Australian standards) will be provided for children up to 15 months of age. The mattress will be firm, clean and well fitted.

* Children from 15 months will go onto a floor mat.

* Pillows, quilts or soft toys will not be used in a cot

* Blankets will be firmly tucked in.

* If an infant requires wrapping we will use only cotton or muslin (to be supplied by family) Wrapping will not continue once a child can roll over. Infants arms should not be wrapped from around 3 months.

* Educators will create a safe, peaceful and relaxing environment at sleep/relaxation times by lowering some blinds (3/4 way, enough light to enable educators to visibly see children) and playing soothing music.

* Educators will spend time helping each child to bed whilst encouraging independence in dressing/undressing (age appropriate) Excess clothing removed to avoid overheating.

* Educators spend time settling each infant/child so that going to sleep is a pleasant experience

* All children who are sleeping are supervised at all times. Infants physically checked every 5 minutes and children every 15 minutes. These times are recorded.

* Management will keep up to date with research from the 'Red Nose' organisation.

Sources:

- National Sids Council of Australia

- Quality Improvement and Accreditation System- Source Book

- www.sidsandkids.org/safe-sleeping

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