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Section sign symbol (§)
A section sign symbol (§) indicates criteria that may require additional comment from public health units (usually in the form of a health report) to assist the Ministry of Education in assessing services for compliance. The authority to direct a service provider to obtain a health report is outlined in Regulation 55.
Education (Early Childhood Services) Regulations 2008, Regulation 55 – New Zealand Legislation
HS9 Sleep monitoring
A procedure for monitoring children's sleep is displayed and implemented and a record of children’s sleep times is kept.
Documentation required
- 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.
- 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:
- to demonstrate compliance with the criterion; and
- to ensure that parents have access to important information about their child's sleeping patterns while at the service.
HS10 Sleep furniture spacing
§ 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.
HS11 Storage of sleep furniture and bedding
§ 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.
