Safe Sleep & Rest Regulatory Priority

The NSW Department of Education issued a Sector Update on Monday, 23 August 2022, outlining and introducing the launch of the Safe Sleep and Rest Regulatory Priority Program.

The Safe Sleep and Rest regulatory priority program is aimed to:

• Broaden understanding and knowledge of extensive information of the program in providing guidance and resource to the sector on safe sleep and rest
• Outlining the risk associated with safe sleep and rest in a ECEC setting
• Embed quality practices and procedures to ensure the safety, health and wellbeing of children as safe sleep and rest is identified as a high-risk setting.

During September 2022 to February 2023, NSW's regulatory officers will pay further attention to the sleep and rest policies and procedures embedded in ECEC services and practices.

The outcomes of the six month focus will determine the future to ensure safety during sleep and rest from the analysed data collected within this focused period.

Resources available to assist ECEC services in embedding and ensuring a best practice policy and procedure for sleep and rest for children:

• Sleep and rest for children – Policy guidelines for early childhood education and care services
• Sleep and rest for children – Procedure guidelines for early childhood education and care services

For further information in relation to sleep and rest requirements under the National Regulations under the NSW Department of Education (or click here)

Members can also contact the ACA NSW team via 1300 556 330 or nsw@childcarealliance.org.au.

PUBLISHED: 6 SEPTEMBER 2022