Red Nose issues statement on safe sleep practices in ECEC settings

Following recent charges brought against the owner of a Sydney early childhood education and care (ECEC) service in relation to the death of a child two years ago, Red Nose, the safe sleep authority in Australia, has issued a statement in relation to safe sleep in ECEC settings. 

Red Nose began by expressing their sadness in relation to the child’s passing, sending their thoughts to all affected, especially the child’s parents and family, and the staff working in the service. 

“While Red Nose understands that investigations into (child’s) death are ongoing, we recommend that educators are trained in safe sleep practices. Our safe sleep recommendations form the basis of the national standards adopted by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA)” the statement read.

Red Nose stated that children should always be in sight and hearing distance of a qualified staff member so they can check on their breathing and colour of their skin – and intervene if something goes wrong.

“Monitoring of sleeping children is best done physically at the bedside, rather than through a monitor or viewing window.”

Signs of a problem in young children “can be very subtle” Red Nose said, adding that educators “need to physically check the child. This is so the carer can listen to the child’s breathing and really see the colour of the child’s skin.” 

For more information on assessing sleeping practices for safety in early childhood settings, please see here.