Criterion HS228 #

Every educator must ensure that they actively supervise children at all times when children are in attendance at the service. This must be implemented in accordance with the service's supervision plan.  

Documentation required#

A written supervision plan that ensures the health, safety and wellbeing of children enrolled in the service is maintained at all times.  

The plan must be specific to the premises and the number, age, abilities and enrolled hours of the children attending and must show how the educator will actively supervise children attending the service. It must include, but is not limited to:  

1. How the premises will be arranged, across all indoor and outdoor spaces likely to be used at any time while children are attending the home, to enhance supervision of children.
2. How children will be supervised while they are:
   • involved in activities or routines (such as sleeping, eating and toileting) in separate parts of the home;
   • using play equipment and resources, both indoors and outdoors;
   • interacting with other people in the home, including visitors; and
   • using technology or while they are in the presence of technology while it is being used by others in the home.

Guidance#

How to show you are complying #

Children need to be effectively supervised so that educators can support play and step in promptly when needed to keep children safe. 

Supervision means always keeping children in sight or hearing range and never leaving them alone. Educators should stay focused, avoid distractions, and be aware of all children—indoors, outdoors, and during sleep. Use good judgment: for example, older children using the toilet can be supervised by staying within hearing distance.

The type of supervision required will change depending on the layout of the home environment, the activities being undertaken, the number of children, and the ages and the individual needs of the children.  

Through careful observation, educators will see opportunities for supporting and building on children’s play experiences and identify when children wish to play independent of adult involvement.

Each home used for education and care will need a written supervision plan specific to its layout and the number, age, abilities and enrolled hours of children attending.

Supervision of children can be achieved in a number of ways including:

• direct and constant observation by the educator near the children when supervising an activity with some element of risk, for example cooking experiences and any activity that is near water
• careful positioning of the educator to ensure they are observing the children and are close enough to intervene promptly to prevent injury
• scanning or regularly looking around to observe all children
• listening to supervise areas not in the educator’s direct line of sight, such as when listening out for sleeping children or older children using the bathroom.

The following areas must be included in a supervision plan at a minimum.  

How the premises will be arranged, across all indoor and outdoor spaces likely to be used at any time while children are attending the home, to support the supervision of children

Educators should set up the environment indoors and outdoors in a way that enables supervision. This might include closing doors for some areas of the home to make them unavailable or using fencing to block off areas of an outdoor space that is difficult to supervise.

Educators should ensure there are always clear paths to where children are playing, sleeping and eating so they can react quickly if needed.

How children will be supervised while they are involved in activities or routines (such as sleeping, eating and toileting) in separate parts of the home  

Supervision strategies should be tailored to reflect the age and abilities of the children attending the home.

Educators should always be aware of the child’s location and activity, using direct supervision or regular visual and verbal check-ins depending on the nature of the activity and the child’s age and needs.

Sleeping areas should be monitored to ensure safe sleep practices, while eating routines require supervision to support healthy habits and prevent choking.

Toileting should be approached with sensitivity, ensuring privacy while maintaining appropriate oversight to support hygiene and independence.

How children will be supervised while they are using play equipment and resources, both indoors and outdoors  

Children must be closely supervised when using play equipment, indoors or outdoors. Before play starts, check that equipment and resources are age-appropriate and set up to support safe supervision.

Educators should stay close and maintain visual contact, especially when children are trying new or challenging activities. They should understand each child’s ability and teach safe use of equipment —for example, sliding feet-first and explaining the risks of climbing up a slide.

If water play is involved and the educator needs to leave the area, all children must go with them.

How children will be supervised while they are interacting with other people in the home, including visitors 

Children must be actively supervised when interacting with anyone in the home, including visitors. These interactions should happen in shared, open areas—not in private or closed-off spaces.

Visitors must not be left alone with children.  

Frequent visits from others with children can overwhelm enrolled children, distract educators, and risk the home being seen as an unlicensed childcare centre. Educators should limit such visits to maintain a safe, focused, and compliant home-based care environment.

How children will be supervised while they are using technology or while they are in the presence of technology while it is being used by others in the home

Electronic devices should be used under the direct supervision of the educator.

Educators should monitor what children access, how long they use it, and how they respond to content.

Devices should be used in shared spaces where supervision is easily maintained, and parental controls or safety settings should be activated where appropriate.

When others in the home are using technology, children must be protected from exposure to inappropriate content, language, or interactions. Their image must not be recorded or shared without parental consent.

Supervision practices should be regularly reviewed to keep pace with evolving technology and the child’s developmental needs.