Criterion PF213#

There is space (away from where food is stored, prepared or eaten) where a sick child can:

• be temporarily kept at a safe distance from other children (to prevent cross-infection)
• lie down comfortably; and
• be supervised.

Guidance#

How to show you are complying #

If a child gets sick while in a home-based service, there must be a quiet space where they can rest until they’re picked up. This space should:

• be away from where food is made or eaten
• keep the child safely apart from others
• be comfortable for lying down
• let the educator keep an eye on the child.

If the child is in a separate room, the educator should check on them every 10 to 15 minutes, like they would with a sleeping child.

In a home setting, there might be a few good options—like a bedroom, study, or family room. The best space will depend on how many children are there, their ages, the layout of the home, the child’s symptoms, and how the child is feeling.

For more guidance, refer to HS217 Response to infectious illnesses.