U-turn on sleep rooms reduces parental choice

U-turn on sleep rooms reduces parental choice - Publication date: 3 July 2009

The government's decision to perform a U-turn on sleep rooms has substantially reduced parental choice and may negatively impact on children in early childhood education say Te Tari Puna Ora o Aotearoa / New Zealand Childcare Association Chief Executive Nancy Bell.

The recently completed review of the 2008 ECE regulations has removed the need for centres to provide a separate sleep room for infants and toddlers. "Given the critical importance of undisturbed sleep for babies' brain development this decision concerns us deeply," says Nancy.

"The 2008 regulations require a separate sleep room which enables parents to choose to have their babies sleep in the play environment or in a more restful space. Without separate sleeping space parents cannot exercise this choice."

"The majority of ECE services already provide a separate sleep room because they see the benefits for the children in their care. It was this widespread acceptance of the separate sleep room that lead to the 2008 regulations coming into force," Nancy explains.

"A small but vocal minority have argued against this and this is a great pity. Parents have always held the choice to have their children sleep outside the sleep room, however this may become their only choice in future ECE centres."

"Babies are our most vulnerable citizens and cannot speak for themselves. We must ensure the regulations take their needs into account along with the needs of their parents."

ENDS

For further information contact Simon Horrocks on 04 471 6811

To the journalist: Please note that Te Tari Puna Ora o Aotearoa / New Zealand Childcare Association should be cited in full in the first instance and can then be abbreviated to NZCA.