Sleep time Outdoors in Cots

Bumbles Day Care > Team Zone > Records > Risk Benefit Assessments > Sleep time Outdoors in Cots
Setting Group / Location Created by Date created
Bumbles on the Hill
Seanna Strawberry
13/05/2024

With the increasing emphasis on outdoor activities for better health and well-being, this risk assessment aims to explore the feasibility and safety of having children’s naptime outside in cots. The assessment considers various factors, such as environmental conditions, safety hazards, the physical logistics of moving cots outdoors, and the overall impact on children’s health and nap quality.

  • Weather Exposure: Extreme temperatures, sunlight exposure, and unexpected weather changes can pose risks of heatstroke, sunburn, or hypothermia.
  • Environmental Allergens: Pollen, dust, and other outdoor allergens could exacerbate allergies or respiratory issues in children.
  • Insect Bites: Exposure to insects can lead to bites or stings, causing discomfort or allergic reactions.
  • Security and Supervision: The outdoor environment may pose challenges in ensuring the same level of security as indoor settings.
  • Unstable Ground Surface: Uneven or soft ground may cause cots to tip over or become unstable, potentially leading to falls or injuries.
  • Physical Strain and Injury: The act of carrying cots outside, particularly if done improperly, could lead to muscle strain or injury for the staff involved.
  • Weather Monitoring and Guidelines: Establish a dynamic assessment protocol to monitor weather conditions continuously and define acceptable weather criteria for outdoor naptime. Children should only sleep in shaded areas. Shade is provided by a curtain, sun umbrella, or both.
  • Allergen Control and Insect Measures: Choose a location with minimal allergen exposure (not on real grass or with plants next to the cots) and keep the area clean and free from debris.
  • Enhanced Supervision: Ensure constant supervision and security with a staff member present at all times while children are sleeping.
  • Safety Checks for Equipment and Area: Regularly inspect the stability and condition of cots and the selected outdoor area to ensure it is free from hazards such as sharp objects or uneven surfaces.
  • Proper Lifting Techniques: Ensure that staff are trained in proper lifting techniques and that carrying the cots is always done by two people to minimize the risk of injury. Appropriate supervision levels of children must be maintained during this process.
  • Enhanced Sleep Quality: Exposure to natural light and fresh air can improve sleep quality and duration.
  • Increased Exposure to Nature: Outdoor settings can provide a calming environment, reducing stress and promoting relaxation during naptime.
  • Vitamin D Exposure: Sunlight provides a natural source of Vitamin D, essential for healthy bone development and immune system function.
  • Promotion of Healthier Lifestyle: Introducing children to outdoor environments early on encourages a healthier, more active lifestyle.