Four Eyes Policy

The Four Eyes Policy—also known as the Four Eyes Principle or Two-Person Rule—is a safeguarding and accountability measure that requires two adults to be present or able to observe during certain activities involving children. In childcare, especially in high-risk contexts like intimate care or one-on-one interactions, this principle helps protect both children and educators.

What It Means in an Early Childhood Setting

At least two adults must be able to see or hear what’s happening at all times when a child is being cared for.
This doesn’t always mean two adults are physically in the same room—it can include:
- CCTV monitoring
- Glass walls or open doors
- Baby monitors or intercoms
- Regular staff walkthroughs
It’s designed to reduce the risk of abuse, false allegations, and professional isolation.

Practical Examples in Early Learning Centres

Scenario	Four Eyes Implementation
Nappy change	Another educator visible through a window or CCTV outside the nappy change area to monitor entry/exit or visibility from adjacent room—but not to record the actual changing process.
Sleep room supervision	Baby monitor + regular check-ins by another staff member
One-on-one learning	Conducted in open areas or near other staff
Late pickup	Two staff remain until the last child is collected

How to Implement the Four Eyes Policy with Staff

1. Environmental Design

Make visibility and access a priority:

Install internal windows between nappy change areas, sleep rooms, and main play spaces.
Use open doors or half-doors during toileting or changing routines.
Position mirrors to eliminate blind spots.
Ensure CCTV coverage in all high-risk areas (e.g., nappy change stations, sleep rooms), with clear signage and secure storage of footage.

2. Staffing & Scheduling Strategies

Ensure that two adults are always available or aware:

Stagger breaks to maintain minimum two-person coverage at all times.
Pair educators during transitions, toileting, and rest times.
Use float staff or room leaders to check in during intimate care routines.
Merge groups during low-ratio times (e.g., early morning or late afternoon) to ensure visibility.

3. Policy & Training

Embed the Four Eyes Principle into your centre’s culture:

Include it in your Child Safe Policy and Staff Code of Conduct.
Train all educators on what the policy means, why it matters, and how to apply it in daily routines.
Use real scenarios in training to help staff problem-solve visibility challenges.
Document all intimate care routines with time, staff initials, and any observations.

4. Communication with Families

Build trust and transparency: