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

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:

• Explain the policy during enrolment and orientation.
• Include it in your Family Handbook and Intimate Care Waiver Info Sheet.
• Reassure families that the policy protects both children and educators.

5. Tools That Help

• Baby monitors or intercoms in sleep rooms
• Walkie-talkies for quick check-ins
• Visual checklists for staff to confirm Four Eyes compliance during routines

Why It Matters—Especially Now

In light of recent abuse allegations in Victoria, the Four Eyes Policy is being emphasized as a non-discriminatory safety measure. It protects:

• Children from harm
• Male educators from suspicion or false accusations
• Centres from legal and reputational risk

Further Reading 

Keeping Children Safe: Practical Solutions in Light of the Melbourne Abuse Case
Rebuilding Trust: Importance Of Reassuring Parents On Their Child's Safety