Product Overview

Summary: This Childcare Facility Cleaning Safe Operating Procedure sets out clear, practical steps to maintain a hygienic, safe and child‑friendly environment. It helps Australian childcare providers control infection risks, meet regulatory obligations, and protect children, staff and visitors through consistent, documented cleaning practices.

In childcare settings, cleaning is far more than presentation – it is a critical infection control and safety function. Young children are highly susceptible to illness, frequently touch shared surfaces, and often explore their environment through play that can spread germs quickly. This Childcare Facility Cleaning Safe Operating Procedure provides a structured, evidence-based approach to cleaning that aligns with Australian WHS expectations and early childhood regulatory requirements. It sets out what must be cleaned, how often, with which products, and by whom, so that hygiene standards are consistent across rooms, shifts and staff.

The SOP addresses the unique risks present in childcare, including nappy change and bathroom areas, food preparation spaces, sleep rooms, soft toys, play equipment and outdoor environments. It gives step-by-step instructions for routine, scheduled and outbreak (enhanced) cleaning, as well as safe handling of chemicals and waste where children are present. By adopting this procedure, services can demonstrate due diligence to regulators, reassure families, reduce the spread of illness, and support a safe, healthy learning environment for children and staff alike.

Key Benefits

• Ensure consistent, high-standard cleaning practices across all rooms, shifts and staff.
• Reduce the spread of infectious diseases such as gastroenteritis, colds and flu within the service.
• Demonstrate compliance with WHS duties and early childhood education and care regulatory requirements.
• Protect children and staff from exposure to unsafe cleaning chemicals and cross-contamination.
• Streamline staff training and induction with clear, task-based cleaning instructions and schedules.

Who is this for?

• Approved Providers
• Childcare Centre Directors
• Nominated Supervisors
• Early Childhood Education and Care Service Managers
• Room Leaders and Educators
• Cleaning Contractors servicing Childcare Centres
• WHS Managers in Education and Care Services
• Family Day Care Coordinators
• OSH/Out of School Hours Care Coordinators
• Facilities and Maintenance Managers (Education and Care Settings)

Hazards Addressed

• Exposure to infectious bodily fluids and microorganisms (e.g. vomit, faeces, blood, respiratory droplets).
• Cross-contamination between nappy change areas, bathrooms, food preparation areas and play spaces.
• Chemical exposure from cleaning and disinfecting agents (skin irritation, respiratory irritation, poisoning).
• Allergic reactions and asthma triggers from dust, mould, fragrances and residues.
• Slip, trip and fall risks from wet floors, poorly stored equipment or trailing leads.
• Sharps or hazardous items inadvertently left in bins or play areas.
• Improper waste segregation and disposal of nappies, sanitary waste and contaminated materials.

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Key Terms (Cleaning, Sanitising, Disinfecting, Outbreak Cleaning)
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities (Management, Educators, Cleaning Staff, Contractors)
• 4.0 Regulatory and Standards Reference (WHS and Early Childhood Regulations)
• 5.0 Required Cleaning Equipment, Chemicals and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• 6.0 General Cleaning Principles in Childcare Environments
• 7.0 Routine Daily Cleaning Procedures by Area
• 7.1 Indoor Play Rooms and Learning Areas
• 7.2 Cot Rooms and Sleep Areas
• 7.3 Nappy Change Areas and Toilets
• 7.4 Kitchens, Bottle Preparation Areas and Dining Spaces
• 7.5 Reception, Staff Rooms and Offices
• 7.6 Outdoor Play Areas and Sandpits
• 8.0 Scheduled Weekly, Monthly and Term-Based Deep Cleaning Tasks
• 9.0 Infection Prevention and Outbreak Cleaning (Enhanced Procedures)
• 9.1 Response to Vomit, Blood and Bodily Fluid Spills
• 9.2 Cleaning During Gastroenteritis or Respiratory Illness Outbreaks
• 10.0 Safe Use, Storage and Labelling of Cleaning Chemicals in Childcare Settings
• 11.0 Waste Management and Laundry Procedures (Including Nappy and Clinical Waste)
• 12.0 Managing Slips, Trips and Falls During Cleaning Activities
• 13.0 Environmental Considerations (Ventilation, Fragrance Sensitivities, Low-Toxicity Products)
• 14.0 Cleaning Schedules, Checklists and Sign-Off Records
• 15.0 Training, Induction and Competency Requirements for Staff and Contractors
• 16.0 Incident Reporting, Non-Conformance and Corrective Actions
• 17.0 Review, Audit and Continuous Improvement of Cleaning Practices

Legislation & References

• Education and Care Services National Law (as applied in each State and Territory).
• Education and Care Services National Regulations.
• National Quality Standard (NQS) – Quality Area 2: Children’s Health and Safety.
• Safe Work Australia – Model Code of Practice: Managing the Work Environment and Facilities.
• Safe Work Australia – Model Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace.
• Australian Government – Staying Healthy: Preventing infectious diseases in early childhood education and care services.
• AS/NZS 3816: Management of clinical and related wastes.
• AS/NZS 4146: Laundry practices (for on-site laundering of linen and soft toys, where applicable).