What must staff do while children are sleeping during evening care?

For children who are sleeping during evening care, it is essential for staff to ensure they are within sight and hearing of the sleeping children. This is crucial for maintaining a safe environment, as it allows staff to respond quickly in case of any disturbances or emergencies that may occur while the children are asleep. Direct supervision in this manner helps to ensure the children's safety and well-being, which is a fundamental aspect of childcare regulations.

While the other options may seem relevant in different contexts, they do not align with the specific requirements for when children are sleeping. Leaving the room periodically would not provide the necessary oversight, and being awake and directly supervising is important, but it does not specifically address the requirement for being within sight and hearing. Providing outdoor activities is simply not applicable during sleeping hours, as it would not be conducive to the children's rest and recovery needs.