Safer Sleep (Sept 2026)

Purpose/Statement of intent:

To ensure all children who sleep or rest at the setting do so safely, comfortably and under appropriate supervision, in line with the EYFS (September 2026) and safer sleep guidance. This policy reflects the strengthened EYFS safeguarding requirements introduced from September 2026 and guidance developed with The Lullaby Trust.

Sleep and rest:

As a preschool for children aged 2 years and over, we do not have a scheduled sleep or nap time as part of our daily routine. However, we recognise that some children may become tired or fall asleep during the session. Where this occurs, we will provide a safe and supervised area for the child to rest on a clean, waterproof sleep mat with a disposable paper cover. Children will be monitored regularly- at least every 10 minutes throughout their rest period, and parents will be informed if their child has slept during the session.

Procedure:

• Children sleep on waterproof, firm and flat sleep mat in good condition with a fitted sheet
• Sleep areas are kept clear of pillows, duvets, beanbags, cushions and soft toys, unless a specific item has been agreed with parents and is assessed as safe.
• Children are dressed appropriately for the room temperature to reduce the risk of overheating.
• Sleeping children are checked regularly, with checks recorded
• A member of staff remains able to see or hear sleeping children at all times.
• Sleep areas remain well ventilated and at a comfortable temperature. Children should not get too hot or cold. The recommended room temperature is 16 – 20˚C.
• Children will not be left to sleep in a buggy/pushchair they are moved to a suitable sleep space. 

Partnership with parents:

• Parents/carers are asked about their child’s usual sleep routine during the home visit or stay and play. Parents fill this information about their child in their “All about me”
• Any medical conditions or additional needs affecting sleep are discussed and recorded.
• Parents/carers are informed about significant changes to their child’s sleep pattern, if their child has slept and how long for.
• If parents/carers have requested that their child does not sleep and they appear tired, we will attempt to keep them busy and awake. If this is not possible, we will contact them to inform.

Staff responsibilities:

• All staff receive safer sleep training and follow the setting’s safe sleep procedures.
• Sleep equipment is checked regularly to ensure it remains safe and fit for purpose.
• Any concerns about a child’s sleep, breathing, or wellbeing are acted upon immediately and reported to the manager and parents.
• Sleep mats must be cleaned and sanitized after each use
• Sleep mats must be placed in a safe area, if this means that Physical intervention needs to be used to move the child from where they are fallen to sleep to the sleep mat- this must be recorded on the sleep log.