Safer Sleep & Rest Policy

How we provide a safe and comfortable environment for children who sleep or rest at preschool. 

Sleep and Rest Policy and Procedures

At Wildflowers, we believe that it is vital for children to get the sleep they need to develop their cognitive, emotional and physical skills. We recognise that each child’s sleep routine will be unique and we will work closely with caregivers to ensure there is consistency between home and our setting.

Caregivers will be asked to provide details of their children’s routines before their first day, including the usual duration and time(s) of their nap(s), as well as settling techniques used at home. If there are any changes to the child’s routine, this should be communicated to the setting straight away. Caregivers will be notified of their child’s sleep times at the end of each session, where appropriate.

We follow statutory guidance on safer sleep and have thorough risk assessments in place regarding sleep and nap times. Our risk assessments include necessary precautions to help minimise the risks associated with SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Our setting is smoke-free and vape-free, so children will not be exposed to either substance at any time, including while sleeping.

At Wildflowers, we will wake a child at the end of their allocated sleep time gently and if a time limit has not been stipulated by the parent we will allow them to wake naturally.

Safe Sleep Procedures

At Wildflowers, we give careful thought to the safest location for sleep, considering the bed/sleep mat itself, room temperature, potential hazards that need to be out of reach and how we will monitor each child.

Toddlers and other young children sleep in our pod located in the outdoor area.

As per the Early Years Foundation Stage Statutory Framework (EYFS), childcare settings must ensure that babies and young children are kept safe when sleeping. Safer sleep guidance applies to both babies and toddlers. Our Sleep Policy and Procedures follow statutory guidance. All staff are familiar with the NHS advice on Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Our Sleep Policy and Procedures also align with advice from The Lullaby Trust website.

Sleep spaces will only contain a firm, flat, waterproof mattress and lightweight bedding which is firmly tucked in around the child below their shoulders to prevent it covering the child’s head. Where blankets are used, the child is placed feet-to-foot at the bottom of the cot, with blankets tucked in. Duvets and quilts will not be used as they are too heavy and can cause overheating.

Sleep spaces are located in a suitable, safe position. Any strangulation hazards, such as blind cords and plastic bags, will be kept out of reach of children.

A recommended room temperature of between 16 and 20 degrees is maintained, avoiding heat sources, direct sunlight and draughts. Thermometers will be used to monitor room temperature and ensure that toddlers and young children do not get too hot or too cold.

Precautions will be taken to ensure children do not overheat. They will not sleep in outdoor clothing/coats, be given hot water bottles/electric blankets or have heaters close by during nap times. Children will not have hats, slings or muslins covering their heads/faces while asleep. Where necessary, their body temperature will be checked using a hand on their chest or upper back.

All sleep spaces will be kept clear of toys, bumpers, cushions, sleep positioners, wedges or loose bedding. Sleep comforters/comfort objects can be used as we do not have babies under 12 months in our setting.

All children are always within sight and hearing of staff when sleeping. They are monitored regularly while asleep. This involves regular 10 minute interval checks in person on each individual child and the information recorded on a sleep record sheet.

After each sleep, mattresses will be wiped down and the bedding changed. Any pets within the setting will be kept away from children’s beds and bedding at all times.

In addition to following safer sleep procedures in our setting, we also aim to equip families with the information they need to make informed decisions regarding their child’s sleep procedures at home. Should caregivers’ wishes go against safer protocol, we will discuss this on a case-by-case basis.

All staff know to call 999 if a child will not wake up, stops or has difficulty breathing, appears overly confused or has a seizure.

Settling Procedures

At Wildflowers, we recognise that each child’s routine is unique and we will work closely with caregivers to ensure there is consistency between home and the setting, while still maintaining safe practices and meeting our duty of care.

For children who require dummies, these should be provided by caregivers and they will be stored with the child’s personal belongings. Orthodontic dummies will be recommended. If a dummy falls out of a child’s mouth while sleeping, it will not be put back unless the child wakes. Dummies must not have neck cords as these can pose a strangulation risk.

All children will either self-settle or be settled by us, following caregivers’ wishes wherever possible. We will consider safety requirements at all times, as well as the wellbeing and needs of other children in our care.

Children who are not sleeping will be encouraged to engage in rest or quiet time. This allows toddlers and older children to recover their energy. The activities during this time could include circle time, story time or small-group games.

Further Guidance
EYFS Statutory Framework