Safer sleep

 At Barnabees Preschool as our children are 2 years and above it is rare that children require a sleep, but if they do or fall asleep whilst at the setting we ensure they are in a safe environment.

Sleeping environment

We provide a safe sleeping environment for all babies and children by:

• Ensuring every child has a safe sleep space when needed
• Only using suitable sleeping equipment (i.e. mats) that are compliant with British Standard regulations
• Using a firm, flat waterproof mattress, and lightweight bedding which is firmly tucked in around the child below their shoulders to prevent head covering
• Ensuring children are appropriately dressed for sleep to avoid overheating
• Ensuring children’s heads are not covered
• Ensuring no extra items such as toys, pillows, extra blankets, are near the child
• Monitoring the sleep room temperature and ensuring it remains between 16-20°C at all times, where possible
• Ensuring children are always within sight and hearing of staff when sleeping, and are checked every 10 minutes for the rise and fall of their chest, if their sleep position has changed and checks are logged by a member of staff.

 

Further considerations

 

• We will not allow children to sleep outdoors.
• We have a No smoking/vaping policy which includes the requirement for staff to change their clothes and wash their hands after smoking/vaping. In addition, we require staff to wait for 30 minutes after smoking/vaping before holding babies or children, even with a change of clothes.

We recognise parent knowledge of their child with regards to sleep routines and will, where possible, work together to ensure individual sleep routines and well-being continue to be met. However, staff will not force a child to sleep or keep them awake against their will.

Practitioners must read NHS advice on Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) – NHS. More information on safer sleep guidance is available from The Lullaby Trust.