top of page

Sleeping Children & Safer Sleep Policy

​

At Happy Bears Early Years Ltd, your child’s safety is our highest priority. We follow NHS safer sleep guidance, Lullaby Trust recommendations and EYFS requirements to make sure every child sleeps safely and comfortably.

​

Our Safer Sleep Promise

We follow key safer sleep principles to reduce risks and keep children safe:

​

  • Babies are always placed on their backs to sleep.

  • Sleep spaces are flat, firm and clear of hazards.

  • Children’s faces must always be visible and uncovered.

  • No pillows, duvets, loose blankets, soft toys or comforters near the face.

  • Room temperature is kept between 16–20°C and monitored.

  • Children must not sleep in car seats, bouncers or swings inside the setting.

  • Children cannot be accepted into the setting asleep. If a child arrives asleep in a car seat or pushchair, parents will be asked to wake them before handover.

  • Staff stay alert, present and able to see all sleeping children at all times.

  • Babies do not sleep on their side or tummy unless medically required and documented.

 

These steps help prevent overheating, suffocation and unsafe sleep positions.

​

How We Support Safe Sleep at Different Ages

​

Babies (0–12 months)

  • Sleep on their backs only

  • Sleep in a cot or crib with a firm mattress

  • Sleep sacks may be used if provided by parents

  • Room temperature monitored closely

  • Staff remain in the room at all times

Toddlers (1–2 years)

  • Sleep on safe sleep mats

  • Cellular blankets may be used but never covering the face

  • Staff ensure children stay in safe positions

  • Calm, supervised sleep environment

 

Preschool Children (2–5 years)

​

  • Rest or sleep on safe sleep mats

  • Children may choose a comfortable position, but faces must stay clear

  • Sleep is optional; quiet rest is always available

Individual Bedding

Each child has their own named bedding set, including:

  • Cellular blanket

  • Sheet

Bedding is stored individually, washed regularly and never shared.

​

Our Sleep Environment

We make sure all sleep areas are:

​

  • Calm and quiet

  • Supervised at all times

  • Well‑ventilated

  • Kept at a safe temperature (16–20°C)

  • Free from hazards

  • Set up so staff can clearly see every child

Lighting is kept bright enough for staff to see children’s breathing and position.

​

Sleep Checks Every 10 Minutes

Staff complete a sleep check every 10 minutes and record:

​

  • Time the child fell asleep

  • Sleep position

  • Room temperature

  • Child’s body temperature

  • Confirmation the face is clear

  • Staff initials

  • Time the child wakes up

 

If a child moves into an unsafe position, staff adjust them immediately and record the action.

​

Supervision

​

  • Staff stay in the sleep area at all times

  • Staff must be able to see and hear all children

  • No mobile phones or personal devices during sleep checks

  • Ratios are always maintained

  • Staff respond immediately to any signs of distress or overheating

Children Who Don’t Usually Sleep

If your child doesn’t normally sleep:

  • A quiet rest area will be offered

  • We follow your child’s home routine where possible

  • We will let you know if your child sleeps unexpectedly

 

Medical or Additional Needs

If your child has a medical condition affecting sleep:

​

  • We will create a personalised sleep plan with you and relevant professionals

  • Staff follow medical guidance precisely

  • Any equipment will be risk assessed

  • ​

Recording & Monitoring

All sleep records are:

  • Completed accurately

  • Initialled by staff

  • Stored securely

  • Reviewed regularly by the Manager and DSL team​

 

Any concerns or unusual sleep patterns will be shared with parents.

​

Policy Review

We review this policy every year, or sooner if:

​

  • NHS or Lullaby Trust guidance changes

  • EYFS requirements change

  • Sleep equipment or procedures change

  • Safeguarding concerns require an update

bottom of page