Based on Lullaby Trust Guidance
At Shine Bright Nursery, we understand the importance of safe, restful sleep for young children’s development and wellbeing. We follow The Lullaby Trust’s safer sleep guidance to ensure every child sleeps safely and comfortably in a way that minimises the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related incidents. This policy outlines our procedures for managing sleep time safely and respectfully.
Aims
- To create a safe and comfortable sleep environment for all children.
- To follow best practices to reduce the risk of SIDS, as recommended by The Lullaby Trust.
- To respect individual sleep routines and preferences agreed with parents/carers.
- To ensure staff understand and implement safe sleep practices consistently.
Safe Sleep Environment
We provide a safe, hygienic, and calm sleep space with the following features:
- Babies are always placed on their back to sleep, never on their front or side.
- Babies and young children are placed to sleep in buggy’s or sleep mats that meet safety standards.
- Sleep areas are well-ventilated, away from radiators or direct sunlight.
- Mattresses are firm and flat with a waterproof cover and fitted sheet. No soft bedding, pillows, duvets, or cot bumpers are used.
- No toys or loose items are left in the sleep space during sleep.
- Room temperature is monitored and kept between 16–20°C. Children are dressed appropriately for the temperature.
Sleep Position and Supervision
- Babies are always placed on their backs to sleep
- A staff member checks all sleeping children at least every 10 minutes and records these checks.
- Staff visually check for
- Regular breathing
- Colour and skin tone
- All sleep checks are documented with time, name of child, and staff initials.
- Babies who fall asleep in car seats will be gently moved to a safe sleep surface as soon as possible.
Sleep Routines and Parent Preferences
- Parents/carers are asked to share their child’s sleep routine and preferences during the settling-in process.
- While we respect family routines, we will always follow safe sleep practices as advised by The Lullaby Trust. For example, if a parent requests a baby to sleep on their front, we will not comply unless there is a written medical reason from a health professional.
- Parents will be informed of any changes to sleep patterns or if their child appeared unsettled during rest.
Sleepwear and Comfort
- Sleep sacks are only used if they are the correct size and allow the baby’s arms to be free.
- Staff will not use blankets unless agreed with parents and only if tucked in no higher than the baby’s shoulders.
- Dummies (pacifiers) are only used at sleep time if provided by the parent and will not be returned once they fall out during sleep. Staff will check dummies each time before giving to the child for any damage.
Babies with Medical Conditions
- Babies with specific medical conditions or higher risk factors (e.g. reflux, sleep apnoea) will have an individual health plan agreed with parents and relevant professionals.
- Staff will be trained on how to support these children safely.
Staff Training and Responsibilities
- All staff caring for babies and young children receive training on safe sleep practices in line with The Lullaby Trust’s guidance.
- The Designated Safeguarding Lead ensures that staff understand their responsibilities and that safe sleep practices are implemented consistently
Monitoring and Recording
- Daily sleep logs are maintained, showing:
- Sleep start and end times
- Checks made during sleep
- Observations (e.g., restlessness or disturbance)
- Parents are informed of their child’s sleep at collection or via daily reports.
Emergency Procedures
In the event a child is found unresponsive, staff will:
- Call for emergency help (999).
- Begin CPR if trained to do so.
- Inform the DSL and setting manager immediately.
- Inform the child’s parents/carers as soon as possible.
- Complete an incident report.
- Cooperate fully with emergency services and any investigations.
