Carmel Caterpillars PreSchool

Safer Sleep Requirements

Policy Statement

We are committed to providing a safe sleeping environment for all children attending Carmel Caterpillars PreSchool.This policy outlines the procedures followed to ensure children sleep safely and are appropriately supervised at all times in accordance with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework and safeguarding requirements. Alongside new regulations 2026.

Aims

We aim to:

• Provide a safe, comfortable, and suitable sleeping environment.
• Meet individual children’s sleep needs
• Ensure children are supervised effectively while sleeping.
• Reduce risks associated with sleep and rest periods.

Sleep Arrangements

• Children sleep on suitable sleep mats
• Sleeping equipment is regularly checked for safety and cleanliness.

Environment

The sleep area will:

• Be well ventilated
• Be free from hazards and unnecessary equipment.
• Allow staff to see and hear sleeping children clearly.

Supervision

• Sleeping children remain within sight and/or hearing of staff at all times.
• Staff are to check at least every 10 minutes, or more frequently where a risk assessment identifies a need.
• Sleep checks include:
  • Visual confirmation of normal breathing.
  • Appropriate sleeping position.
  • Child’s general wellbeing.

Safe Sleep Practices

Staff will:

• Remove items that may present a choking, suffocation, or strangulation risk.
• Ensure sleeping areas remain uncluttered.
• Monitor children who become unusually sleepy, unwell, or difficult to rouse and follow safeguarding and first aid procedures where necessary.

Unwell Children

If a child becomes unwell while sleeping:

• Staff will monitor them closely.
• Parents/carers will be informed promptly if concerns arise.
• Emergency procedures will be followed if a child shows signs of breathing difficulties, unresponsiveness, or other serious symptoms.

Staff Training

All staff will:

• Understand supervision requirements during sleep periods.
• Complete paediatric first aid training in line with EYFS requirements.
• Be familiar with safeguarding procedures relating to sleeping children.

Partnership with Parents

We will:

• Inform parents of any concerns regarding their child’s sleep, health, or wellbeing.

Record Keeping

The setting maintains:

• Relevant risk assessments.
• Individual healthcare plans where applicable.

Related Policies

• Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy
• Health and Safety Policy
• Risk Assessment Policy

The original of this Policy was signed by the Chairperson on behalf of Carmel Caterpillars Preschool