Safe Sleep Policy
Playbox Nursery – Safe Sleep Policy
Policy Statement
At Playbox Nursery, we recognise that some children need periods of sleep to support their physical health, emotional wellbeing, growth and learning. We are committed to providing a safe, comfortable and supervised environment for all children who choose or need to sleep during the nursery day.
This policy has been developed in line with the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and current safer sleep guidance issued by the Department for Education.
As Playbox Nursery cares for children aged 2 years and above, this policy focuses on safe sleep practices for toddlers and preschool-aged children.
Aims
We aim to:
- Provide a safe environment for children who rest or sleep.
- Meet children’s individual sleep and rest needs.
- Work in partnership with parents and carers regarding children’s sleep routines.
- Ensure children are appropriately supervised at all times.
- Reduce risks associated with sleeping and resting within the setting.
Sleep Arrangements
Children may sleep when they show signs of tiredness or when parents have identified a regular sleep routine.
Children will:
- Sleep on individual sleep mats or suitable rest mattress.
- Be provided with their own clean bedding where applicable.
- Have sufficient space around them to sleep safely and comfortably.
- Be positioned in a way that allows staff to easily observe them.
The sleep area will:
- Be clean, well ventilated and maintained at a comfortable temperature.
- Be free from hazards and unnecessary items.
- Allow staff to maintain sight and hearing of sleeping children.
Safe Sleep Practices
To ensure children’s safety:
- Children will be encouraged to sleep in a natural and comfortable position.
- Staff will ensure children’s faces remain visible and uncovered.
- Pillows, loose bedding, soft toys, cushions, beanbags or other items that may present a suffocation risk will not be used during sleep unless required for an identified medical or additional need and supported by a risk assessment.
- Children will not be left to sleep in buggies, pushchairs, highchairs or other unsuitable equipment.
- Sleeping children will remain within sight or hearing of staff at all times.
Supervision and Monitoring
Staff will:
- Carry out regular visual checks of sleeping children.
- Monitor children’s comfort, breathing, temperature and wellbeing.
- Ensure a member of staff remains available to respond immediately if a child wakes or requires assistance.
- Follow the setting’s safeguarding procedures if there are any concerns about a child’s welfare.
Any child who appears unwell while sleeping will be monitored closely and parents will be contacted if necessary.
Individual Sleep Needs
We recognise that children have different sleep patterns and requirements.
Information regarding a child’s sleep routine will be gathered during the settling-in process and reviewed regularly with parents.
Where a child has additional medical, developmental or sensory needs affecting sleep, an individual risk assessment and care plan will be completed in partnership with parents and relevant professionals.
Working with Parents and Carers
Playbox Nursery will:
- Discuss sleep routines and preferences with parents.
- Respect family practices where these can be safely accommodated.
- Inform parents if their child has slept during the day and share relevant information about sleep duration and wellbeing.
- Notify parents of any concerns regarding their child’s sleep patterns or wellbeing.
Staff Responsibilities
All staff are responsible for:
- Following this policy and associated risk assessments.
- Maintaining a safe sleep environment.
- Supervising sleeping children appropriately.
- Reporting any concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Lead or Nursery Manager.
- Keeping their knowledge and understanding of safer sleep practices up to date through training and regular policy review.
Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed annually, following any updates to EYFS requirements, Department for Education guidance, or following any incident relating to children’s sleep and rest arrangements.
This policy was approved at a meeting of The Playbox committee held on 24th June 2026
