Safe Sleep Policy

This policy meets the EYFS 2026 Statutory Framework for Childminders, Section 3 Safeguarding and Welfare - Safer Sleep requirements.

1. Our Commitment
At Little Explorers, your child's safety during sleep is our highest priority. We follow NHS, Lullaby Trust and DfE safer sleep guidance at all times.

2. Individual Sleep Needs
Before a child starts, I will record with parents on the All About Me form:

• Usual sleep pattern and routine
• How they like to be settled
• Any medical needs

I will review this monthly with parents.

3. How Babies and Children Will Sleep

• Every child has their own separate sleep space. Children never share a cot, bed or mat.
• Babies under 12 months: Will ONLY sleep in a cot that meets British Safety Standards. No bed, pod, nest, bouncer, car seat or sofa.
• Children 12 months - 2 years: Cot, cot-bed or low bed / floor mattress on a firm, flat surface.
• Children over 2 years: Bed, cot, floor mattress or sleep mat as age-appropriate.

4. The Cot and Bedding - Firm, Flat, Bare

• Mattress is firm, flat, waterproof and in good condition with no tears. Fitted correctly with no gaps at sides.
• No pillows, duvets, cot bumpers, wedges, pods, positioners, loose blankets, toys, muslins or comforters in the cot for babies under 12 months.
• Only bedding used: Lightweight blanket tucked in firmly below shoulders and over no higher than shoulders in feet-to-foot position, OR a well-fitted baby sleep bag appropriate for age/temperature.
• Head will never be covered.
• Room temperature maintained at 16-20°C. I use a room thermometer. No hat, hooded clothing or excess layers.

5. Safe Position

• All babies under 2 years are placed on their BACK to sleep for every sleep, day and night.
• If a baby can roll independently both ways, if they roll during sleep I will monitor them but can leave them to find their own position once on their back initially.
• Feet-to-foot position: baby's feet at foot of cot.

6. Supervision and Checks

• Babies under 6 months: Will always sleep in the same room as me, within sight and hearing. They will never be left to sleep in a separate room.
• All children: Sleeping children are within sight and hearing at all times.
• I will check sleeping children at least every 10 minutes - I will look, listen, check colour, breathing, temperature and that bedding is still in safe position.
• Babies will never be left to sleep on a sofa, armchair, beanbag, or in a car seat, bouncer or swing. If a baby falls asleep in a car seat, they will be transferred to a cot as soon as safely possible.
• I will never use straps to keep a baby in position.

7. Dummy Use
If parents wish a dummy to be used, it will be used for sleep only, with no clips, strings or attachments. If it falls out during sleep, I will not reinsert it once baby is asleep.

8. What Parents Can Do To Help

• Please share any changes to sleep routine or health

9. Training and Risk Assessment
I have completed safer sleep training and my training is updated annually. I have completed a safer sleep risk assessment for the setting.

10. Emergency Procedure
If I have any concerns about a sleeping child - change in colour, breathing, unresponsive - I will act immediately, seek medical help and inform parents and Ofsted / my childminder agency as required.

Useful Information for Parents: Lullaby Trust - http://www.lullabytrust.org.uk