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Safe Sleep Policy

Introduction

At The Kids Village, we are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all children during sleep time. This Safe Sleep Policy outlines our approach to providing a safe, comfortable, and secure sleeping environment for all children, in line with best practices and current safety guidelines. Our goal is to prevent accidents and minimize the risks associated with sleep-related incidents, such as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Purpose

This policy aims to:

  • Provide a safe sleep environment for children.

  • Promote safe sleep practices to reduce the risk of sleep-related incidents.

  • Ensure that all staff are trained in safe sleep practices and are equipped to follow the procedures outlined in this policy.

  • Provide clear guidelines for parents and guardians on safe sleep practices for their children while at the nursery.

Sleeping Environment

  • Children will sleep in a safe, designated sleeping area. Beds will be used, and they will meet current safety standards (e.g., appropriate mattress size, no gaps between the mattress and the sides of the bed/cot).

  • The sleeping area will be free from soft bedding, pillows, stuffed toys, and other items that could pose a suffocation or choking hazard.

  • The room temperature will be maintained at a comfortable level (between 16-18°C), and children will be dressed in suitable sleepwear to avoid overheating.

  • Lighting will be dimmed in this area and quiet, atmospheric music or white noise will be played, as well as a starry sky projector onto the ceiling for atmosphere. Plugs and cables will be out of reach for children. There will be some books in this area for staff to read to children as they fall asleep.

 Bed Safety

  • The bed will be clear of pillows, blankets, and soft toys. Mattresses will have fitted sheets and children will be given a breathable blanket for comfort only.

  • Cot bumpers are not permitted, as they pose a suffocation risk.

  • Children will sleep in their own bed or travel cot and will never share a sleep surface with another child or an adult.

Supervision

  • Children will always be supervised during nap time and sleep time. Staff will check on children at regular intervals to ensure their safety.

  • The nursery will ensure that there is a staff member near the sleep area at all times to monitor for any potential issues.

Safe Sleep Training

  • All staff will be trained in safe sleep practices as part of their induction process and will receive ongoing training to keep their knowledge up to date.

  • Training will cover topics such as: 

    • The importance of placing babies on their backs to sleep (not relevant to our nursery as we are over 2s only, but will still be trained)

    • How to create a safe sleep environment.

    • Recognising the signs of overheating.

    • How to monitor children during sleep time.

 Health Considerations and Individual Needs

  • Medical Advice: If a child has any specific medical conditions or sleep requirements, parents/guardians must provide written instructions from a healthcare professional.

  • Sick Children: Children who are unwell will be monitored closely during sleep. If a child is displaying symptoms of illness, staff will follow the nursery’s procedures for caring for sick children, and appropriate action will be taken if necessary.

Parental and Guardian Communication

  • Parent Consent: Parents must provide written consent and details of their child’s sleep routine, including any preferences they may have for sleep times, sleepwear, or comfort items.

  • Parent Education: We will ensure that parents are informed about safe sleep practices and encourage them to follow these guidelines at home. Information about safe sleep will be available to parents and guardians on request.

  • Changes in Sleep Practices: If any changes occur in a child’s sleep routine, parents will be notified, and the nursery will update care procedures as required.

Monitoring and Record Keeping

  • Staff will maintain a sleep log for each child that includes the times they sleep, when they are placed to sleep, and any observations during the sleep period.

  • All staff will regularly check and update children’s sleep routines to ensure they remain in line with safety standards.

Review and Evaluation

This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure it remains in line with current best practices, safety guidelines, and any changes to regulations. Feedback from staff and parents will be considered in the policy review process.

10. Conclusion

At The Kids Village, we are committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for children during sleep times. By following this Safe Sleep Policy, we ensure that the risk of sleep-related incidents is minimized, and that children are provided with the safest possible sleeping environment while in our care.

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