Safer Sleep Policy

We are following the latest government guidance for safer sleep https://help-for-early-years-providers.education.gov.uk/health-and-wellbeing/safer-sleep
 
At Wild Monkeys we understand that all children need sleep, and it is very important for their development and growth. We ask you to inform us of any naps that you child may need throughout their session, and we will offer this to them. We will try for up to 30 minutes to get your child to sleep and if they are still completely awake after that and showing no signs of sleep, we will then get them up to continue their day. 
 
  • In all rooms we have thermometers which check the room temperature. 
  • Room checks are also completed every morning and then visually checked through the day to ensure a safe environment. 
  • Clean sheets and blankets are given to every child who naps and are stored in individually named bags. These are washed as needed and at least once a week. 
  • Any mats that are used for sleeping are cleaned with anti-bac after every use. 
  • Babies under 12 months are placed to sleep in cots. As advised by the government, sleep comforters may not be used for babies and children under 12 months.
  • Children over 12 months are placed to sleep on mats that meet British Safety Standards. 
  • Light covers will be used and tucked in, no higher than the children’s shoulders. 
  • Staff will pat/stroke the child’s back, stomach or side of their face to help them sleep. This is dependent on the parents’ wishes. 
  • Babies that are not yet mobile will be placed on their backs when they are put down to sleep in an empty cot, they are then monitored throughout their nap to ensure they have not rolled or have anything covering their faces. 
  • Babies/children that are mobile are placed to sleep on their backs, though if they move around, they can be left but are closely monitored. 
  • Babies and children are given either a cot or a sleep mat that is completely flat to sleep in. Bouncers, beanbags and pushchairs will not be used. 
 
We check every child who is going to sleep every five minutes and every child who is sleeping every ten minutes, we then write this down and upload it to Tapestry for parents/carers. When the children are checked we monitor their breathing, temperature and their surroundings. At Wild Monkeys we always have a member of staff either in the same or a nearby/adjoining room, so they are always within sight or hearing.
 
We have a Smoking/Vaping Policy at Wild Monkeys, which states that smoking/vaping are not permitted in any part of our settings. This is to ensure that staff clothing and breath do not smell of smoke when caring for young children.
 
At Wild Monkeys we understand that children can fall asleep at any time, though we do ask that babies and children come into the nursery setting awake, and at pick up time we will also ensure that they are awake when they leave the setting. This is to ensure the safety and health of the children. If your child has had any medicine (antibiotics etc) before arriving at the setting, please let a member of staff know at the door as they may need to be monitored.
Policy Last Reviewed: January 2026
Policy Review Date: January 2027