Policy Overview
The safety and well-being of every child in our care is of the utmost importance to us, which is why we have established a Sleeping Policy. This policy helps to ensure that all children are kept safe and comfortable while they rest, so that they are ready for a day of learning and play. By following our Sleeping Policy, we can provide a secure and nurturing environment for all of our young ones.
The intention of this Policy is to:
- Establishing a clear and consistent process for children sleeping
- For parents and carers to understand how we keep their children safe while sleeping
- Show how we put methods in place to reduce the risk of SIDS.
Who is this policy aimed at?
This policy applies to all The Norfolk Childcare Company LTD employees, Volunteers, students, temporary staff, or anyone working for or on behalf of The Norfolk Childcare Company LTD.
Where does this Policy Apply?
- Any location The Norfolk Childcare Company LTD operates
What is SIDS
Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) – sometimes known as “cot death” – is the sudden, unexpected and unexplained death of an apparently healthy baby.
In the UK, around 200 babies die suddenly and unexpectedly every year. This statistic may sound alarming, but SIDS is rare and the risk of your baby dying from it is low.
Back to Sleep
We as a company follow the lullaby trusts “Back to Sleep” document. This document sets out some key points that we follow to ensure children are safe while sleeping. Some of the measures we take are below.
- All key persons will receive training on our Safe Sleep Policy and SIDS risk reduction.
- Babies will always be placed on their backs to sleep unless there is a signed sleep position medical waiver on file. A copy will be given to the keyperson.
- FSIDS recommends that babies are placed on their backs to sleep, but when babies can easily turn over from the back to stomach ,they can be allowed to adopt whatever position they preference when the baby turns onto his/her side or stomach.
- FSIDS recommends that using a dummy at the start of any sleep period reduces the risk of cot death. If a dummy forms part of your child’s sleep routine, it will always be used at sleep times. FSID recommends that the dummy should be stopped when the baby is between 6 and 12 months old. (The key person will work with parents to phase out dummies sensitively, taking into account children’s emotional needs.)
- Visual supervision is required at all times. At least every 10 minutes the key person will visually check on the child; looking for the rise and fall of the chest and if the sleep position has changed. We will be especially alert to monitoring a sleeping baby during the first weeks the baby is in our care.
- Steps will be taken to keep babies from becoming too warm or over heating by regulating the room temperature, avoiding excess bedding and not overdressing or over-wrapping the baby; room temperature will be kept at 18 degrees.
- All babies must sleep in a cot or an approved bed/mattress. Babies may not sleep in a nesting ring ,car seat ,bouncy chair etc.
- Babies heads will not be covered with blankets or bedding; babies cots will not be covered with bedding.
- Awake babies will be given supervised “tummy time”.
- Toys and stuffed animals will not be allowed in the child’s cot. Small comforts or muslin can be with the child if they need it for comfort.
- A safety approved cot with a firm fitting mattress and tight fitting sheet will be used.
- No smoking is permitted on the premises and key persons who smoke will ensure that their clothes and breathe do not smell of smoke when caring for caring for babies or any other children within the nursery.
Sleep Records and Checks
As previously indicated, we will conduct periodic checks on the children during their sleep every 10 minutes. This will be carried out by a designated team member physically visiting each child to ensure their safety and well-being. The check will include verification that the child has not rolled over, is not in distress, and is generally okay.
After each check, the team member will sign the child’s check sheet, which will be collected and stored digitally at the end of each term.
Once the child reaches one year of age and is sleeping on a mattress, the procedure will change to a group check. This change is due to the fact that 86% of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) cases occur in children under the age of 6 months. As the risk is significantly reduced after the child’s first year, our checking procedure will be adjusted accordingly.
Sleep Temperature
Research has shown that overheating arising from excessive insulation, high room temperature (overwrapping) or both, is associated with an increased risk of SIDS. While it is important to ensure that a baby does not get too cold, it is also important to avoid any practice which may lead your baby to get too hot. Babies should be checked to ensure they are at a suitable temperature. There is a consensus view in the UK that an optimum room temperature of 16-20°C, combined with light bedding or a lightweight well-fitting baby sleep bag, offers a comfortable and safe environment for sleeping babies. It is also important to ensure that your baby’s head stays uncovered while they are sleeping.
WWW.LULLABYTRUST.ORG.UK
Due to the aforementioned reasons, we strive to maintain a temperature of 18 degrees in the sleeping areas of infants under our care. For older children, the temperature in their sleeping quarters is maintained between 16-20 degrees. This is achieved through the implementation of thermometers in each room to continuously monitor the temperature and by incorporating thermometers within our heating and cooling systems to ensure optimal temperature control.
Breach of Policy
Any member of staff, student or volunteer found to be in breach of this policy will be subject to disciplinary action as a breach of this policy and our safeguarding policy. Any breach could result in termination of employment.
