Sleep and Rest Policy – Children Aged 2–5 Years

At our Early Learning Centre, we prioritise the health, safety, and well-being of all children during rest and sleep times. The following guidelines are in place to ensure safe and comfortable sleep routines for children aged 2 to 5 years:

• Ventilation and Room Temperature
  • Rooms must be well-ventilated throughout the day to maintain fresh air flow.
  • Sleep mats should not be placed directly under windows or in front of active radiators.
  • Room temperature must be monitored regularly. The ideal temperature for sleeping is between 16°C and 20°C.
• Monitoring Sleeping Children
  • All sleeping children must be closely supervised at all times.
  • Staff must carry out and record regular safe sleep checks (e.g., every 10 minutes), noting the child’s position, breathing, and comfort.
  • These checks should be documented and shared with parents/carers at the end of the day.
• Checking a Child’s Temperature
  • To check if a child is at a comfortable temperature, gently feel the back of their neck with the back of your hand. It should feel warm, not hot or sweaty.
  • If the child feels too warm or is sweating, remove a layer of bedding.
  • A normal temperature for young children is around 36.4°C (as per NHS guidelines).
• Sleep Equipment and Bedding
  • Sleep mats and mattresses must be flat, firm, and conform to British Safety Standards (BS EN 716).
  • All mattresses must be fully covered with waterproof fabric, such as PVC.
  • Mattresses should be regularly checked for damage. Any punctured, cracked, or torn coverings must be replaced immediately.
  • Each child must have their own bedding, which is cleaned or disinfected between uses.
  • While it’s recommended at home to use a new mattress for each child, in our setting we maintain strict hygiene practices to ensure safety.
• Safe Sleep Practices
  • Children must never be placed to sleep in bouncer chairs, beanbags, swings, or semi-reclined pushchairs due to increased risk of reflux or flat head syndrome (plagiocephaly).
  • Children should always be placed to sleep on their backs, with their feet positioned near the bottom of the mat or bed (the “feet-to-foot” position).
  • Bedding should be securely tucked in no higher than the child’s shoulders to prevent wriggling under the covers.
  • Hats must be removed before sleep unless medically required. Only lightweight materials, such as muslin or thin cotton, may be used for swaddling to prevent overheating.
  • If a dummy (pacifier) is used at home for sleep, it may be offered at nap time. There is some evidence to suggest dummies may reduce the risk of sudden infant death.
  • Never put a child to sleep with a dummy attached to a cord, string, or necklace, as this poses a serious risk of strangulation.
• Consistency with Home Practices
  • Staff will work with families to ensure sleep routines and preferences are supported while aligning with safe sleep guidelines in the setting.

 

1. Health and Social Care Standards (Scotland)

Relevant Principles:

• I experience high-quality care and support that is right for me.
• I am protected from harm, neglect, abuse, bullying and exploitation by people who have a clear understanding of their responsibilities.
• My environment is safe and secure.

2. Care Inspectorate – Quality Framework for ELC (2025)

Relevant Quality Indicators:

• 3.1: Ensuring wellbeing, equality and inclusion.
• 5.1: Safe and clean environment.

3. UNCRC (United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child)

Relevant Articles:

• Article 3: Best interests of the child must be a top priority in all decisions.
• Article 6: Every child has the right to life, survival and development.
• Article 24: Right to the best possible health, including safe environments.
• Article 27: Right to a standard of living adequate for development.

Date of Review

Summary of Changes

Reviewed by

20/08/2024

policy created

Stacey Sneddon

19/08/2025

Links to CIQF, UNCRC, HSCS.

Stacey Sneddon