Policy and Procedure No. 47
Sleeping and Rest Times
Sometimes a child will need to sleep, whether this is part of their routine or they are feeling under the weather or were up during the night. A child will never be made to sleep and there will always be space to rest if needed.
Fold away, wipe down bed mats are provided. These will be wiped with an antibacterial wipe after each use. The setting provides bottom sheets, duvets and pillows, all with removable covers. The covers and sheets are washed after each use.
The child will be offered a space to lay in the sensory room. We will draw the curtains and play some calming music if this helps the child to relax. A member of staff will stay with them until they are asleep. The educator may stroke the child’s back or head to help them fall asleep.
Any large items of clothing or hair accessorises will be removed prior to sleeping.
The door to the sleeping space will be left ajar so the child is within hearing of staff. The child will be checked on every 10 minutes. They will check the child’s chest for rise and fall and ensure there is no material/clothing over the child’s face, to prevent suffocation.
The time of the child being taken into the sleep space will be recorded and the time they are checked will be recorded. Staff will initial this if they carry out this check.
For further guidance:
Safer Sleep for Babies (Lullaby Trust) www.lullabytrust.org.uk/safer-sleep-advice
Signed: Clara Hall- Chairperson
Signed: Tegan Kidman- Lead Practitioner/Manager.
Reviewed: 11th February 2026
Review: 11th February 2027.