This information is brought to you by Slough Borough Council's Early Years team, for the attention of all Early Years settings.
Please ensure you have shared with all your team not just those that work in the baby room regularly and update your sleeping routines and procedures, and check all your sleep equipment, to keep all children safe
https://www.foundationyears.org.uk/2026/07/safer-sleep-in-early-years-settings-qa/
Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) - NHS
Safer sleep awareness for early years settings booklet | The Lullaby Trust downloadable booklet
Help for early years providers : Safer sleep
EYFS statutory framework for group and school-based providers from September 1st 2026
Babies and children must be placed down to sleep safely. For children under 2 years old, providers must ensure that:
• Children are placed down on their back in their own separate sleep space on a firm flat surface such as a cot, bed or mattress on the floor. Babies aged 1 year and under must only be placed to sleep in a cot.
• Sleep spaces should only contain a firm, flat, waterproof mattress and lightweight bedding which is firmly tucked in around the child below their shoulders to prevent head covering. Alternatively, a well fitted baby sleep bag may be used. Check the manufacturer recommendations before using a baby sleep bag.
• Where blankets are used, the child is placed feet-to-foot at the bottom of the cot, with blankets tucked in.
• Cots must not contain extra items such as toys, pillows, extra blankets, bumpers, wedges or straps.
• Children should not get too hot or cold. The recommended room temperature for babies is 16 – 20˚C.
• Children’s heads are not covered.
• Children under six months of age must always have an adult with them in the same room for every sleep. All children must be frequently checked when sleeping.
• Children are always within sight and hearing of staff when sleeping. Providers must ensure that all staff read NHS advice on Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) – NHS. More information on safer sleep guidance is available from The Lullaby Trust.
This updated wording has been developed with the Lullaby Trust, medical experts and Ofsted.