Prime times – Sleep and rest time

Sleep and rest times are key points in the day for being close to children and promoting their sense of security. Younger children will need to sleep, while older children may only need rest or quiet time. No child is forced to sleep.

Babies under one year

Babies have a designated place to sleep and their own personalised bedding. This usually consists of top and bottom cotton sheets and a cotton blanket or lightweight duvet. Pillows are not used.
Babies have a place to put their clothes and any special toy or comforter used for sleep.
Babies are prepared for sleep by their key person; nappies are changed and heavier clothing removed.
Babies are soothed to sleep by their key person who comforts them if they are distressed, gently stroking or patting as needed.
The sleep area is made quiet, with soft lighting and possibly gentle music, and curtains drawn where appropriate.
Babies are placed on their backs to sleep in line with safer sleep guidance.
Sleeping babies are supervised at regular intervals, at least every ten minutes. Checks are recorded with time and the initials of the person checking.

Children over two years old

Children sleep on rest mats and have their own personalised bedding.
Each child has a suitable place or basket to store clothes, shoes and a special toy, book or comforter for sleep, labelled so they can identify it.
Nappies are changed and heavier clothing removed before sleep or rest time.
Hair accessories that may come loose or present a choking hazard are removed.
A separate area of the room is made as quiet and calm as possible, perhaps with soft music and curtains drawn.
Children are settled by their key person and gently soothed to sleep as needed.
If children fall asleep where they are playing, it may be necessary to move or wake them to ensure they are comfortable. They are not left to sleep in buggies or bouncy chairs.
Sleeping children are regularly checked at least every ten minutes and remain within sight and/or hearing of staff at all times.

Young children

Young children sleep on rest mats with their own personalised bedding.
They have a place to put clothes and shoes and to keep any comfort item, toy or book needed for sleep.
Nappies are changed and heavier clothing removed before sleep or rest.
Hair accessories with small or detachable parts are removed before sleep as they may pose a choking risk.
A quiet area is prepared, with soft music and dimmed light, to support restful sleep.
Children are settled and soothed by their key person who may stroke or gently pat them.
Sleeping children are always supervised within sight and/or hearing of staff.