Safer sleep in early years settings
What's Changed in 2026?
Keeping babies safe while they sleep is one of the most important responsibilities of every early years setting. In April 2026, the Department for Education (DfE), in collaboration with The Lullaby Trust, published updated safer sleep guidance to strengthen standards across nurseries in England.
Although the revised wording will be formally incorporated into the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Statutory Framework in September 2026, providers are expected to comply with the guidance now.
At a Glance
- New safer sleep guidance was published by the Department for Education, in partnership with The Lullaby Trust, on 20 April 2026.
- The updated guidance will be formally added to the EYFS Statutory Framework in September 2026, subject to parliamentary approval.
- Early years providers are expected to meet these requirements immediately rather than waiting for September.
- The guidance applies to all early years settings in England registered on the Early Years Register.
- You can read the official Department for Education safer sleep guidance here: Help for Early Years Providers – Safer Sleep Guidance.
Where Does the Guidance Come From?
The updated requirements have been developed using several trusted sources.
EYFS Statutory Framework
The current EYFS Framework includes guidance on sleeping arrangements within paragraph 3.84. This section will be updated in September 2026 to reflect the latest safer sleep requirements.
Help for Early Years Providers
This Department for Education resource provides practical guidance for nursery managers and practitioners. It is currently the primary source for the latest safer sleep expectations until the EYFS Framework is updated.
Foundation Years
The Foundation Years website, funded by the Department for Education, also provides guidance on safer sleeping practices and compliance for early years providers.
NHS Guidance
The current EYFS Framework already refers providers to NHS safer sleep advice. As the NHS guidance now reflects the latest recommendations, settings following NHS advice are already aligned with the updated expectations.
The Lullaby Trust
The Lullaby Trust is the UK’s leading safer sleep charity and worked alongside the Department for Education to develop the updated guidance. It continues to provide evidence-based advice for both parents and childcare providers.
The New Safer Sleep Requirements
The updated guidance provides greater clarity around how babies and young children should sleep while attending nursery.
Sleep Position
Children under the age of two should always be placed on their back to sleep in their own separate sleep space on a firm, flat surface.
Babies aged 12 months and under should sleep in a suitable cot. This includes standard cots, travel cots, carrycots and Moses baskets that meet the relevant British Safety Standards.
Once a baby can roll independently from their back to their front and back again, they may naturally choose their own sleeping position after being placed on their back.
Safe Sleep Space
Every sleep space should contain only:
- A firm, flat, waterproof mattress.
- Lightweight bedding tucked securely below the baby’s shoulders, or a correctly fitted baby sleep bag.
- No pillows, toys, loose bedding, cot bumpers, wedges, positioning aids or straps.
If blankets are used, babies should be placed in the “feet-to-foot” position with blankets tucked securely below shoulder level.
A baby’s head should never be covered while sleeping, as this increases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Comforters
Comforters should only be used by children aged over 12 months.
Room Temperature
Babies should be kept comfortably warm without overheating.
The recommended room temperature for babies under 12 months is 16–20°C.
Practitioners should check a baby’s temperature by feeling their chest or the back of their neck. If the baby feels sweaty or clammy, layers should be removed as needed.
Supervision During Sleep
Babies under six months must always be supervised by an adult in the same room while they are asleep.
Children over six months may be monitored using an appropriate baby monitor, provided staff can both see and hear the child at all times. Regular physical checks remain essential for every sleeping child.
Sleeping After Travelling
If a baby falls asleep in a car seat or pram while travelling, they should be moved to their cot as soon as they return to the nursery.
For children over 12 months, practitioners should transfer them to their normal sleep space whenever possible.
Car seats and prams should never be used as a child’s regular sleeping environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do nurseries need to comply before September 2026?
Yes. The Department for Education has confirmed that providers are expected to follow the updated guidance immediately. September 2026 simply marks the point when the wording will be formally added to the EYFS Framework.
Will Ofsted inspect against the new guidance?
Ofsted will continue to inspect against the current EYFS Framework while recognising that providers should already be following current NHS safer sleep guidance, which reflects the updated recommendations.
What counts as a cot?
Suitable sleeping spaces include standard cots, travel cots, carrycots and Moses baskets that comply with the relevant British Safety Standards.
Can baby monitors replace staff supervision?
No. Babies under six months must always have an adult present in the same room. For older children, monitors may be used alongside regular visual and physical checks.
What about premature babies?
For babies born before 37 weeks or weighing less than 2.5kg at birth, safer sleep guidance should continue to be followed until one year after their original due date.
What if a baby rolls over while sleeping?
Babies should always be placed on their back at the start of every sleep. Once they can independently roll from back to front and back again, they may safely find their own sleeping position.
Safer Sleep at Sherwood Green: How We Support Safe Sleeping for Every Baby
At Sherwood Green, we welcome the latest safer sleep guidance and have always placed children’s wellbeing at the heart of our practice.
Our experienced team follows evidence-based safer sleep procedures every day, giving families confidence that their baby is cared for in a safe, nurturing environment.
Safe Sleep Spaces
Every baby sleeps in an appropriate cot with a firm mattress and a clear sleep environment, free from pillows, toys, loose bedding and cot bumpers. Babies are always placed on their backs to begin every sleep.
Careful Supervision
At Sherwood Green, the safety of every sleeping baby is our priority. A dedicated practitioner is always present with babies while they sleep, ensuring they remain within sight and hearing at all times. In addition, our team carries out and records sleep checks every five minutes for every sleeping baby, monitoring their breathing, position, comfort and overall wellbeing. These regular observations are documented as part of our daily care procedures, giving parents reassurance that their child is closely supervised throughout every sleep.
Comfortable Sleep Environment
We carefully monitor room temperatures and ensure babies are dressed appropriately to remain comfortable without overheating.
Working with Families
Every child is different. We work closely with parents to understand each baby’s usual sleep routine while ensuring all practices follow the latest Department for Education safer sleep guidance.
Keeping Parents Updated
Parents receive regular updates about their child’s sleep, including when they slept, how long they rested and any observations from our practitioners. This helps maintain consistency between home and nursery.
Our Commitment
Safe sleep is an essential part of the care we provide at Sherwood Green. Through ongoing staff training, regular policy reviews and a commitment to following the latest national guidance, we continue to provide a safe, caring and supportive environment where every baby can rest comfortably and every family can feel reassured.
If you would like to learn more about our approach to safer sleep, please click here to read our Safer Sleeping Policy. The policy outlines the procedures we follow every day to ensure babies and young children sleep safely while in our care, giving parents complete confidence in our commitment to their child’s wellbeing.
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