New DfE Safe Sleeping Guidance for Nurseries in School Settings

The Early Years (EYFS) Framework has been updated this month (September 2026) in regards to safe sleeping practice for children in nurseries in school settings. The DfE have published guidance to support schools in understanding what they need to do, which can be found here: https://help-for-early-years-providers.education.gov.uk/health-and-wellbeing/safer-sleep

The guidance recognises that it is important to provide babies and children with a safer sleep environment to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in babies up to 12 months of age, and sudden unexpected death in childhood (SUDC) in children aged over 12 months.

What Does the Guidance Require?

The new guidance requires that babies and children must be placed down to sleep safely. For children under 2 years old the following requirements apply:

• Children must be placed down on their back in their own separate sleep space on a clear, flat, firm surface such as a cot, bed or suitable mattress on the floor;

• Babies aged 12 months and under must only be placed to sleep in a cot - this includes carrycots, moses baskets and travel cots (you may find it useful to check whether products meet the British Standards listed below);

• Sleep spaces must only contain a firm, flat, waterproof mattress and lightweight bedding which is firmly tucked in around the child no higher than 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 should be placed feet-to-foot at the bottom of the cot, with blankets tucked in;

• Cots must not contain extra items such as toys, pillows, loose bedding, bumpers, wedges or straps;

• Children should not get too hot or cold - the recommended room temperature for babies (those aged 12 months and under) is 16 – 20˚C;

• Children’s heads must not be covered;

• Babies 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 they are sleeping; and

• Children must always be within sight and hearing of staff when sleeping

A baby monitor can be used for children over six months of age, and you must ensure it allows children to be seen and heard at all times.

Head Covering

Evidence suggests that babies (those aged 12 months and under) are at a higher risk of SIDS if they have their heads covered. Some items added to their sleep space may increase the risk of SIDS and unnecessary items, such as cot bumpers and toys, can also increase the risk of accidents. Sleep comforters may be used for babies and children aged over 12 months only.

Hot or Cold

To check if a baby or child is too hot or cold, feel their chest or the back of their neck (hands and feet will usually be cooler, which is normal). If their skin feels clammy or sweaty, remove one or more layers of clothing or bedding. You should use your professional judgement during extreme temperatures.

Once babies can move from their back to their front and back again by themselves, they can find their own sleeping position. However, continue to place them on their back to sleep.

What are Suitable Products?

The guidance states that providers may find it useful to check whether products meet the relevant British Standards:

• Cots, travel cots, moses baskets and carry cots: BS EN 716-1:2017,  BS EN 1466:2014 or
BS EN 1466:2023;

• Bedside cribs: Since 2020, all bedside cribs should meet the new crib safety standard BS EN 1130:2019. This means cots should no longer have a side that fully drops down;

• Mattresses: BS 7177:2008+A1:2011;

• Mattresses for cots, travel cots and cribs: BS EN 16890:2017+A1:2021; and

• Sleepbags: BS EN 16781:2018

This list is provided for reference; you must ensure you are satisfied that your setting’s sleeping arrangements meet the EYFS requirements.

The EYFS safer sleep requirement from 1 September 2026 is that only cots (defined as cot, carrycot, moses basket, travel cot) must be used by early years providers for babies aged 12 months and under. Floor beds, also known as coracles or sleep pods, do not meet this requirement. This is due to safety concerns associated with the use of floor beds with lowered sides for babies aged up to 12 months.

A cot, carry cot, moses basket or travel cot that fully meets British Standards and is used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions is the safest place for a baby aged 12 months and under to sleep in.

How Handsam Can Help

The Handsam tasklist system has been updated with two new tasks which will need to be assigned to the relevant staff member(s) in your setting.

Category: Early Years (EYFS)

Task Dated: 8 September

Annual: If children aged 2 years old or younger are hosted, ensure all relevant staff are trained in safe sleep practice.

Suggested evidence: Detail training delivered and how.

Task Dated: 8 September

Category: Early Years (EYFS)

Annual: If children aged 2 years old or younger are hosted, ensure suitable sleeping arrangements are in place, including provision of products which meet the British Standards detailed in the DfE Early Years guidance: https://help-for-early-years-providers.education.gov.uk/health-and-wellbeing/safer-sleep

Suggested evidence: Detail how standards are complied with