Safer Sleep - Latest News

Olivia Bailey MP, Minister for Early Education and Minister for Equalities, has written to all early years providers to set out changes to the EYFS from September 2026 in relation to safer sleep. An email was sent to providers on 27th March stating that the EYFS will be updated to include the following:

'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). More information on safer sleep guidance is available from The Lullaby Trust.

DfE state that safe sleep must be in place now, following NHS and Lullaby Trust guidance. The Lullaby Trust website has a useful search function where you will find guidance on sleep pods (no), car seats (only when in the car) and sofas (no) - they are not a 'on a firm flat surface' with a 'waterproof mattress'.

The changes have been introduced after the death of a baby in a nursery in 2022 and following the Campaign for Gigi.

There are a number of outstanding questions from members about these changes. Be assured that Childcare.co.uk are working closely with DfE to answer member questions as quickly as possible.

Ofsted has recently made some useful comments which will help those members who have inspections coming up soon. For example, if babies or young children fall asleep on outings or the school run, that's fine. Think about ventilation, temperature, lying them flat and not having a blanket over their face. However, what Ofsted has also clearly stated is that buggies are not appropriate for indoor sleep - they have the wrong kind of mattress and don't allow babies and children to move around. This is a change to previously published advice from Ofsted and must be considered up to date and current.

Ofsted has also stated that they will plan a Vodcast with Foundation Years before the changes are introduced into the EYFS in September 2026.

If you have any questions, please contact the Dept for Education - your feedback will be used to inform future information sharing.