16.POLICY ON SAFE SLEEP

 

1.RATIONALE AND POLICY CONSIDERATIONS

Play Together Crèche will take all the safety measure to provide a safe sleep and rest environment for children. We are aware that sleep is important for young children and it directly impacts on their well-being and development. In addition, our staff members are trained about safe sleep in order to be aware of the risks of sudden unexpected death in infancy, commonly known as cot death and what they need to do to reduce those risks.

Our service is having a safe rest/sleep policy that:

·         Helps to protect children and reduce risks.

·         Helps to inform as well as reassure parents/guardians that the service will only implement procedures that are recommended in best practice guidelines.

·         Gives clear guidance to all our staff team members including new or trainee staff members, those who are providing emergency cover or those on work experience.

·         Provides a clear plan of action in the event of a baby being found to be unresponsive or to have stopped breathing within the service.

Legislation and regulatory requirements

·         Having a clear, written policy and procedure on Safe Sleep is a requirement under Regulation 10 of the Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016

·         Providing for safe sleep is also included under Regulation 19: Health, Welfare and Development of the Child; Regulation 20: Facilities for Rest and Play; Regulation 23: Health, Safety and Welfare of the Child; Regulation 27: Supervision and Regulation 29 Premises.

Children need:

·         Access to appropriate, safe and comfortable rest and/or sleep facilities.

·         To be able to rest or sleep safely and comfortably whenever they need to.

Parents/Families need to:

·         Know that their child will be able to sleep and/or rest in a safe and comfortable environment according to their individual needs.

·         To be assured that their child will have access, at any time, to a cot or child bed/mat (appropriate for their age), in a clean, safe and appropriately supervised sleep area that is free of risks and hazards.

·         Be assured that if any incident arises in relation to the wellbeing of their child while they are sleeping, all appropriate measures will be taken by the service to protect their child and to notify them at the earliest possible time.

All staff members need:

·         To know and understand clearly their roles and responsibilities in relation to providing appropriately for children’s individual needs for safe sleep and/or rest in an area that is clean and free of risks and hazards.

·         Absolute clarity on their roles and responsibilities in relation to supervising and ensuring children’s safety while they rest or sleep and also on what they must do should any baby/child be found to be unresponsive or not breathing.

Management needs to:

·         Ensure that the legal requirement to have an appropriate safe sleep policy is met.

·          Know that all staff team members know their roles and responsibilities and have the clarity that they need to ensure that all children’s needs for safe and comfortable rest and/or sleep are met according to best practice guidelines.

·         Ensure that all necessary and appropriate safety measures and procedures are clearly outlined in the policy and procedures.

National Quality Frameworks

·         Tusla: Quality and Regulatory Framework

·         Síolta: The National Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education

2. DEFINITIONS/GLOSSARY

SIDS	Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or SUDI Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy (commonly referred to as Cot Death) is the sudden death of an infant or young child which is unexpected by history and in which a thorough post mortem examination fails to demonstrate an adequate cause for death.
FIRST LIGHT	Formerly Irish Sudden Infant Death Association (ISIDA) provides support and information and promotes research into the sudden unexpected and often unexplained death of a child.

3. POLICY STATEMENT

Staff members of Play Together Crèche received a training on a safe sleep policy.  All children are provided with clean, safe and comfortable rest and/or sleep facilities as individually needed. We work in partnership with parents/guardians in relation to their child’s sleep needs and patterns as much as possible.

All children under 2 years have access to a cot. Children aged 2–3 years are provided with sleep mats/beds and each child’s individual need for sleep or rest is facilitated appropriately. All cots and beds for children conform to recognised safety standards.

Ensuring a child can sleep safely and comfortably is one of our main priorities. 12 month old will always be put sleeping ‘feet to foot of cot', unless there is a signed sleep position medical waiver on file. In that case, a waiver notice will be posted at the baby’s cot and the waiver filed in the baby’s file.

Procedures and rotas are in place for supervising and regularly checking sleeping babies at least every 10 minutes (Little Vista sleep chart in operation). Sleeping babies are always individually and frequently checked in person (not on screen). The sleep room is kept clean, calm, quiet, comfortable, so that babies can relax, rest and sleep.

The recommended best practice guidance from First Light (formerly Irish Sudden Infant Death Association (ISIDA) and Safe Sleep for your Baby – Reduce the Risk of Cot Death (HSE 2017) is followed at all times.  Staff members follow first aid procedures they have been taught, in the event a child/baby is found unresponsive and/or not breathing.

Where a parent/guardian requests a sleep routine for their child that does not meet with good practice guidelines (for example, requesting that their child be denied sleep for the day; that they be put to sleep with a feeding bottle; requesting that the baby/child be put to sleep in a buggy or travel seat), the service remains responsible for our own practice and our team members will be happy to discuss with parents/guardians why any such practice cannot be implemented.  In all our decision-making the child’s best interests come first.

As well as safe sleep provision, all children will be provided with opportunities to have quiet or rest periods, within the daily curriculum/program, that meet their individual needs throughout the session/day.

4. PROCEDURES AND PRACTICES

Our service’s first consideration is babies/child’s safety and comfort when a parent/guardian requests a specific sleep routine for their child. If it will distress or not safe for their child, then a parent/guardian will be informed that the service cannot comply with their request and an explanation will be given.

 Sleeping position

Babies will be put to sleep on their back with their head uncovered and their feet to the foot of the cot. This includes babies with gastro-oesophageal reflux. If a registered medical practitioner has recommended a different sleep position then this must be clearly evidenced in a written note from that practitioner.

When a baby is older and able to roll from back to front and back again, we let them find their own position to sleep. However, we will still place them on their back at the start of sleep time. Place babies near the foot of the cot with the covers below the shoulders.

When a baby is placed in their cot to sleep, the following applies:

·         Place the baby on their back with their feet at the foot of the cot.

·         Tuck bedclothes in securely below the baby’s shoulders.

·         Babies’ clothes should be loose and light.

·         NO bibs, bottles, toys, quilts, pillows or cot bumpers should be in the cot.

·         To avoid a flat head (plagiocephaly) ensure the baby is positioned with their head facing a different direction each time they are put down to sleep.

·         Babies’ heads must not be covered.

·         No strings or cords must be attached to soothers.

·         1 baby per cot, unless we are evacuating babies in an emergency.

Note: Sleep positioners are prohibited. Bottles must never be propped at any time, including during sleep             positioning.

Play Together Crèche is only for children between the ages of 1 and 5-years old.

 

Sleep environment

·         Ventilation
Our service ensure that the sleep room is adequately ventilated (either naturally or mechanically) but do not position a cot below a window or adjacent to a radiator.

Lighting and visibility
Control lighting in the sleep room with curtains/blinds and the dimmer switch so that the atmosphere is conducive to sleep but there is adequate visibility for supervision.

·         Sleep area temperature
The sleep area must be maintained at between 16ºC and 20ºC. A wall-mounted thermometer is provided to monitor the temperature.

Assigned staff member ensure that babies not to get too hot by feeling the baby’s tummy. A baby's tummy should feel warm, but not too hot. If a baby's tummy feels hot, or if the baby is sweating anywhere, they are too warm. Hands and feet often feel cool, but this is normal, and does not mean a baby needs more clothes.

Outdoor clothes will be removed once babies are indoors. Heating in winter often makes it hotter inside than it is during the summer. As soon as you bring babies indoors any extra clothes or blankets will be removed. Do this even if they are asleep. Babies are not wearing hats indoors.

Babies do not need any more than a nappy, vest and babygro to sleep in. In hot weather they may need less.

Bedding depends on the room temperature. If a baby seems hot, take some of the blankets off, if they seem cold, add an extra layer. Use lightweight blankets that you can add to and take away. Babies should not have their heads covered indoors.

Our service ensure that cots are not elevated and that no pillows are used for babies up to the age of 2 years.

Soothers

·         Parents decide if their child is to use a soother. Parent should provide 2 soothers to the service. Parents’ must ensure that soothers do not have any string, cord or clips attached.

·         They will be stored in separate clean containers labelled with each child’s name when not in use. All soothers used are the right size for the age of the child and in good condition.

·         Soothers decorated with beads, gems or other such decorations are not allowed to use in our setting.

Supervision

·         The sleep room light will be dimmed to create a calm atmosphere while allowing enough light for adequate supervision.

·         Children in the sleep room will be within sight or hearing of at least one staff member at all times, especially when staff members are actively engaged with children who are awake.

·         The Manager will assign a person daily to complete listed responsibilities.

·         The responsibilities are to;

o   check the sleep room to ensure all risk controls are implemented.

o   check the children every 10 min.

o    complete the sleep chart for each child

o   change bed linen and record changes.

·         Checks will be made of each sleeping child in the room, in person, at least every 10 minutes, by assigned staff.

·         The sleep information will be recorded on a Sleep Chart/Little Vista software. The Sleep Chart will be kept on file.

·         We will be especially alert to monitoring a sleeping baby during the first weeks the baby is in child care. A sleep chart for each child is maintained. This records when physical checks are made of each of the sleeping children.

·         Check records include:

·         the time of the check

·         the child’s position

·         any change in the child’s normal breathing pattern

·         any change in the child’s normal skin colour

·         the room temperature

·         the name of the person who checked the child. -

·           Cots will be checked regularly for damage and discarded as necessary.

 

For example, if one or more children is unsettled; 6 children or more are sleeping or resting in the             sleep room an adult will remain in the sleep room at all times.

·         Physically monitoring is using in detecting if a child is upset or crying between the 10-minute checks or for security. Our staff members are available to physically monitor a sleep room in between 10-minute checks.

·         This procedure for monitoring will be displayed beside the sleep area.

·         Each child’s Key Person is responsible for sharing information with the child’s parents or guardians.

·         At all times, the relevant adult/child ratio that outlined in the Early Years Regulations 2016 will be adhere to.

Cots/beds/sleep mats

·         An adequate number of safe cots and child beds are provided to ensure that all children have access to a suitable cot or bed as appropriate for their needs.

·         Documentary evidence that our beds meet the required safety standards is maintained on file. This can be found in the office.

·         Stack-able beds will be provided for the children two years.

·         All beds will be covered by a sheet.  Each child will be provided with their own bed linen /blanket.

 

Equipment prohibited for sleeping children

The following are not suitable for sleeping children under 2 years

·         Travel cots/portable cribs

·         Bunk cots

·         Pillows, cushions or beanbags

·         Sofa or chair

·         Car seats

·         Buggies

·         Infant carriers.

Children over 2 years will be offered a pillow for use at sleep time.

Note: Buggy is only used for outing purposes (in case a child gets tired of walking etc.).

Babies who are swaddled.

Parents/guardians may request that their baby is swaddled or that they are carried in a sling. The following provides a guide in such cases.

Swaddling or wrapping a baby in light cotton cloth is thought to give some babies comfort and a feeling of safety. However, if blankets used are too thick this can contribute to a baby becoming overheated and be a risk to the baby. If a baby is used to being swaddled at home and parents/guardians wish it to be done for consistency of care while the baby is in our service, the following guidelines should be followed:

·         Never cover a baby’s head and only use thin materials such as muslin or thin cotton for swaddling.

·         Babies must never be placed on their stomach when swaddled.

·         Current research suggests it is safest to swaddle infants from birth and not to change care practices at 3 months when the risk of SUDI is greatest.

Slings

Where slings are used, the baby will be positioned solidly against the adult’s body, in an upright position, with the baby’s chin off their chest ensuring that their airway is free for ease of breathing.

Health and Safety

Hygiene (See Health and Safety Policy)

·         Individual bed linen is provided for each child. Ensure each bed linen is hygienic, easily accessed, labelled for each child and will be reserved for that child’s sole use

·         Cots and mattresses will be regularly cleaned. Each child’s bed linen is laundered weekly and when soiled.

·         Separate storage is provided for clean linen and linen that is due for washing. Clean and dirty linen will be kept separate.

Position of cots

Our service ensure that no cot is adjacent to a heater, a window or a door, to curtains        or anything that may help a child to climb out, or to any blind cord s or other cords.

Safety of cots and child beds

·         No loose bedding, pillows, bumper pads, toys etc. will be used in cots or rest area up to 12 months.

·         We will tuck any infant blankets in at the foot of the cot and along the sides of the cot mattress.

·         Cots and mattresses will be regularly cleaned.

·         Bedding will be laundered every second week or more often as necessary.

·         Our service ensures that there is enough space between each cot/bed/mat to allow easy access to and around each one.

·         Also, no cords or strings of any kind (including those attached to things such as toys or nappy bags) are in or near cots.

·          Cots will be checked to ensure that the sides are up and secured in place.

·         An individual risk assessment will be carried out in case of children who climb out of cots. We will assess whether floor bed or mat may be safer.

·         Bed guards are prohibited.

Dealing with emergencies

In the event of finding a baby or child who appears to be unresponsive and breathing or not breathing the staff member trained in emergency First Aid Response will respond immediately and appropriately.

·         The assigned staff member who is in charge at that time notifies the child’s parents/guardians as soon as possible of the current situation.

·         The person who found the child and has been resuscitating the child gives a detailed account of events to the paramedics on their arrival.

·         Staff follow the direction of the paramedical staff.

·         Deputy manager ensures that parents have been informed.

·         The scene is to be left as it is. An Garda Síochána may need to investigate.

·         Families of the other children may need to be notified of the incident by the Manager/ Owner.

·         Staff support is essential following any such incident.

Record and record keeping

All records relating to safe sleep and any incidents are stored safely.

5. Communication Plan

All staff members will receive induction training on this Safe Rest/Sleep policy. This includes precautions to be taken to prevent Sudden Infant Death, guidelines on what to do in the event of a baby being found to be unresponsive and not breathing and a step-by-step guide to resuscitation of a child who is not breathing.

Parents/guardians are also made aware of the Safe Rest/Sleep policy and are involved in decisions relating to meeting their child’s individual needs.

A summary of this policy is included in the Parents’/guardians’ Handbook. This policy will also be included in staff induction and annual staff training.

A copy of all policies will be available during all hours of operation to all staff and to parents/guardians in the Policy Folder located on Play Together Crèche’s website at www.playtogethergalway.com

Policies are shared with all parents/guardians via email.

Parents/guardians may receive a copy of the full policy at any time upon request. Parents/guardians and staff will receive notification of any updates through Play Together Crèche’s official communication panel.

6. Related Policies, Procedures and Forms

·         Safety Statement

·         Accidents and Incidents Policy

·         Key Person Policy

·         Partnership with Parents and Carers Policy

·         Sleep Monitoring Rota form for children over 24 months (See Appendix A)

·         Individual Child Sleep Monitoring Record form for children under 24 months (see Appendix B).

7.References/Supporting Documents/Related Legislation

·         Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016

·         Tusla: Quality and Regulatory Framework

·         HSE Safe Sleep for Your Baby: Reduce the Risk of Cot Death 2016

·         Safe Sleep for Under 2’s Monaghan, Cavan and Louth County Childcare Committees

·         Reduce the Risks of Cot Death: Early Years Safe Sleeping Guide For Childminders, Foster Carers or a Nursery Setting Scottish Cot Death Trust, 2017

·         First Light (formerly Irish Sudden Infant Death Association (ISIDA)

8. Who Must Observe This Policy

This policy must be observed by all managers and all staff members.

9. Actions to be Followed if the Policy is not Implemented

If the policy is not implemented, investigation will be taken by Manager/Owner (Iwona Sawicka).

If you, as a staff member or a parent, consider that this policy is not being implemented, you can follow the Complaints Policy and Procedure to make a complaint.

10. Contact Information

If you need more information about this policy, contact:

Name	Iwona Sawicka
Phone number or email	0833187143 091/458167 or 091/458999

11. Policy Created    

Date this policy was created

March 2016

 

12. Signatures

	Name and position	Signature
Approved by	Iwona Sawicka

13. Review Date

Reviewed	March 2017	Iwona Sawicka
Reviewed	March 2018	Iwona Sawicka
Reviewed	March 2019	Iwona Sawicka
Reviewed and updated   Reviewed	March 2020     March 2021	Iwona Sawicka     Iwona Sawicka

 

Next Review Date

Date this policy will be reviewed

March 2022