Recent national communication sent to early years providers has set out proposed updates to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) around safer sleep. The aim is to make safer sleep requirements even clearer within the EYFS framework itself, following the government’s review of proposals raised through the Campaign for Gigi. 

The minister’s message made clear that providers are expected to be following safer sleep guidance already, even though the updated EYFS wording is intended to come into effect from September 2026, subject to the parliamentary and legislative process. 

At Banana Moon Bromley, the safety and wellbeing of every child in our care is always our highest priority. Safe sleep has always been taken seriously in our nursery, and this latest national update is a helpful opportunity to reassure families about the steps we already take and the standards we continue to review. 

The communication sent to providers set out a number of key safer sleep expectations for children under 2. These include placing babies and young children down to sleep safely, using a firm, flat sleep surface, ensuring each child has their own separate sleep space, keeping sleep spaces clear of extra items, making sure children are not too hot or too cold, keeping heads uncovered, and ensuring that sleeping children are frequently checked and kept within sight and hearing of staff. It also states that children under 6 months must always have an adult with them in the same room for every sleep. 

The wider safer sleep advice from the NHS and The Lullaby Trust also reinforces key points such as placing babies on their back for every sleep, using a firm, flat mattress, and keeping the sleep space clear and safe. 

Our approach to safer sleep already reflects strong, established practice. The safer sleep update confirms that children should sleep in their own individual sleep space, such as a cot, sleep mat or other suitable arrangement, and should be placed on a firm, flat surface appropriate to their age and stage of development. Lightweight bedding should be used safely, sleep environments should be kept clear, and children should be closely monitored while sleeping. The update also makes clear that duvets, pillows, bumpers and sleep accessories should not be used, and that sleeping children must be supervised carefully. 

At Banana Moon Bromley, all of our under 1s have always slept in our cot room, and safe sleep routines have long been part of our everyday safeguarding practice. For our youngest children, that dedicated sleep space supports a calm, closely monitored environment built around safety, comfort and individual routine. 

We also carry out recorded sleep checks every five minutes, including breathing checks and wellbeing monitoring, which the safer sleep update describes as exceeding expectations. 

Safe sleep is not only about nursery practice. It is also about working in partnership with families and making sure parents and carers can easily access clear, trusted information. 

That is why our leaders have completed The Lullaby Trust safer sleep training, and why safer sleep guides are available to all parents in our parent room. We want families to feel informed, reassured and supported, whether they are settling a young baby into nursery, adjusting sleep routines at home, or simply looking for reliable guidance. 

The Lullaby Trust offers expert safer sleep information for babies, including practical guidance for day and night sleep, and downloadable information for parents and carers. The NHS also provides safer sleep advice, including information on reducing the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). 

Sleep is an important part of a child’s wellbeing, but sleep routines in early years settings must always be underpinned by safeguarding. The EYFS framework exists to make sure children are kept healthy and safe, and national guidance continues to evolve where greater clarity can help settings and families alike. 

For parents, this update is a useful reminder of what safe sleep should look like in a nursery environment: clear routines, appropriate sleep spaces, frequent checks, trained staff and open communication with families. The update for families also confirmed that policies will continue to be reviewed and updated in line with any formal national changes. 

At Banana Moon Bromley, safer sleep is not something new we have introduced in response to a headline. It has always been part of how we care for babies and young children. 

Our commitment includes: 

We know how important reassurance is for families, especially in a baby’s first year. If you would like to talk to us about your child’s sleep routine, our team is always happy to help.
 
Relevant links
 
 The Lullaby Trust safer sleep guide for parents

NHS: Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)

NHS Best Start in Life: safe sleep advice for babies

If you would like to learn more about what we do at Banana Moon Bromley, email us: info@bananamoon-bromley.co.uk