New EYFS Safer Sleep Guidelines (Sept 2026): What Nurseries Need to Know

The Department for Education (DfE) has released mandatory safer sleep instructions supporting the upcoming September 2026 EYFS framework updates. These rules are a primary focus for upcoming Ofsted inspections.

To help our nursery clients and temporary practitioners remain fully compliant, here is a quick breakdown of the absolute non-negotiables that must be practiced on the floor.

The Safe Sleep Non-Negotiables

Cots Only for Under-1s: Babies aged 12 months and under must only sleep in a cot (including travel cots and moses baskets).
Clear Cots: No toys, pillows, loose bedding, cot bumpers, wedges, or straps are allowed for babies under 12 months. Sleep comforters are permitted only for children over 12 months.
Positioning: Place children on their backs. If using a blanket, use the "feet-to-foot" position (feet at the bottom of the cot) and tuck the blanket in firmly, no higher than the shoulders.
Environment: The room temperature must be strictly 16–20°C. Check for overheating by feeling the child’s chest or the back of their neck (not hands/feet).
Supervision: An adult must be in the room for all sleeping babies under 6 months. All children must be frequently checked and kept within sight and hearing.
Transitions from Travel: If a child falls asleep in a car seat, pram, or pushchair during a nursery outing, they must be moved to a proper cot immediately upon return. Remove all hats and coats indoors, even if it wakes them.

Action Plan for Our Community

`INSPECTION TIP: Ofsted will expect temporary staff to know and follow these safety rules just as strictly as permanent staff.`

For Our Temps: You must actively follow these rules on every shift. On arrival at a new setting, immediately ask the room leader where the sleep logs are kept and confirm the room's current temperature tracking.
For Our Clients: Ensure your equipment meets British Safety Standards (such as BS EN 716-1 for cots and BS EN 16890 for mattresses). Please highlight your specific sleep-logging routines to our temps during their morning induction.

For more details, please review the official guidance from the NHS, The Lullaby Trust, and the Office for Product Safety and Standards.

Need to book a shift or discuss a permanent transition? Our desks are open from 7:00 AM weekdays. Call or WhatsApp our teams directly:

London: 020 3337 6363
Yorkshire: 0113 3280 668

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July 2026- Emma Pink