💤 Safer Sleeping in Early Years

What You Need to Know for EYFS 2026 and the Campaign for Gigi

Sleep is a vital part of a child’s development — but it must always be safe.

Recent updates to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) place even stronger emphasis on safer sleep practices, following the tragic death of baby Genevieve (“Gigi”) and the national Campaign for Gigi. These changes are not just policy updates — they are about ensuring that every child is protected, every time they sleep.

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🌙 Why Safer Sleep Matters

Safer sleep guidance exists to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related incidents. Following consistent, evidence-based practice can significantly reduce these risks and help protect babies in your care.

The key message is simple:
👉 Safe sleep is not optional — it is a safeguarding responsibility.

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⚖️ EYFS 2026: What’s Changing?

From September 2026, safer sleep requirements will be explicitly written into the EYFS framework, making expectations clearer and more enforceable.

However, providers are already expected to be following this guidance now.

Key expectations include:

• Babies must be placed on their back to sleep
• Each child must have their own clear sleep space
• Use a firm, flat mattress only
• No pillows, toys, bumpers, or loose items
• Maintain room temperature around 16–20°C
• Babies under 1 year must sleep in a cot
• Children must be checked regularly and remain in sight/hearing
• Babies under 6 months must sleep in the same room as an adult

These updates aim to remove ambiguity and ensure consistent practice across all settings.

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🧠 From Policy to Practice

Having a policy is not enough.

Strong settings:

• Ensure all staff understand safer sleep expectations
• Follow consistent routines across rooms
• Regularly review and discuss practice
• Actively monitor sleep checks and environments

When practice varies, risk increases. Clear, shared understanding is what keeps children safe.

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👶 What Does Safe Sleep Look Like in Practice?

In your setting, safer sleep should look like:

• A baby placed feet-to-foot in a clear cot
• Lightweight bedding tucked below shoulders
• No hats, bibs, or cords
• A calm, monitored sleep environment
• Regular checks (e.g. every 10 minutes)
• Staff who feel confident to challenge unsafe practice

These small actions make a big difference in reducing risk.

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💜 The Campaign for Gigi

The strengthening of safer sleep guidance follows the Campaign for Gigi, launched after the death of nine-month-old Genevieve Meehan in a nursery setting.

This campaign has driven:

• Greater awareness of safer sleep risks
• Clearer national guidance
• Stronger accountability in early years

It is a reminder that:
👉 Behind every policy change is a real child, a real family, and a preventable loss.

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🤝 Working in Partnership with Parents

Safer sleep doesn’t stop at the setting.

Practitioners should:

• Share consistent guidance with families
• Model safe practices
• Have open, supportive conversations
• Signpost to trusted sources like the NHS and Lullaby Trust

Consistency between home and setting is key to keeping babies safe.

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✅ Final Thoughts

Safer sleep is not just about compliance — it is about culture.

It should be:

• Consistent
• Understood by all staff
• Embedded into daily routines
• Reviewed regularly

Because ultimately:
👉 Safety doesn’t sit in a policy — it sits in practice.

 

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📌 Need Support?

At Stepping Stones Training, we support early years professionals to stay compliant, confident, and child-focused through practical training and guidance.

If you’d like support reviewing your safer sleep practice or preparing for EYFS 2026, get in touch with our team.