INTERVIEW

Under 5 magazine talks to Jenny Ward, chief executive at The Lullaby Trust, to discuss key practical questions on the new safer sleep guidance

To help you confidently apply these updates in your setting, Ward answers questions on everything from handling conversations with parents to understanding the new guidance around wooden sleep pods.

Q Why was it important that the DfE embed these rules as a statutory requirement within the EYFS itself?

A It ensures that all providers are working from the same evidence-based standards.

The previous framework provided limited guidance on safer sleep, and all the further reading directed educators to advice that was written for domestic settings. Early years professionals face different challenges, such as caring for multiple babies. It was important that the statutory framework reflected those realities and provided practical expectations that relate specifically to early years settings.

Q Given the EYFS guidance explicitly restricts the use of sleep comforters for babies under 12 months, how can providers address parental requests for these items?

A Explaining the reasons behind safer sleep practices and discussing them early can help build understanding. Families want the same thing as educators, for their baby to be safe. Having clear policies and consistent messaging can make those conversations easier for everyone involved.

Early years providers are also very welcome to direct families to The Lullaby Trust website for more information. We have a clear cot policy and don't recommend the use of additional items such as pillows, toys and comforters as these can lead to head covering or risk of suffocation.

Q In light of the new guidance, how can settings that operate solely outdoors best keep babies and young children safe when sleeping?

A There is not enough evidence and research around outdoor sleeping and safer sleep, which means that the principles remain the same. Babies under 12 months should be placed on a firm, flat sleep surface, on their back, in a clear sleep space and should be closely supervised while they sleep.

Outdoor settings will need to consider how they provide appropriate sleep environments, monitor temperature, keep babies out of direct sunlight and maintain supervision.

Q Many providers have voiced concerns about the DfE's recommendation against the use of wooden sleep pods for children under 12 months. What advice would The Lullaby Trust give to any settings currently using these products?

A The Lullaby Trust advises that any product that a baby sleeps in should fully comply with British Safety Standards.

A cot, carry cot, moses basket or travel cot that fully meets these standards and is used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions is the safest place for a baby aged 12 months and under to sleep.

Q Some have argued that the recent instances of harm coming to children in early years settings go beyond poor sleep practice. Why is it still so important that sleep guidance is strengthened?

A We recognise that the killing of Genevieve Meehan (Gigi) and of other babies and young children in early years settings go beyond a simple misunderstanding of safer sleep guidance. This has been made clear by the criminal charges in such cases.

But there must be clear, statutory expectations around how babies should be slept in early years settings. Without a baseline, educators can't know what is expected of them, and inspectors and regulators can't identify when practice has fallen below an acceptable standard.

Q At Gigi's trial, we learned other educators knew about the unsafe sleep practices but did not intervene. Do you think the new safer sleep changes will be effective in encouraging whistleblowing?

A The nursery worker convicted of killing Gigi had communicated her plan to sleep Gigi on a bean bag to other nursery workers and no one intervened. Safer sleep guidance is only effective if everyone knows it, feels empowered to challenge unsafe practices and take immediate action if they see a baby at risk. We believe the strengthened guidance can help create a stronger culture of shared responsibility for safer sleep.

When statutory guidance is clear and is supported by training, educators are better able to recognise when something isn't right, and it becomes easier to challenge practices that don't align with safer sleep guidance to a peer or a manager.

Q In your opinion, what further changes should the government put in place to ensure safer sleep practices are adhered to?

A The EYFS guidance is a huge step forward, but this alone is not enough. Educators need ongoing access to high-quality training, clear resources and support to implement the guidance in day-to-day practice.

We’re also awaiting the results of the expert government panel that was set up about CCTV use in early years settings. We believe its role in supporting safeguarding in early years settings should be explored, both for protecting children and educators alike, as well as supporting whistleblowing.

Q Do you think there is enough information for parents and families on safer sleep for their babies?

A Safer sleep advice should be discussed in both the antenatal and postnatal period with midwives and health visitors for every baby. Safer sleep guidance also features in the red book issued to every baby born in the UK.

We know that the advice is reaching families. Before safer sleep campaigns began in the UK, more than 1,000 babies died from SIDS every year. Today, that number is around 188.

But with health visitor workforce numbers having fallen by over 40%, it's crucial that this life-saving advice continues to be prioritised wherever families access support. At The Lullaby Trust, we have dedicated safer sleep training for midwives, health visitors and other professionals.

Early years providers also have an important role to play by reinforcing the guidance with families. The more that families consistently hear the same safer sleep guidance, the more likely they are to trust it and put it into practice.

The Alliance's essential Insight explores the statutory responsibilities for creating safe sleep environments within the EYFS, giving you the confidence to meet requirements while protecting babies and young children.

To join our next session, tinyurl.com/U5-safersleep.