Hi all - I have just read the very interesting thread on outside sleeping. (If you haven't read it you should - it is very interesting and has made me think about how much I wrap the children up in cotton wool against the cold - I am going to think about how we can spend more time outside now!). I love the idea of outside sleeping but it did make me question one thing....

A friend of mine was a brilliant childminder - graded outstanding. At her next inspection she was graded inadequate - as she allowed the children to sleep in buggies - the inspector said that the straps were a strangulation risk and even with a monitor this wasn't ok. She was told that she had to be in the same room watching the children all the time.

I did used to let children sleep in buggies but stopped after this, even though it seemed a bit over the top to me.

The sad thing is she gave up after that - and she was really truly very good.

Does anyone have any views on sleeping in buggies with respect of whether ofsted allows it - the thread on outside sleeping made me think of it again - I am confused how this can work if ofsted don't allow sleeping in buggies unless you can see them at all times. Any views / advice please?

Thanks

I have been told it's good practice not to let children sleep in buggies, but having said that I used to let a LO sleep in a buggy as thats the only way she would go to sleep (has sleep issues will only sleep in the same bed as parents at night) When I had my inspection Ofsted were fine about it and I was graded Good. I know off a nursery that puts all children in buggies for naps.

I have it on my permissions that parents are happy for me to let their children sleep in a buggy if that's what needs to happen.

For example if we are going on the school run and it would mean waking lo up.

Or if we come back from an outing and lo is asleep.

Or if lo settles better in a buggy than in the travel cot or on the bed.

Tbh your friend might well have had the unsatisfactory judgement overturned on appeal if she had cited some case studies in a strongly worded complaint.

So long as we can show we are meeting the children's needs, with permission from parents and robust risk assessments then Ofsted are usually fine about things.

hth :D

Thanks for the replies.

I think I will do a permission form for sleeping in buggies - don't know why I haven't already. Was also concerned with the whole thing about having to see them - but I guess I could put that in the permission thing that they may be in the next room etc so they can sleep quietly with frequent checks / monitor etc.

Thanks all.

There are 2 references in the Eyfs which are relevant.

This is in the guidance...

Exceptions to the requirement that staff included in the ratios must be working directly with the children may only be made in limited circumstances, such as when the children are sleeping or resting. In these circumstances all the adults need not be present in the room with the children, but should be available nearby on the premises should they be needed.

More guidance says that children should be able to...


sleep safely without disturbance.

So that seems to suggest they should not be in the same room as other children who are playing doesn't it?

There is nothing to say children cannot sleep in buggies... only that if they are sleeping overnight they must have a bed or cot with clean linen etc...

:D

Wow thank you - will file that away just in case.

Wish I had known about this forum when this happened to her.

xx

Could you clarify 'buggy'?
I have one child who sleeps in my pushchair, the back reclines fully and manufacturers instructions say it is suitable from birth....surely that also means that it is suitable for children to have naps in as newborns sleep lots?

To my mind 'buggy' conjures up a compact umbrella fold pushchair that may or may not recline. 'Buggies' tend to be made from one layer of canvas type fabric (you know what I mean), which may not provide adequate support for a sleeping child, whilst the construction of my pushchair has as much padding on the back and seat as you find in a travel cot mattress.

Whilst it may be ideal for children to sleep in cots, it is also not always practical, so you have to make arrangements that suit the children involved and the arrangements within your own setting. Some childminders are not registered for use of bedrooms and travel cots can take up quite a large amount of space. As long as you have the required permissions and can justify your own arrangements then I would say that Ofsted would have to accept it. If the marked me down for it I would complain.

I get parents to complete and sign a check list - 1 for babies and one for toddlers and one of the questions is "my baby sleeps in a cot / buggy / car seat/ sofa"

That way they are saying what happens at home and signing it.

I have a buggy risk assessment and when Mrs Ofsted came here she was fine with the 1 asleep in his buggy and just asked if I had signed permission. I leave mine in the hallway as can see them from both downstairs rooms then but shut stairgates in doorways to stop them being disturbed :)