We know that your little one getting enough rest is really important. Effective sleep and rest strategies are important factors in enhancing children’s wellbeing and helping them to learn and feel secure. Every child’s needs are different so we will provide flexible opportunities for children to take rests or sleep as they need and desire, as well as providing cosy nooks for them to relax and take some quiet time to themselves.
In our Under 2’s room we have a dedicated sleeping area, which is both cosy and relaxing.
Our youngest children sleep in our specially designed ‘sleep pods’ or in ‘Dream Coracles’ - which are floor level sleep pods. These sleep spaces are designed to promote the feeling of warmth and security whilst sleeping.
Our older children enjoy the sensory feel of fresh linen sheets and the gentle sound of classical music as they drift off and recharge their batteries ready for more adventures later on.
FAQ’s
Where will my child sleep if they need a nap?
In our under 2’s space we have some bespoke sleep pods. Each child has their own sleep bag with their own bedding. The sleep pods are monitored for their temperature and we follow the safe sleeping guidance provided by the Lullaby Trust How to reduce the risk of SIDS for your baby - The Lullaby Trust
Our children over the age of two sleep on comfy, sleep mats again with their own bedding. All sleeping babies and children are supervised and are checked on every 10 minutes whilst they sleep.
We do not set sleep limits for children, we follow their lead, and they sleep and rest when they are tired, we follow their routine.
I’ve heard about outdoor sleeping- do you do this at The WonderWorks?
Yes we do! Not always but it is something we like to do when the weather is suitable. There is so much evidence to support the health and wellbeing benefits of sleeping outdoors in the fresh air and we know the children do love it. Our usual safe sleeping procedures are always followed and children are always placed to sleep in the shade.
We have a specific sleep policy if you want to find out more about our approach to sleep, you can find a copy in our policies section.
The WonderWorks sleep environment
The Nest- Our under 2’s room has a dedicated sleep area, which is set up to provide responsive and quality sleep for our babies and youngest children. This includes:
The WonderWorks Sleep pods- cosy, safe and comfortable
Curtained area to control light and distractions- dark and quiet
Lighting- soft with dim lamps and twinkly lights
Sound- soft classical/calming music will usually be played to create a soothing ambiance
Temperature- this area plus each induvial sleep pot is monitored to ensure they are not too warm 16-20°C (Lullaby Trust)
Individual light bedding for each child (or their own sleeping bag)
Their Comforters are available
Visual sleep check carried out every 10 minutes and recorded by our teachers
Follows the individual needs/routines of babies and toddlers
The Burrow - Our over 2’s room has furniture such as bean bags, sofa, and cushions for children to rest on if they want to seek out a nap during the day. But our routine and room moves into a ‘sleep zone’ between 12.30pm and 2.30pm every day. Our ‘sleep zone’ means:
Children will be asked to go and wash their hands and faces and go to the toilet or change their nappy before sleep
Blinds are pulled down and lights dimmed to create a soft, sleepy atmosphere
Children have their bed mats laid out in the lounge area- this is considered a protected space, away from the rest of the main room.
Children have their personal bedding bag with fresh bedding, including a soft cotton sheet and a lightweight blanket. Their bed mat will be made up for them with care, by a Teacher in advance of them needing it.
Children have their comforters available.
Some relaxing music may be played softly in the background.
Teachers will sit on the floor with children, encouraging them to sleep, reading a story, doing some relaxation breathing, stroke their back, speak quietly, and encourage children to lie down, snuggle and relax.
Sleep is something done with the children- not to them. They are guided and supported so that sleep time is seen positively and is not a battle.
Children who do not want to sleep, are encouraged to recharge their batteries through quiet play and rest.
As children awake, they can get up off their sleep mat and return to play at their own pace. They are encouraged to have a sip of water and take a slow relaxed transition back to play.
Teachers supervise sleeping children- they are never unsupervised; in addition, they visually check each child regularly to check they are safe and comfortable.
Usually by 2pm the room is beginning to return to its awake state as most of the children are awake and playing, and at 2.30pm the room moves out of its ‘sleep zone’ and all usual activities have fully recommenced. If a child wanted to stay asleep, we would not actively wake them up, but we would anticipate that the change in atmosphere and noise in the room is likely to bring them to a waking state naturally.
Please note if your child attends the nursery for the afternoon or is older and not requiring any sleep or rest period our teachers ensure they are able to play and learn by using the other areas of the nursery room and gardens. Their experience is not negatively impacted by the ‘sleep zone’.
Transition in and out of sleep times are very important to us. They should feel:
· Calm
· Gentle
· Unrushed
· Child led
· Respectful
Children are offered a drink of water and cuddle when they wake up, to help them slowly return to play. Children will never be woken abruptly or suddenly.
There is helpful sleep information online. We would always recommend you access reputable and safe advice from reliable organisations. Here are some suggestions of websites which you may find helpful.
The Lullaby Trust - Safer sleep for babies, Support for families