Safer Sleeping 

At Byker Primary School, the safety and wellbeing of every child is our highest priority. Where young children sleep while in our care, we follow safer sleeping practice to reduce risk and provide a safe, appropriate and well-supervised sleeping environment. Children are placed to sleep in line with their individual needs, age and current professional guidance, and sleeping arrangements form part of our wider safeguarding responsibilities.

Our staff follow clear safer sleeping procedures, including appropriate supervision and regular checks. Sleep spaces are kept clear and safe, children are not allowed to become too hot, and children are placed on their backs to sleep unless specific medical advice states otherwise. We work closely with parents and carers so that relevant routines, individual needs and any medical information are understood and appropriately recorded.

We also recognise our important role in helping families understand safer sleeping at home. Through our Early Years and family support work, we share clear information with parents and carers and signpost families to trusted professional advice where needed. By working together, we aim to ensure that safer sleeping is understood and consistently promoted as an important part of keeping our youngest children safe.

Please read our safer sleeping guidance to support you at home:

Safer Eating 

At Byker Primary School, children’s safety and wellbeing are at the heart of our EYFS provision, including at mealtimes and snack times. In line with the strengthened EYFS safeguarding requirements, we follow safer eating practices designed to reduce the risks of choking and allergic reactions. Children are appropriately seated and actively supervised while eating, and a member of staff with a valid full paediatric first-aid qualification is present in the room or lunch hall when children are eating.

We ensure that food is prepared and served appropriately for each child’s age and stage of development, with particular attention given to known choking hazards. We work closely with parents and carers to understand children’s dietary requirements, allergies and intolerances, keeping this information up to date and ensuring staff know how to respond safely. At every meal and snack time, responsibility is taken for checking that the food provided meets each child’s individual dietary needs.

From September 2026, Ofsted’s updated early years inspection approach places clearer emphasis on safer weaning and eating within both children’s welfare and wellbeing and leadership and governance. At Byker, we support this through staff training, effective supervision, safe food preparation, clear allergy procedures and partnership with families. Alongside safety, we want mealtimes to be positive social experiences where children develop healthy eating habits, independence, communication and confidence around food.