Key facts
- New nursery sleep regulations will be implemented in England from September.
- Parents Katie and John Meehan campaigned for the new rules.
- The campaign was initiated after the death of their daughter, Genevieve Meehan.
- Babies under 12 months will only be allowed to sleep in cots.
- Ofsted will increase its inspections of nurseries.
- The regulations aim to improve infant safety in childcare settings.
New regulations mandating stricter sleep practices for babies in English nurseries will be implemented starting in September. These changes are the result of a dedicated campaign by parents Katie and John Meehan, whose daughter, Genevieve Meehan, tragically died. The new rules specifically state that from September, all babies under the age of 12 months must sleep exclusively in cots. This measure aims to enhance the safety of infants during nap times in childcare settings. In addition to the new sleep regulations, Ofsted, the body responsible for inspecting educational institutions in England, will increase the frequency and rigor of its inspections. These enhanced inspections will focus on ensuring that nurseries are adhering to the updated safety guidelines, particularly concerning infant sleep arrangements. The parents' advocacy has led to a significant policy shift, prioritizing infant safety in early years settings across England.