CONSOLIDATED — May 2026. Supersedes all previous versions.
(Previously existed as: Google Doc version [most complete, Version 2.0], plus two .docx versions)

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CARING FOR BABIES AND TODDLERS POLICY

ME Montessori Nursery and Pre-School

Version: 2.0 | Date: May 2026 | Review Date: May 2027
Author: Kellie Antonazzo (Nursery Manager)

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  1. POLICY STATEMENT

ME Montessori Nursery and Pre-School is dedicated to providing warm, responsive and nurturing care for our youngest children. We recognise that the first years of life are uniquely formative: brain development, emotional security and the formation of strong, lasting attachments all depend on the quality of care experienced in early infancy and toddlerhood.

We are committed to providing a safe, stimulating and developmentally appropriate environment for all babies and toddlers, and to working in close partnership with their families to ensure continuity, consistency and respect for each child’s individual needs and home routines.

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  1. LEGAL FRAMEWORK

This policy is guided by:

  • Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) September 2025
  • Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
  • The Lullaby Trust — Safer Sleep for Babies guidance (current edition)
  • NHS guidance on formula preparation, breastfeeding support and infant hygiene
  • UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) guidance on infection control in early years settings

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  1. STAFFING AND RATIOS

  2. A minimum staff-to-child ratio of 1:3 is maintained at all times for children under two years of age, in line with EYFS September 2025

  3. Each baby or toddler is assigned a named key person who provides consistent, individual care and builds a trusting bond with the child and their family
  4. At least 50% of staff working with children under two hold qualifications or training specific to infant and toddler development
  5. All staff working with babies hold a current paediatric first aid certificate

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  1. THE KEY PERSON APPROACH

The key person system is central to our practice with babies and toddlers. The key person:

  • Is the primary carer for their key children during the nursery day
  • Builds a secure, trusting relationship with the child and their family
  • Gathers and records information about the child’s home routine, preferences and developmental stage at the start of the placement, and updates this regularly
  • Provides daily verbal or written feedback to parents/carers on feeding, sleep, nappy changes, mood and play
  • Leads on the child’s developmental observations and planning

Where the key person is absent, a named secondary key person ensures continuity of care.

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  1. SETTLING IN

  2. Settling-in sessions are offered to all new babies and toddlers, with the pace of transition determined by the needs of the individual child

  3. Parents/carers are invited and encouraged to attend settling sessions
  4. Transition into and between rooms is based on developmental readiness, not solely on age, and is agreed in partnership with parents/carers
  5. Staff record information about each child’s routine, preferences, comforters and any relevant health or dietary information before the child’s first full session

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  1. ENVIRONMENT AND SAFETY

  2. The baby and toddler room is a separate, purpose-designed space that is calm, clean and welcoming

  3. Daily risk assessments are completed before children arrive, including checks on cots, highchairs, sterilising equipment and all resources
  4. All potential choking hazards are removed from the baby environment
  5. Cleaning materials, medications and other hazardous items are stored in locked cupboards, out of reach at all times
  6. Room temperature is maintained within a safe and comfortable range
  7. The environment provides both restful spaces and areas for active, sensory-rich exploration

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  1. SLEEP AND REST

7.1 Safe Sleep Practice

The nursery follows The Lullaby Trust Safer Sleep guidelines at all times:

  • Babies are always placed on their backs to sleep (unless a medical professional has advised otherwise and written confirmation is held on file)
  • Cots and sleep surfaces are firm, flat and free from pillows, duvets, bumpers and loose soft toys
  • Babies are placed with their feet to the foot of the cot (feet-to-foot position)
  • Baby sleeping bags may be used instead of loose blankets, in the appropriate tog and size for the child
  • Cots are spaced to allow airflow and clear visual supervision

7.2 Sleep Checks

  • Children under 6 months, or new starters of any age in their first two weeks: sleep checks every 5 minutes
  • All other children: sleep checks every 10–15 minutes
  • Sleep checks are recorded in the sleep log; time, position and any observations are noted
  • Any child who appears unwell during sleep is checked immediately

7.3 Individual Sleep Routines

  • Each child’s individual home sleep routine is respected and followed as closely as possible
  • Parents/carers provide details of their child’s usual sleep cues, duration and preferences at the start of the placement
  • Children are never left to cry unattended

7.4 Bedding and Hygiene

  • All bedding (cot sheets, sleeping bags) is labelled with the child’s name and used only by that child
  • Bedding is laundered daily or immediately following any soiling

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  1. FEEDING AND MEALTIMES

8.1 Breastfeeding

  • Breastfeeding is welcomed and actively supported
  • Expressed breast milk is stored in a clearly labelled sealed container in the dedicated fridge, used only by that child
  • Staff are trained in the safe storage and handling of expressed milk

8.2 Formula Feeding

  • Formula is prepared strictly in accordance with NHS guidelines, using freshly boiled water cooled to no less than 70°C
  • Prepared formula is not kept for more than two hours at room temperature
  • Bottles are sterilised before each use
  • Bottle temperature is checked on the inside of the wrist before feeding
  • A feeding record is maintained for each child

8.3 Feeding Practice

  • Babies are always held during bottle feeds; they are never left with a propped bottle
  • Staff make eye contact and speak gently during feeds, treating each feed as a bonding experience
  • Children are never left unattended while feeding
  • Highchairs are always fitted with harnesses and checked before each use

8.4 Weaning and Toddler Mealtimes

  • Weaning is carried out in close partnership with parents/carers, following the child’s lead and current NHS guidance
  • Toddlers are encouraged to self-feed with appropriate support
  • All allergies and dietary requirements are documented and shared with all relevant staff — refer to the Allergen & Food Safety Policy
  • Mealtimes are calm, sociable experiences; children are never pressured to eat

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  1. NAPPY CHANGING AND INTIMATE CARE

  2. Nappy changes are led by the child’s key person wherever possible, to promote trust and consistency

  3. Staff always explain to the child what is happening before and during intimate care, in a calm and respectful manner
  4. Disposable gloves and aprons are worn for every nappy change; these are disposed of immediately after use
  5. The changing mat is disinfected after every use
  6. Soiled nappies are sealed and disposed of in the designated clinical waste bin
  7. Hands are washed before and after every nappy change
  8. Nappy changes are recorded in the daily log
  9. Toileting with toddlers is introduced gradually and in consultation with parents/carers; children are never forced or shamed

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  1. DUMMIES AND COMFORTERS

  2. Dummy use is supported with the written consent of parents/carers and is reviewed regularly

  3. Dummies are sterilised daily and stored in labelled, individual containers; they are never shared between children
  4. Comforters (blankets, soft toys) are welcomed and used to support the child’s sense of security; they are cleaned regularly
  5. Children are gently supported to reduce dummy dependence as developmentally appropriate, in partnership with parents/carers

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  1. PLAY AND LEARNING

  2. The environment for babies and toddlers provides open-ended, sensory-rich, age-appropriate resources consistent with the Montessori approach: treasure baskets, natural materials, heuristic play objects and simple cause-and-effect toys

  3. All resources are clean, safe and free from sharp edges, small parts and toxic materials
  4. Resources are cleaned daily and sterilised as appropriate for the age group
  5. Staff plan in response to each child’s emerging interests and developmental stage, using the EYFS September 2025 as a framework
  6. Floor play is encouraged; babies spend minimal time in bouncy chairs, car seats or other containment devices

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  1. PARTNERSHIP WITH PARENTS/CARERS

  2. Parents/carers receive daily updates (verbally or via the nursery communication app) covering feeding, sleep, nappy changes, mood and notable moments

  3. Home routines, preferences and parenting choices are respected and incorporated into the nursery day wherever possible and safe
  4. Parents/carers are encouraged to share information freely and to participate in their child’s key person reviews and developmental planning
  5. Any concerns about a child’s health, development or wellbeing are discussed with parents/carers promptly and sensitively

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  1. ILLNESS AND HEALTH

  2. A child who becomes unwell during the nursery day is cared for comfortably and separately from other children while parents/carers are contacted for collection

  3. Staff do not administer medication without written parental consent — refer to the Medicines Administration Policy
  4. Any concerns about a child’s development or health are raised sensitively with parents/carers and, where appropriate, referred to the SENCO or relevant health professional
  5. Exclusion periods for infectious illnesses are followed in accordance with the Infection Control & Hygiene Policy

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  1. STAFF TRAINING

All staff working with babies and toddlers are trained in:

  • Current paediatric first aid (mandatory; renewed every 3 years)
  • The Lullaby Trust Safer Sleep guidance
  • Responsive caregiving and the key person approach
  • Safe preparation and storage of formula and expressed breast milk
  • Infant and toddler development in the context of the EYFS September 2025

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  1. MONITORING AND REVIEW

This policy is reviewed annually, or sooner in response to changes in legislation, EYFS requirements, Lullaby Trust guidance, or any identified incident within the setting.

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POLICY SIGN-OFF

This policy was reviewed and approved in May 2026.

Signed: _______ Date: May 2026
Kellie Antonazzo — Nursery Manager

Signed: _______ Date: May 2026
Francesco Antonazzo — Proprietor

Signed: Kellie Antonazzo, Manager