Safeguarding and Safer Sleep Policy - The Dream House

Policy Statement

The Dream House is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare, safety, and wellbeing of babies and children aged 0–8 years who access our services. We recognise that all children have the right to protection from abuse, neglect, exploitation, and harm.

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As a sleep consultancy business providing both virtual and in-home support to families, we are committed to delivering evidence-based, child-centred guidance that prioritises safety, responsive caregiving, and the emotional and physical wellbeing of children.

 

Our practice is informed by:

• UK safeguarding legislation and guidance

• NHS safer sleep guidance

• The Lullaby Trust safer sleep recommendations

• Working Together to Safeguard Children

• The Children Act 1989 and 2004

 

This policy applies to:

• In-home consultations

• Online consultations

• Telephone and messaging support

• Workshops and group sessions

• Digital resources and programmes

• Any person working on behalf of The Dream House

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1. Purpose of This Policy

The purpose of this policy is to:

• Protect babies and children aged 0–8 years who engage with our services

• Ensure safer working practices during all consultations, including home visits

• Promote safe sleep practices based on current UK guidance

• Provide clear procedures for responding to safeguarding concerns

• Support families in a respectful, non-judgemental, and child-focused manner

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2. Our Safeguarding Commitment

The Dream House believes:

• The welfare of the child is paramount

• Every child deserves to grow up in a safe, nurturing environment

• Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility

• Families should be treated with dignity, empathy, and respect

• Sleep support should never compromise a child’s physical or emotional safety

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We will:

• Work within our professional scope of practice

• Promote responsive and developmentally appropriate sleep support

• Encourage safe sleeping environments

• Act appropriately if concerns about a child’s welfare arise

• Maintain professional boundaries at all times

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3. Scope of Services

Our services support families with children aged 0–8 years through:

• Sleep education and guidance

• Routine and behavioural support

• Infant and child sleep assessments

• In-home sleep consultations

• Remote support and follow-up

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Parents and carers remain fully responsible for the care and supervision of their child at all times during consultations and support sessions.

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4. Safer Sleep Guidance

The Dream House follows evidence-based safer sleep guidance from the NHS and The Lullaby Trust.

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We will promote guidance including:

• Placing babies on their back to sleep

• Using a firm, flat, waterproof mattress

• Keeping babies smoke-free during pregnancy and after birth

• Avoiding overheating

• Keeping babies in the same room as parents for the first 6 months

• Avoiding pillows, loose bedding, cot bumpers, and soft toys in sleep spaces

• Supporting safer sleep during naps and overnight sleep

• Discussing safe co-sleeping guidance where relevant

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We will never knowingly recommend practices that contradict recognised UK safer sleep guidance or place a child at unnecessary risk.

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Where unsafe sleep environments are identified during home visits or consultations, these concerns will be discussed sensitively with parents or carers and appropriate guidance will be offered.

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5. In-Home Support and Safety

When providing in-home consultations, The Dream House will:

• Conduct visits professionally and respectfully

• Maintain appropriate personal and professional boundaries

• Respect family privacy and confidentiality

• Avoid being alone with a child wherever possible.

• Ensure parents/carers remain responsible for supervising children

• Leave the property immediately if personal safety is threatened

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During home visits, we may observe aspects of the home environment relevant to child welfare, including:

• Sleep arrangements

• General safety hazards

• Hygiene concerns

• Indicators of neglect or abuse

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Any concerns identified will be managed in line with this safeguarding policy.

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6. Recognising Safeguarding Concerns

Safeguarding concerns may include:

• Physical abuse

• Emotional abuse

• Sexual abuse

• Neglect

• Domestic abuse

• Unsafe sleeping practices creating significant risk

• Exposure to harmful or unsafe environments

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Signs may include:

• Injuries inconsistent with explanations

• Poor hygiene or unmet basic needs

• Extreme distress or fearfulness

• Unsafe sleeping environments

• Lack of supervision

• Delayed medical care

• Concerning interactions between caregiver and child

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We understand that sleep difficulties can place pressure on families, and we approach all situations with compassion and without judgement.

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7. Responding to Concerns

If safeguarding concerns arise, The Dream House will:

1. Listen carefully and remain calm

2. Record factual observations accurately

3. Avoid making promises of confidentiality

4. Assess whether immediate risk is present

5. Seek advice from safeguarding professionals where needed

6. Contact relevant services if a child may be at risk of harm

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Where necessary, concerns may be referred to:

• Local Authority Children’s Services

• Police

• NHS safeguarding teams

• NSPCC

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If a child is believed to be in immediate danger, emergency services will be contacted via 999.

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8. Confidentiality and Information Sharing

Client information will be treated confidentially and stored securely in accordance with UK GDPR requirements.

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However, confidentiality may be breached where:

• A child is at risk of harm

• There are serious welfare concerns

• Disclosure is required by law

• Information sharing is necessary to safeguard a child

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Information will only be shared on a need-to-know basis with appropriate professionals or authorities.

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9. Professional Boundaries

The Dream House will:

• Communicate respectfully and professionally

• Work within professional competence

• Avoid offering medical diagnoses

• Refer families to healthcare professionals when appropriate

• Avoid dual relationships or dependency-based relationships

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Families will be encouraged to seek medical advice from GPs, health visitors, paediatricians, or emergency services where concerns fall outside sleep consultancy practice.

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10. Online Safety

For virtual support services:

• Secure communication methods will be used wherever possible

• Children will not be contacted directly without parental involvement

• Sessions will not be recorded without consent

• Personal information will be protected and securely stored

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Social media communication will remain professional and appropriate at all times.

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11. DBS and Training

The Dream House is committed to maintaining safeguarding awareness and safer sleep knowledge through ongoing professional development.

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Where appropriate:

• Enhanced DBS checks may be maintained

• Safeguarding training will be regularly updated

• Safer sleep guidance updates from The Lullaby Trust and NHS sources will be monitored

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12. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if:

• UK safeguarding guidance changes

• Safer sleep recommendations are updated

• Business services change

• A safeguarding incident occurs

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13. Contact Information

Safeguarding Lead: Olivia Mulcahy
Business Name: The Dream House
Email: thedreamhousesleep@gmail.com

Emergency Services: 999
NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000

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Policy Details

Policy Version: 1.0
Effective Date: 10/05/2026
Review Date: 10/05/2027