Many charities and youth groups use church halls and similar places as overnight accommodation. If the sleepover is only for 1-3 nights then this should be fine but it’s important to bear in mind that a church hall was not built with this activity in mind.

Before you make a decision on where a sleepover is to take place there are some security and safety issues that should be considered, preferably as part of your Risk Assessment process.

Issues to consider include:

• How secure are the premises?
• Is sleeping limited to ground floor only?
• Do the premises have emergency lighting?
• Are there annually maintained fire extinguishers positioned appropriately and in accessible locations?
• Do you have an established bedtime routine that you can use even away from your usual premises? For example, removing plugs from sockets, checking doors are locked etc?
• Do you have an evacuation plan designed around the physical capabilities of the children and other attendees? And have you communicated the plan to the people staying over?
• Are the emergency exits clearly marked and free from obstructions?
• Do the premises have a telephone or mobile phone signal?
• Are the welfare facilities adequate for use as accommodation?
• Do you have first aiders and a complete first aid box on the premises?
• Do you know what the minimum child protection ratio is and can you ensure that you have it in place for each night?
• Are there separate sleepover rooms for girls and boys?
• Is there somewhere suitable for the Leaders or Organisers to sleep?
• as written parental consent been obtained?

If you run through these and can answer each positively then review your child protection procedures again so you make sure all Leaders and Organisers understand their role and responsibilities. We know that sleepovers are special events for youngsters that they really enjoy, if you can ensure their safety these will be special events for all concerned to remember.