In education, wellbeing underpins everything – yet one crucial factor is often overlooked: sleep. This innovative college-wide initiative put sleep first, recognising its fundamental impact on learning, behaviour, and health for young people, especially those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Launched as part of a college-wide 2024–26 Wellbeing Strategy, the Sleep Initiative grew from a simple insight: without quality sleep, no other aspect of wellbeing or education functions effectively. Led by an Occupational Therapist trained in sleep science, the programme introduced a three-tiered model of support – universal awareness, targeted strategies, and specialist interventions. Students benefited from understanding more about the importance of a good nighttime routine as well as environmental changes such as an uncluttered space, blackout blinds and calming lighting, personalised routines, and access to tools such as sleep diaries and assistive technology.
Outcomes have included reduced behaviours of concern, better engagement in learning and work, and improved mental health. The initiative empowered staff, students, and families to understand and improve sleep hygiene together. With growing sector interest, this pioneering work is still evolving, providing a replicable, person-centred model for embedding sleep support into any FE or SEND setting.