Strengthening safeguarding culture in early years: New training and consultation launched

Sue Robb OBE, the Government’s Best Start in Life Champion, has underscored the critical link between effective safeguarding and quality early years provision following the launch of new training materials. The Department for Education (DfE) has partnered with the NSPCC to develop free safeguarding training designed to help early years practitioners recognise signs of abuse and embed protective practices within their settings. This resource aims to ensure that every professional working with children from birth to age five feels confident and competent to act when they have concerns about a child's welfare. Alongside the training launch, the DfE has announced intentions to consult on strengthening the safeguarding requirements outlined in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework. The proposed changes would tighten the wording around safeguarding expectations, reinforcing the responsibilities of early years providers to protect children from harm, neglect, and exploitation. This move reflects growing recognition that robust safeguarding cultures must be built into the foundations of early education, ensuring that the youngest and most vulnerable children receive consistent protection across all settings. For local authorities and cabinet members with responsibility for children's services, these developments signal an intensified focus on early intervention and preventative safeguarding. The combination of accessible training and potential regulatory changes offers an opportunity to review local early years safeguarding arrangements and ensure they align with evolving national standards. Lead Members may wish to consider how their areas can support settings to implement these resources effectively, particularly in the context of workforce pressures and the broader sufficiency agenda.