Free safer sleep training rolled out to 1,000 nurseries nationwide

A comprehensive online training course has been launched to strengthen safer sleep practices across early years settings, with a target of reaching 1,000 nurseries. The free programme is designed to equip nursery staff with the latest evidence-based knowledge on reducing the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and ensuring babies sleep safely whilst in their care. Safer sleep remains a critical safeguarding priority for children under two, particularly in group childcare settings where multiple infants may be napping simultaneously. By providing accessible, standardised training, the initiative aims to eliminate inconsistent practices and ensure every nursery worker understands the importance of sleep position, temperature regulation, and environmental safety checks. For local authorities and early years providers, this represents an opportunity to bolster safeguarding protocols without additional financial burden. Lead Members for Children's Services may wish to encourage uptake among maintained nursery schools and private providers within their areas, ensuring the training complements existing safeguarding partnerships and contributes to broader efforts to reduce preventable infant mortality.