Strengthening safeguarding practice through the NSPCC and Department for Education’s free training
Safeguarding is the responsibility of every adult working with babies and young children. While the majority of early years educators provide safe, nurturing and caring environments; the recent shocking cases of abuse uncovered in a small number of nurseries have highlighted the importance of maintaining the highest safeguarding standards across the early years sector.
These incidents have understandably raised concerns for families, providers and professionals alike. They also reinforce an important message: safeguarding can never become complacent. Knowledge, confidence and vigilance must be continually refreshed to ensure every child receives the safe, secure start they deserve.
Here at Eden, we welcome the Department for Education’s partnership with the NSPCC to develop a free safeguarding eLearning package for all early years educators in England. This valuable training offers an excellent opportunity for settings to strengthen their safeguarding culture while ensuring staff remain up to date with current expectations and best practice.
Why regular safeguarding training matters
Safeguarding is not simply about complying with statutory requirements. It is about creating an environment where children are protected, listened to and supported, and where every member of staff understands their role in keeping children safe.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) places safeguarding and welfare at the heart of quality early education. However, guidance, legislation and learning from serious incidents continue to evolve. Regular refresher training ensures educators:
- remain confident in recognising the signs and indicators of abuse, neglect and harm
- understand current safeguarding responsibilities under the EYFS
- know how to respond appropriately when concerns arise
- develop confidence in reporting concerns promptly and accurately
- contribute to a positive safeguarding culture where children’s welfare is always the priority.
Even experienced educators benefit from revisiting safeguarding principles. Refresher training encourages professional reflection, reinforces good practice and provides reassurance that everyone is working consistently to protect children.
What does the free NSPCC safeguarding training include?
Developed in partnership with the Department for Education, the free eLearning package has been specifically designed for early years educators working in England.
The training will help:
- lay the foundations for a strong and positive safeguarding culture
- provide educators with the knowledge and confidence to identify signs of abuse and harm
- explain how to respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns
- support understanding of Sections 1 and 2 of the safeguarding training annex within the Early Years Foundation Stage.
Whether you are new to early years or have many years of experience, the training offers an excellent opportunity to revisit core safeguarding principles and strengthen professional confidence.
Building a safeguarding culture
Effective safeguarding is about far more than policies and procedures. It is embedded within the daily practice, attitudes and behaviours of every member of the team.
A positive safeguarding culture encourages:
- open and honest communication
- professional curiosity
- appropriate challenge where concerns arise
- accurate recording and reporting
- continuous learning and reflection
- shared responsibility for children’s welfare.
When safeguarding becomes part of everyday practice rather than simply an annual training requirement, settings are better equipped to identify concerns early and take appropriate action.
Free safeguarding resources to support your setting
Alongside the eLearning course, the NSPCC has also developed a wide range of free safeguarding resources specifically for early years providers.
These resources can support settings with:
- safeguarding guidance
- recognising abuse and neglect
- responding to concerns
- creating safer organisational cultures
- staff development and professional discussions
- ongoing safeguarding updates.
Using these resources during staff meetings, supervision sessions, induction programmes and continuing professional development can help keep safeguarding at the forefront of everyday practice throughout the year.
Continuing Professional Development never stops
High-quality early years education relies upon knowledgeable, reflective professionals who are committed to continued learning.
Safeguarding training should never be viewed as a one-off exercise completed simply to meet compliance requirements. Instead, it should form part of every educator’s ongoing professional development, helping to ensure knowledge remains current and children receive the highest standard of care.
As expectations evolve and new guidance is introduced, regularly refreshing safeguarding knowledge demonstrates a commitment to professional excellence and, most importantly, to keeping babies and young children safe.
Our recommendation
At Eden, we encourage every early year’s educator, manager and safeguarding lead to complete this free training and share it across their teams. Investing a small amount of time in updating safeguarding knowledge can make a significant difference to protecting children.
Together, through continuous learning, professional reflection and a shared commitment to children’s welfare, we can continue to build safer early years settings where every baby and child can thrive.
To access the free safeguarding eLearning course, visit the NSPCC safeguarding training for early years educators.
You can also explore the NSPCC’s free safeguarding guidance, tools and resources for early years settings on the NSPCC early years safeguarding resources.
Strengthen safeguarding practice across your setting
Download our free safeguarding refresher for early years teams, covering why regular training matters and how to keep safeguarding embedded in everyday practice.