Department for Education Updates

Free Early Years Child Development Training

A new Safer Sleep module will be launching soon as part of DfE’s free online Child Development training for those working in Early Years. Developed by leading experts from Bristol and Durham universities and The Lullaby Trust, the new module will provide trusted, evidence-based learning and practical advice to help early years practitioners keep babies and toddlers aged 0-2 years safe.

The new module is currently being finalised and, once complete, will be added to the free online Child Development training. In the meantime, practitioners can access the existing free online training programme using this link Early Years Child Development training (opens in a new tab). The online training is developed by early years experts to help build knowledge and confidence across key areas of child development.

To access the training, visit the Early Years Child Development training (opens in a new tab) to register or sign in if you already have an account. Look out for further information about the new Safer Sleep module in future updates.

New Information Sharing duty for Early Years Providers

A new statutory information sharing duty came into force on 30 September 2026 and applies to early years providers. The duty requires relevant information to be shared where it may help another relevant organisation safeguard a child or promote their welfare unless sharing would be more detrimental to the child than not sharing. This includes sharing information to support prevention and early help before concerns escalate.

Here is the link for Early years providers to follow: information sharing duty statutory guidance (opens in a new tab), which explains when information must be shared and how to do so lawfully and proportionately.