Safeguarding training and network changes from September 2026

Posted on 3 September 2026 in News and updates

Following the September 2026 EYFS safeguarding updates and the launch of the Department for Education’s (DfE) new Safeguarding Children and Babies in Early Years Settings eLearning course, Devon Early Years and Childcare Service has reviewed its safeguarding training offer to ensure it meets the requirements of EYFS Annex C.

Updated safeguarding training offer

From September 2026, all early years educators will be able to complete either:

Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs), including childminders, will also need to complete Multi-Agency Safeguarding and Child Protection (Group 3 Core) training to meet the requirements of EYFS Annex C.

Training links and booking information will be available through your Shop account.

Provider network meetings and safeguarding and inclusion forums

Both Provider Network Meetings (PNMs) and Safeguarding and Inclusion Forums (SIFs) will continue to take place every term. The difference is that the face-to-face sessions will alternate between the PNM and SIF each term.

Autumn term 2026:

Provider network meetings

  • 2 face-to-face sessions and 1 online session per locality

Safeguarding and inclusion forums

  • 2 online sessions per locality

SIFs will replace the current SENDCO Forum dates on Shop. If you have already booked onto a SENDCO Forum, your booking will automatically be transferred.

From January 2027:

Safeguarding and inclusion forums

  • 2 face-to-face sessions and 1 online session per locality

Provider network meetings

  • 1 face-to-face session and 2 online sessions per locality

This rotating approach means that providers will have access to both networks every term, while ensuring regular face-to-face opportunities for collaboration, discussion and locality-focused updates.

Dates and booking information will be available on Shop soon.