Working Together 2026: a powerful step forward for early years and childcare

The newly published Working Together to Safeguard Children 2026 has marked a hugely positive milestone for the early years and childcare sector, placing our workforce firmly at the heart of national safeguarding reforms. Updated on 18 March 2026, the guidance signals a renewed commitment to partnership working, early support for families and a stronger, more inclusive safeguarding system.

One of the most exciting developments is the strengthened recognition of the pivotal role that early education and childcare settings play in keeping children safe. The 2026 guidance includes a dedicated section on partnership working with early education and childcare providers, highlighting the sector’s crucial contribution across universal, early help and child protection pathways.

Working together to safeguard children 2023: statutory guidance

Working together to safeguard children 2026: summary of changes – GOV.UK

Celebrating the role of early years professionals

For the first time, the guidance sets out crystal‑clear expectations for early years settings within multi‑agency safeguarding arrangements, ensuring our expertise is valued, sought and embedded across local systems. This includes new expectations for clearer communication, better integration with safeguarding partners, and a stronger voice for early years providers in identifying and responding to children’s needs.

Early years professionals have long been champions of early identification, nurturing relationships, and trusted support for families. It is hugely encouraging to see this acknowledged and strengthened at national level. The changes reinforce what providers already know: our sector is uniquely placed to spot emerging concerns, shape early intervention, and build the strong foundations children need to thrive.

A forward‑looking approach to family support

The introduction of Family Help marks a transformational shift for families and professionals alike. By combining early help and Section 17 support, the new model creates one coordinated plan, one team around the family, and a more seamless journey of support.

For early years settings—often the first to identify when a family may benefit from help—this approach strengthens collaboration, reduces duplication, and ensures that practitioners’ insights help shape the bigger picture of support.

Championing inclusion, anti‑racism and equity

The updated guidance highlights a national commitment to anti‑racist and anti‑discriminatory practice, calling on leaders to create inclusive cultures where practitioners actively challenge racism and inequality.

This aligns with the values that early years professionals champion daily—celebrating diversity, listening to families and building safe, nurturing environments where every child is seen, valued and supported.

A positive future for children, families and the workforce

The 2026 reforms shine a bright light on the essential role of early years providers. By recognising our contribution, strengthening our place in multi‑agency systems, and supporting more joined‑up family support, the guidance sets the stage for stronger outcomes for children everywhere.

Early years and childcare professionals should feel proud—the sector’s voice, expertise and impact are not only recognised but elevated. Working Together 2026 is more than a policy update; it’s a celebration of what our workforce does best and a powerful endorsement of our role in safeguarding the youngest members of our communities.

We will be updating our safeguarding policies , training and information to reflect these changes in due course. More information will follow shortly.