To support early years settings, including school nurseries, foundation stage classes, childminders, and wraparound provisions working with early years children, in meeting the requirements of Annex C in the 2025 Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, we recommend the following training sessions. These have been carefully selected to ensure your training is in alignment with the latest statutory guidance.
Some of the recommended sessions are available free of charge, while others may incur a fee. Settings are welcome to source their own training, provided it meets the standards outlined in Annex C. However, to ensure a consistent and a multi-agency approach across all settings, we strongly encourage participation in the sessions listed below.
Recommended Training for Early Years Annex C Compliance (EYFS 2026)
Recommended Training for Early Years Annex C Compliance (EYFS 2026)
To support compliance with Annex C of the EYFS Statutory Framework, we recommend the following safeguarding training for:
• All early years settings, including nurseries.
• School-based early years provision.
• Childminders.
• Wraparound care.
Meeting Part 1 and Part 2 of Annex C
We recommend the Department for Education’s online safeguarding training, developed in partnership with the NSPCC, as the primary route for meeting the safeguarding knowledge and competency requirements outlined in Parts 1 and 2 of Annex C.
Training for All Practitioners (Including DSLs)
All staff working with early years children, including Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs), should complete:
DfE/NSPCC Early Years Safeguarding Training Programme
This free training programme covers the safeguarding knowledge and competencies outlined in Parts 1 and 2 of Annex C. It is recommended for all early years professionals as the primary route to meeting these requirements.
The training can be accessed via the landing page of the EYFS or accessed here.
To maintain compliance, this training must be completed every two years
Meeting Part 3 of Annex C
Additional Training for Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs)
In addition to the DfE/NSPCC Early Years Safeguarding Training Programme, DSLs must undertake further safeguarding training to ensure they meet the requirements of Part 3 of Annex C.
We recommend:
Working Together to Safeguard Children
Child Protection Refresher training to be completed every two years following successful completion of the Working Together to Safeguard Children training, helping DSLs maintain the knowledge and competencies required under Part 3 of Annex C.
Prevent Duty Training | Home Office (Free)
Safer recruitment | NSPCC Learning (Fee payable)
Online safety training | NSPCC Learning (Fee payable)
The courses listed above are recommended ways of meeting the requirements of Part 3 of Annex C.
Settings may choose alternative training providers, provided they are satisfied that the training delivers the safeguarding leadership knowledge, skills and child protection competencies required by Annex C.
DSL training must cover:
• How to build a safe organisational culture.
• How to ensure safe recruitment.
• How to develop and implement safeguarding policies and procedures.
• If applicable, how to support and work with other practitioners to safeguard children.
• Local child protection procedures and how to liaise with local statutory children’s services agencies and safeguarding partners.
• How to refer and escalate concerns, including as described in paragraph 3.9 of the EYFS.
• How to manage and monitor allegations of abuse against staff.
• How to ensure internet safety.
Refresher Training Requirements
To ensure ongoing compliance with Annex C, safeguarding training must be renewed every two years.
This includes:
• The DfE/NSPCC Early Years Safeguarding Training Programme, or equivalent training that covers the knowledge and competencies set out in Parts 1 and 2 of Annex C, for all practitioners.
• Safeguarding leadership and DSL-specific training, or equivalent training that meets the requirements of Part 3 of Annex C, for Designated Safeguarding Leads.
Providers may also need to consider whether staff need annual refresher training during the two-year period to help maintain knowledge and skills, keep up to date with safeguarding procedures, or respond to safeguarding concerns within the setting
Further Resources
How to Build a Safe Organisational Culture
Guidance on fostering a culture where safeguarding is embedded in everyday practice.
What to Include in a Safeguarding Policy
A checklist of essential elements to ensure your safeguarding policy is robust and compliant.
Safeguarding children and protecting professionals in early years settings: online safety considerations – GOV.UK
Safeguarding guidance page
Early years employment reference template – GOV.UK
We also encourage practitioners and DSLs to attend other PSCP safeguarding training to support wider safeguarding knowledge and practice. However, these courses should be viewed as supplementary and do not replace the Annex C training requirements outlined above.
Key Messages
• All practitioners, including DSLs, should complete safeguarding training that meets Parts 1 and 2 of Annex C.
• DSLs must complete additional safeguarding leadership and child protection training that meets Part 3 of Annex C.
• The DfE/NSPCC Early Years Safeguarding Training Programme is Plymouth City Council’s recommended training route for meeting Parts 1 and 2 of Annex C.
• Safeguarding training must be refreshed every two years to maintain compliance with Annex C.