Sunderland Safeguarding Learning Week 2026 Programme Now Live

Bookings are now open for Sunderland Safeguarding Learning Week 2026, taking place from 16-22 November 2026 in partnership with Baby Week Sunderland. The week will bring together professionals from across Sunderland to strengthen safeguarding practice, share learning and explore this year's theme,"Vulnerable Babies: Every Conversation Matters."

The programme recognises that safeguarding starts before birth and continues throughout a child's early years, with a particular focus on building safe beginnings through curiosity, collaboration and compassion. Throughout the week, practitioners will have opportunities to hear from local and national experts, reflect on practice and deepen their understanding of the experiences and vulnerabilities of babies and young children.

The programme includes sessions on:

• Working with fathers in the early years
• Cyber crime
• Bruising in immobile babies
• Trauma-informed practice
• Having difficult conversations
• Learning from evidence and safeguarding reviews
• The vulnerability and health care needs of Sunderland babies
• Learning from the national review into the death of Victoria Marten 

Alongside the live learning events, a range of resources will be released throughout the week, including new podcast episodes focusing on Sunderland's Best Start Family Hubs and Infant Mental Health.

Whether you work directly with children and families or contribute to safeguarding through wider services, there are learning opportunities for professionals across the partnership.

Visit the Learning Week webpage to view the full timetable, find out more about each session and access booking links:

View the Sunderland Safeguarding Learning Week 2026 Programme

For colleagues interested in adult safeguarding learning opportunities, information about the Sunderland Safeguarding Adults Board programme can be found here:

View Adult Safeguarding Learning Week Opportunities

We look forward to welcoming colleagues from across Sunderland as we come together to learn, reflect and strengthen safeguarding practice.

Building Safe Beginnings Through Curiosity, Collaboration and Compassion.