Over 20 years experience of training in the care sector
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020 3129 5667
Over 20 years experience of training in the care sector
Call us on
020 3129 5667
ICON Week 2026 takes place from 21–25 September, bringing organisations, professionals and communities together to raise awareness of infant crying, support parents and carers, and help prevent abusive head trauma in babies.
For anyone working in childcare and Early Years settings, ICON Week is an important opportunity to think about how we support babies, young children and their families, and how the right knowledge and training can help practitioners respond confidently when families need support.
What is ICON?
ICON is a programme designed to provide parents and carers with consistent, evidence-based information about infant crying and ways to cope safely when crying becomes overwhelming.
The ICON message is simple:
I – Infant crying is normal and will stop.
C – Comforting methods can sometimes soothe the baby.
O – It’s OK to walk away for a few minutes if the baby is safe and the crying feels overwhelming.
N – Never, ever shake a baby.
Crying is a normal part of infancy, but prolonged or persistent crying can be stressful for parents and carers. Providing families with clear information and reassurance can help them understand that they are not alone, and that support is available.
The ICON programme also encourages parents and carers to speak to people who can support them, including family and friends, midwives, GPs and health visitors.
Why does ICON Week matter to Early Years professionals?
Early Years professionals can play an important role in creating safe, supportive environments for babies and young children.
Childcare practitioners may work closely with children and families at different stages of their development. Having a strong understanding of child development, safeguarding, health and safety and appropriate care practices can help staff recognise the needs of children and respond appropriately.
ICON Week provides a useful opportunity for childcare organisations to revisit these areas and consider whether their teams have access to relevant, up-to-date training.
Training is not simply about completing a course. It is about helping staff develop knowledge that they can apply in their day-to-day practice, from understanding children’s development to promoting safety, wellbeing and effective care.
Supporting families through knowledge and confidence
Supporting a baby or young child requires more than technical knowledge. Practitioners also need to understand the wider context in which children develop and the importance of working positively with parents and carers.
For childcare providers, ongoing staff development can help build confidence across areas such as:
These areas form an important part of effective Early Years practice and complement the wider messages promoted during ICON Week.
Building a strong foundation with CareTutor’s Childcare Courses
At CareTutor, we offer a range of CPD-accredited Childcare and Early Years eLearning courses designed to support staff working in childcare settings.
Our courses cover areas including the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), child development, safeguarding, health and safety, food safety, online safety, health and hygiene, and maintaining the safety and security of children.
The range includes courses such as:
Each CareTutor eLearning course includes interactive video content, an assessment quiz and a CPD certificate on completion. The courses use real-life care settings, professional actors and scenario-based learning to make training practical and memorable.
Explore CareTutor’s Childcare Courses
If you’re looking to strengthen your Early Years team’s knowledge and support ongoing professional development, explore the full range of CareTutor Childcare Courses.
ICON Week: a reminder to keep babies safe
ICON Week is an opportunity to share an important message with parents, carers and professionals: babies cry, and there are safe ways to cope when crying becomes overwhelming.
For childcare providers, it is also a reminder of the importance of maintaining strong knowledge, safeguarding awareness, and a culture of continuous learning.
By giving Early Years professionals access to relevant, engaging training, organisations can help their teams build the knowledge and confidence needed to provide safe, supportive and high-quality care.
This ICON Week, share the message, support families and keep building a strong foundation for safer Early Years practice.
Find out more about ICON Week and access resources at ICON: Babies cry, you can cope.
If you’re looking to strengthen your childcare team’s knowledge and skills, get in touch with CareTutor to find out how our CPD-accredited childcare training can support your organisation.