The leading-edge module, which includes an eLearning game and custom-made illustrations, will provide an engaging and consistent learning experience for new starters, as well as refresher training for existing staff.

Mothercare Group, which includes Early Learning Centre and the clothing brand Mini Club, employs around 4,500 people in-store and around 600 at its head office in Watford, Hertfordshire.

Mothercare Development Consultant, Jo Brosnan, said, "We first became aware of the type of work that Sponge UK could do following a fabulous fire-safety presentation at the Learning and Technologies conference in 2014. We knew from that moment that we wanted to work with them when we launched our eLearning and LMS.

"The gaming element demonstrated at the conference was really engaging, and Sponge incorporated an element of gaming in our final module. We officially launch in July 2015 and are looking forward to sharing our results!" The module focuses on three key areas of health and safety training: fire safety, preventing accidents, and dealing with threats and hoaxes.

Sponge UK Managing Director, Louise Pasterfield, said, "Mothercare has really embraced the latest thinking in workplace eLearning, and the new module brings the company’s health and safety training right up to date. We wanted to deliver eLearning that would be approachable, relevant, and a positive experience rather than a tick-box exercise. The charming illustrated characters help to create a positive visual feel, and elements like the game will help to keep staff engaged and interested."

Mothercare will be using the illustrated characters as part of an internal awareness campaign to alert staff to the new training and generate interest in the group’s first eLearning programme.

The eLearning will be part of a blend at Mothercare, combining face-to-face training with online learning, and may be rolled out to Mothercare employees worldwide in the future.