FE News

Level 3 Award in Education and Training (Fast-track)
2026-04-27 10:00 - 2026-05-12 16:00 (Europe/London) | Online
We are pleased to be able to offer an effective response to the need to develop the teaching and training skills of staff working in Post-16 education.
The programme will focus on those aspects of training so essential in ensuring sound learning. Participants will benefit from a clear understanding of the roles and responsibilities of different stakeholders in the education and training sector. They will develop their teaching and training skills through a clear understanding of inclusive teaching and learning, and be able to plan, deliver and evaluate learning which meets the needs of all learners.
Participants attend for 4 workshop days, which include a microteach, and assignment completion. Assessment will be via portfolio, assignment and observation.
Dates of attendance are 27 & 28 April and 11 & 12 May 2026 (all days 10.00 – 4.00).
Maximum delegate number 12
Delegate fee £455 plus £62 registration fee (plus vat)

Designated Safeguarding Lead Training
2026-05-11 10:00 - 16:00 | Online
A provider’s Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) plays a critical role in its approach to safeguarding its learners, training its staff, providing support and guidance and taking responsibility for referral decisions – as well as dealing with Ofsted! Although legislation focuses on the protection of children and vulnerable adults, providers have a responsibility to protect all learners.
This course will provide information about what the role involves and is designed for staff new to the role and for those wanting to update their knowledge. It includes direct delivery and a range of scenario-based activities to consider.
Key Outcomes Of The Day

Understand the implication of Keeping Children Safe in Education
and revised Ofsted expectations
Know the likely roles of the Designated Safeguarding Lead
Be able to recognise and respond to disclosures sensitively and efficiently
Know how and when to share information with other organisations
Implementing safer recruitment strategies including the use of DBS checks
Know how to deal with allegations that involve staff
Know the key policies, statute and inspection guidance that underpin the Prevent duty
Making referrals under the Prevent Duty

Safer Recruitment in Apprenticeship and Post-16 Settings
2026-05-12 10:00 - 12:00 | Online
Effective Safeguarding arrangements must embrace the importance of a Safer Recruitment Strategy/Policy and the need to ensure the implementation of that policy when recruiting.
The purpose of the Safer Recruitment Policy is to ensure that applicants who are at risk of abusing children and vulnerable adults are identified and rejected at the application stage.
At this important workshop we will focus on:

the development of an appropriate Safer Recruitment Policy for Apprenticeship and Post-16 providers
the role and responsibilities of the Board, Senior Staff and the DSL for establishing compliant procedures
the establishment of an effective selection and induction process
Ofsted’s expectations of providers and how providers should be responding
Disclosure and Barring Service requirements and the relevance of a Single Central Register

Preparing for an Ofsted Inspection (new framework)
2026-05-12 10:00 - 13:00, 2026-07-14 10:00 - 13:00 | Online
This seminar will have new content which focuses on the revised expectations of Providers arising out of the implementation of Ofsted’s new inspection framework.
New style inspections commenced at the beginning of November, incorporating report cards and a revised grading structure.
The guidance given in the seminar will be inciteful and reflects both inspector training and involvement in inspections.

Preparing for an Ofsted Inspection
2026-05-12 10:00 - 13:00 | Online

Inclusion – Responding Effectively to Ofsted’s Expectations
2026-05-12 10:00 - 13:00, 2026-06-24 10:00 - 13:00 | Online
The recent introduction of Ofsted’s revised inspection framework has firmly shone the spotlight of inspection onto Inclusion. Although Inclusion has always been considered in an inspection, it was embedded within other aspects of provision; recruitment, participation, equality, diversity or achievement.
Inclusion isn’t about any one single initiative – inspectors want to see how well training providers develop an inclusive culture, how leadership support inclusive education and how learner needs are identified and responded to.
This session aims to develop a providers understanding of Ofsted’s expectations around inclusion and to build confidence in applying inclusive practices across curriculum, teaching, support and leadership.
As part of this session, we will consider:
The expectations of Ofsted

What they expect to see
What they have reported so far
What makes an exceptional judgement?

Strategies for structure and support

A culture of inclusion
Practice and policy
Mechanisms for review
Measuring and understanding impact

Identifying and recording learner vulnerabilities

What makes a learner vulnerable?
What does your data tell you?
What are your patterns of attendance?

Level 4 Award in the IQA of Assessment Processes and Practice
2026-05-12 10:00 - 2026-05-19 16:00 | Online
This Level 4 accredited qualification is designed to develop delegates practical quality assurance skills helping them to become effective quality assurance practitioners in a range of Post-16 contexts both in the workplace and in the classroom. This course covers both ‘Internal Quality Assurance’ and has an option for a top-up for ‘Lead Quality Assurance’ roles. We anticipate that delegates will already be working in post-16 education as a teacher/ trainer/assessor or coach. Delegates may have a strong vocational background and some will have moved into teaching/ assessing as a secondary career.

Through participation in this important strand of the Solvendis Teaching Excellence programme you will complete two modules to help you develop and craft your assessment skills. These modules require 2 days of taught sessions and then for delegates to gather evidence from their own professional practice before returning to a 1:1 portfolio review.

Total attendance time is 2 days of delivery and then a separate 1:1 session once all evidence has been gathered and submitted.
All delegates must have access to a suitably qualified mentor who can offer advice, support and guidance during the practical application and portfolio creation.

Dates and times are as follows:

12 & 19 March 2026 (10.00 – 4.00 online)

Level 4 Award in the IQA of Assessment Processes and Practice
2026-05-12 10:00 - 2026-05-19 16:00 | Online
This Level 4 accredited qualification is designed to develop delegates practical quality assurance skills helping them to become effective quality assurance practitioners in a range of Post-16 contexts both in the workplace and in the classroom. This course covers both ‘Internal Quality Assurance’ and has an option for a top-up for ‘Lead Quality Assurance’ roles. We anticipate that delegates will already be working in post-16 education as a teacher/ trainer/assessor or coach. Delegates may have a strong vocational background and some will have moved into teaching/ assessing as a secondary career.

Through participation in this important strand of the Solvendis Teaching Excellence programme you will complete two modules to help you develop and craft your assessment skills. These modules require 2 days of taught sessions and then for delegates to gather evidence from their own professional practice before returning to a 1:1 portfolio review.

Total attendance time is 2 days of delivery and then a separate 1:1 session once all evidence has been gathered and submitted.
All delegates must have access to a suitably qualified mentor who can offer advice, support and guidance during the practical application and portfolio creation.

Course Dates and times are as follows:

12 & 19 May (10.00 – 4.00)

Level 4 Certificate in Leading the IQA of Assessment Processes and Practice
2026-05-12 10:00 - 2026-05-26 16:00 | Online
This Level 4 accredited qualification is designed to develop delegates practical quality assurance skills helping them to become effective quality assurance practitioners in a range of Post-16 contexts both in the workplace and in the classroom. This course covers both ‘Internal Quality Assurance’ and ‘Lead Quality Assurance’ roles.

We anticipate that delegates will already be working in post-16 education as a teacher/ trainer/assessor or coach. Delegates may have a strong vocational background and some will have moved into teaching/ assessing as a secondary career.

Through participation in this important strand of the Solvendis Teaching Excellence programme you will complete three modules to help you develop and craft your assessment skills. These modules require 3 days of taught sessions and then for delegates to gather evidence from their own professional practice before returning to a 1:1 portfolio review.

Delivery is made up of 3 mandatory modules as follows:

Understanding the Principles and Practices of Internally Assuring the Quality of
Assessment
Internally Assure the Quality of Assessment
Plan, allocate and Monitor Work in Own Area of Responsibility

Total attendance time is 3 days of delivery and then a separate 1:1 session once all evidence has been gathered and submitted.
All delegates must have access to a suitably qualified mentor who can offer advice, support and guidance during the practical application and portfolio creation.

Dates and Times of attendance:

12, 19 & 26 March 2026 (all days 10.00 – 4.00)

Level 4 Certificate in Leading the IQA of Assessment Processes and Practice
2026-05-12 10:00 - 2026-05-26 16:00 | Online
This Level 4 accredited qualification is designed to develop delegates practical quality assurance skills helping them to become effective quality assurance practitioners in a range of Post-16 contexts both in the workplace and in the classroom. This course covers both ‘Internal Quality Assurance’ and ‘Lead Quality Assurance’ roles.

We anticipate that delegates will already be working in post-16 education as a teacher/ trainer/assessor or coach. Delegates may have a strong vocational background and some will have moved into teaching/ assessing as a secondary career.

Through participation in this important strand of the Solvendis Teaching Excellence programme you will complete three modules to help you develop and craft your assessment skills. These modules require 3 days of taught sessions and then for delegates to gather evidence from their own professional practice before returning to a 1:1 portfolio review.

Delivery is made up of 3 mandatory modules as follows:

Understanding the Principles and Practices of Internally Assuring the Quality of
Assessment
Internally Assure the Quality of Assessment
Plan, allocate and Monitor Work in Own Area of Responsibility

Total attendance time is 3 days of delivery and then a separate 1:1 session once all evidence has been gathered and submitted.
All delegates must have access to a suitably qualified mentor who can offer advice, support and guidance during the practical application and portfolio creation.

Advanced progress review practice
2026-05-15 09:30 - 2026-05-22 12:00 | Online
For experienced trainers, coaches and leaders who want to deliver exceptional progress reviews using current digital tools and engagement strategies.

Are your progress reviews helping apprentices thrive, or are they just ticking boxes?
Join our advanced masterclass, designed specifically for experienced apprenticeship trainers, coaches, mentors and leaders who want to take progress reviews to the next level.

We’ll take you through step-by-step examples of how to:

Set advanced learning objectives and targets
Adapt your reviews for diverse apprentice needs (high-flyers, struggling learners, neurodiverse)
Lead high-impact discussions and track real progress
Use digital tools and AI to enhance documentation and evidence

You will receive an attendance certificate after the session, as evidence of your personal development.

About your session

The session will be facilitated by Chris Cherry an SDN Mesma Group specialist in apprenticeship on-programme training and assessment.
Chris has supported hundreds of apprenticeship organisations to develop their approach to progress reviews and has lots of insights to share.

This advanced masterclass is for experienced apprenticeship trainers, assessors and skills coaches seeking a more effective approach
During the session one you’ll work on ‘Objective setting and foundations’ and in session two ‘Troubleshooting and impact’

Safeguarding and Prevent – Training for Board Members
2026-05-18 14:00 - 16:30 | Online
Keeping Children Safe in Education imposes duties on the Advisory Boards and Governing Bodies of Post-16 education and skills providers: The DfE publication requires:

Governing bodies and proprietors to ensure that all governors and receive appropriate safeguarding and child protection training at induction.

The training should equip Board members with the knowledge to provide strategic challenge to test and assure themselves that the safeguarding policies and procedures of the organisation are effective and support the delivery of a robust approach to safeguarding.
Led by Bob, an experienced trainer, safeguarding specialist and former full-time HMI the workshop will be engaging and delivered at a digestible pace – delegate numbers will be limited to a maximum of 12.

Higher Level Learning in Safeguarding and Prevent (4.0)
2026-05-21 10:00 - 16:00 | Online
The Solvendis Higher Level Learning programme in Safeguarding & Prevent will be of interest and of practical use to Designated Safeguarding Leads and to staff who have a particular responsibility for ensuring the safeguarding and well-being of their learners.
Attendance at this high-level workshop will further develop the knowledge and skills of those staff in the FE and Skills sector with significant safeguarding responsibilities. The Solvendis programme will focus on those issues most likely to affect learners in the post-compulsory education sector.
Following participation in this programme, delegates will:

be confident in what effective internal reporting should look like and the importance of the interface with governance
understand, and thus help to overcome, factors which may inhibit the disclosure of abuse
understand the relevance and applicability of key documents to adults in training and skills settings
be confident in conducting risk assessment on those who are not required to hold DBS checks
reflect on themes from case reviews and consider how this learning can inform their organisation’s procedures
consider a range of safeguarding-related learning resources for use with learners, staff and those responsible for governance
understand the importance of the role of DSL in relation to improving adult learner outcomes

The session will invite consideration of a range of safeguarding related responses drawn from the wide inspection and governance experience of the Solvendis team and examples of good practice arising from these responses. As a result, delegates will be confident in constructing a clear action plan to ensure an excellent safeguarding culture in their organisation.

Preparing for an Apprenticeship Audit
2026-05-28 10:00 - 13:00 | Online
The responsibility for identifying irregularities in the claims process, in part rests with the DfEs Provider Risk and Assurance Team who have been instrumental in recovering millions of pounds from providers through the extrapolated clawback process.
In addition, the DfE undertake desktop Financial Audits on your monthly returns with a view to identifying errors, inconsistencies and potential overclaims.
At this important seminar we will talk through the audit requirements of the apprenticeship model, giving you tips and advice to ensure that your paperwork is robust and that you are prepared for the audit review.
The seminar will cover:

The DfE Audit Process and what you can expect
The Sample Testing Process, error reporting and the potential consequences of
getting it wrong
The key documentation you will need to have available and the importance of
ensuring its compliance with the funding guidance and audit requirements
The importance of using PDSATs and key Funding Monitoring Reports;

Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement
2026-06-02 10:00 - 2026-06-09 16:00 | Online
This Level 3 accredited qualification is designed to develop delegates practical assessing skills helping them to become effective assessors in a range of Post-16 contexts both in the workplace and in the classroom.
We anticipate that delegates will already be working in post-16 education as a teacher/ trainer/assessor or coach. Delegates may have a strong vocational background and will have moved into teaching/ assessing as a secondary career.
Through participation in this important strand of the Solvendis Teaching Excellence programme you will complete three modules to help you develop and craft your assessment skills.
Delivery will be led by an experienced member of the Solvendis Teacher Training Team with all workshops being conducted online via Teams or Zoom.
Workshop Dates and Times: 15 & 22 April 2026 (10.00 – 4.00 online).
Delegate fee £455 (plus vat) plus £78 awarding body registration fee – maximum 12 delegates.

Curriculum Design for the New Apprenticeship Landscape
2026-06-03 10:00 - 12:00 | Online
Changes to how assessment is carried out will have a direct knock-on effect on how you design and deliver your curriculum. This practical workshop will help you map, sequence and refine your programme so it sets apprentices up to succeed – without adding unnecessary workload.

In this two hour workshop, Chris Cherry will take you through:

Building assessment into your curriculum from the outset
Designing learning activities and content that develop the right competencies
Linking sequencing and delivery to on-programme assessment points
Using digital tools to save time and improve planning
Stripping out “filler” and focusing on what works.

You will receive an attendance certificate after the session, as evidence of your personal development.

Workshop breakdown

2 hour workshop (live attendance highly recommended for maximum benefit)
Pre-event resource pack sent one week before, to get everyone on the same page with key concepts
Recording and slides

About your session

The session will be facilitated by Chris Cherry an SDN specialist in apprenticeship on-programme training and end-point assessment. Chris has supported hundreds of apprenticeship organisations to develop their curriculum against the new standards and has lots of insights to share.

Who should attend?

Curriculum leads and planners
Trainers and assessors involved in programme design
Quality managers overseeing curriculum changes.

You can book onto this workshop for £95+vat.

Feedback from previous event attendees

“Breaking down the KSB’s and how the curriculum forms the ILP was a key learning point. Excellent session and also enjoyed the pre-training recording.” – Orange Moon Training

“I’ve been trawling the internet and asked FE colleagues about curriculum design and found nothing useful. This is just the ticket. Very engaging, informative and fun to listen to. I’ve learned more in the first 15 minutes than the previous 15 years.”

“Very informative and helpful”

You can either attend the live session or be sent the recording and materials if you prefer to go through it in your own time but we highly reccommend attending live to get the most out of this interactive session.

Booking and payment:

If you have several staff who would benefit, let us know and we’ll send you details of the most cost-effective way of accessing the session.

If you’re a public sector body (e.g. Local Authority), and unable to book via card, please email us. When you make a booking, you agree to these Terms and Conditions (including those who request a booking via email and invoice)

Any questions, please email us.

SDN CPD is designed for Government funded Training Providers. If you’re not a Government funded Training Provider but are still interested in attending please email events@strategicdevelopmentnetwork.co.uk to discuss your attendance in more detail before booking.

Fraud Awareness Training (For Staff in Education)
2026-06-04 10:00 - 12:00 | Online
The Governments’ Counter Fraud Strategy and DfE Provider Financial Handbook require providers to ensure that there is a level of fraud awareness across the organisation. In this engaging workshop, with content written specifically for Post-16 training providers, we will:

Consider the guidance which providers are being required to follow
Discuss the impact on roles right across the organisation
Share examples of wrong-doing/ irregularity which have occurred in our sector and what we can learn from them
Consider some of the practical steps we can take to increase our level of protection
Discuss how we can embed fraud awareness into apprentice/ learner engagement thus strengthening learner personal development

Learning Support Claims – Getting it Right
2026-06-09 10:00 - 12:00 | Online
Learning support funding is available to meet the costs of putting in place reasonable adjustments, as set out in section 20 of the Equality Act 2010, for apprentices who have a learning difficulty or disability.
The funding is additional to the Total Negotiated Price but clear processes, procedures and evidence must be in place to support Learning Support and Exceptional Learning Support funding claims.
At this specialist workshop delegates will:

Gain an understanding the funding rules in respect of Learning Support (LS) and Exceptional Learning Support (ELS)
Discuss how to identify, assess and document LS and ELS needs
Be guided on how to evidence the delivery of LS and ELS
Understand Progress Review and off-the-job expectations around LS and ELS
Consider how to Identify and claim the costs of providing LS and ELS through the ILR and Earnings Adjustment Statement
Consider the importance of recording and retaining the evidence of the end-to-end LS and ELS process

Ofsted Inspection Nominee Training (new framework)
2026-06-16 10:00 - 13:00 | Online
This seminar will have new content which focuses on the revised expectations of Nominee’s arising out of the implementation of Ofsted’s new inspection framework.
The nominee will continue to be at the centre of inspection and will a key person for their organisation.
This event will prepare potential nominees in the FE and Skills sector to carry out their role effectively before, during and after an Ofsted inspection.
As a result of the workshop, delegates will be better able to prepare themselves, their leaders, managers, staff, learners and employees for inspection, and show their provision in the best light.

Designated Safeguarding Lead Training
2026-06-16 10:00 - 16:00 | Online
A provider’s Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) plays a critical role in its approach to safeguarding its learners, training its staff, providing support and guidance and taking responsibility for referral decisions – as well as dealing with Ofsted! Although legislation focuses on the protection of children and vulnerable adults, providers have a responsibility to protect all learners.
This course will provide information about what the role involves and is designed for staff new to the role and for those wanting to update their knowledge. It includes direct delivery and a range of scenario-based activities to consider.
Key outcomes of the day:

Understand the implications of Keeping Children Safe in Education and revised Ofsted expectations
Know the likely roles of the Designated Safeguarding Lead
Be able to recognise and respond to disclosures sensitively and efficiently
Know how and when to share information with other organisations
Implementing safer recruitment strategies including the use of DBS checks
Know how to deal with allegations that involve staff
Know the key policies, statute and inspection guidance that underpin the Prevent duty
Making referrals under the Prevent Duty

The programme will be delivered by a member of the Solvendis Quality Improvement and Inspection Team and serving inspector.
All delegates will receive a Solvendis certificate of attendance which documents the training content.

Effective use of PDSAT and Monitoring Reports
2026-06-17 10:00 - 13:00 | Online
The DfE provide a suite of tools and reports to allow providers to conduct regular assurance and data checks to ensure they meet the funding rules and rectify anomalies in the ILR data
At this seminar, we will look in detail at the new Provider Data Self-Assessment Toolkit (PDSAT) Online Toolkit, Funding Information System (FIS) and key submission reports
The seminar will explain how the Provider Market Oversight Assurance (PMOA) team utilises PDSAT reports, along with how providers should use them in preparing for a PMOA assurance review
The seminar will provide reliable guidance and advice in the planning and usage of the PDSAT, FIS, FRM and submission reports in your ongoing internal assurance reviews
The seminar format encourages delegate participation and aims to ensure that attendees get reliable guidance and advice in the planning and usage of the PDSAT, FIS, FRM and submission reports in your ongoing internal assurance reviews.
As part of the day’s agenda we will:

ensure that your organisation has the knowledge to ensure full understanding of the PDSAT, FIS, FRM and submission reports for the academic year.
improve your understanding of the expectations around the tools and reports available to ensure appropriate control mechanisms are in place to provide assurance on your ILR data.
identify key submission reports and how to use them effectively, including the suite of FRM reports and any recent changes.
Provide guidance on the correction of data errors.

Developing a Robust Apprenticeship Training Plan
2026-06-18 10:00 - 12:00 | Online
The training plan outlines how the apprentice will be supported to successfully achieve the apprenticeship. It must be signed by the apprentice, their employer and the provider and all parties must retain a current signed and dated version.
A compliant training plan is a complex document and during the course of our audit work, we regularly see examples of non-compliant training plans or poor practice.
At this seminar we will consider:

What a training plan is for and why it is important
What must be included within the Training plan to meet the Funding Rules requirements
The different delivery models and their impact on off-the-job training requirements
How to create a robust training plan & schedule
The effect of RPLE on the training plan
Documenting functional skills within the training plan
The requirements in updating the training plan

Level 3 Award in Education and Training (Fast Track)
2026-06-18 10:00 - 2026-06-26 12:00 | Online
We are pleased to be able to offer an effective response to the need to develop the teaching and training skills of staff working in Post-16 education.
The programme will focus on those aspects of training so essential in ensuring sound learning. Participants will benefit from a clear understanding of the roles and responsibilities of different stakeholders in the education and training sector. They will develop their teaching and training skills through a clear understanding of inclusive teaching and learning, and be able to plan, deliver and evaluate learning which meets the needs of all learners.
Participants attend for 4 workshop days, which include a microteach, and assignment completion. Assessment will be via portfolio, assignment and observation.
Dates of attendance are 23 & 24 February and 9 & 10 March 2026 (all days 10.00 – 4.00).
Delegate fee £455 (plus vat) plus £62 awarding body registration fee – maximum delegate number 12.

Open Education Conference, OER26
2026-06-22 08:00 - 2026-06-23 17:00 | The Open University, Walton Hall, ,, Milton Keynes, MK7 6AA, United Kingdom
Open education has always been both a practice and a proposition. It is grounded in commitments to access, equity, collaboration, and the sharing of knowledge as a public good. Over decades, these commitments have taken institutional form through open educational resources, open practices, open pedagogy, open research, open access publishing, and global networks of collaboration. Openness has shaped learning systems, expanded participation, and redefined what education can be.

OER26 invites delegates to reimagine and re-theorise openness while recognising the enduring ethos that has sustained the movement from its earliest days.

Hosted by the Institute of Educational Technology at The Open University (UK), widely recognised as one of the foundational institutions in the modern open education movement, this event offers a distinctive space for reflection and renewal. Established in 1969 with a radical commitment to widening participation and removing barriers to higher education, The Open University has long embodied the principle that education should be open to people, places, methods, and ideas. Its history reminds us that openness represents and constitutes an ongoing, transformative ethical and social commitment. Bringing the conference to this setting underscores both continuity and change: continuity in the enduring values of openness, and change in the technological, political, and institutional environments in which those values are enacted.

OER26 will foster dialogue across disciplines and regions, welcoming diverse interpretations of what openness means and what it might become. Our call for proposals welcomes contributions that explore how the ethos of openness is sustained, challenged, institutionalised, or transformed in the current moment.

Co-Chairs

Dr Rob Farrow and Dr Beck Pitt, from the Institute of Educational Technology at The Open University, serve as co‑directors of the Global OER Graduate Network (GO‑GN). Their longstanding commitment to open education research, community building, and global collaboration brings a distinctive perspective to this year’s conference, ensuring a programme that is both inclusive and forward‑looking.

Programme

The OER26 programme is now live. This year’s event is shaping up to be one of the most inspiring gatherings in open education. Taking place 22–23 June 2026 at The Open University in Milton Keynes. This year’s event brings together a global community to explore the programme theme, “Openness Reimagined: Continuity, Change and Shared Vision”.

This year’s programme includes contributions across six thematic clusters:

Openness as a project of social transformation

Reimagining openness: theory, technology, and futures

Openness as justice

Open practices and pedagogical innovation

Openness as care

Open Minds (Wild Card)

Across the two days, participants will find a rich mix of workshops, research papers, practice sessions, panels, lightning talks, and experimental formats, offering multiple ways to learn, share, and connect.

Keynote Speakers

This year’s keynote speakers are two leading voices in open and digital education:

Prof. Eileen Scanlon will examine how openness continues to shape educational innovation and how it can empower learners, educators, and researchers alike.

Prof. Dr. Olaf Zawacki‐Richter will explore OER, sustainability, and the role of AI in open, distance, and digital education

Programme Highlights

Alongside the main sessions, we are also planning a series of activities that celebrate the past, present, and future of openness.

Celebrating 20 years of OpenLearn

Pre and post conference visits to the National Museum of Computing and Bletchley Park – register an interest here

A guided tour of the cutting edge XR Studios

Panels exploring the history and development of OER and openness

A celebration marking 30 years of the Journal of Interactive Media in Education

Research funding workshops to support new and emerging open education projects

Register for OER26

Ready to join us at OER26? Secure your spot today and be part of a vibrant, community-driven event that reimagines openness for the future.

Explore the full programme and register now through the OER26 registration page.

Register

Supporting Employers to Work Confidently with Younger Apprentices
2026-06-25 10:00 - 11:30
Helping providers support employers to create confident, inclusive workplace environments

Effective Apprenticeship Progress Reviews
2026-07-07 14:00 - 16:00 | Online
The essential requirements for an apprenticeship, at any level, include the need for high quality Progress Reviews. Not only are they a contractual requirement, but Progress Reviews also support the effective measurement of progress through the curriculum.
This event will help providers, especially those responsible for curriculum quality/quality of education to understand what is required and why.
Clear links between the importance of measuring apprentices progress and the
requirements of Ofsted and the DfE are explored and explained, helping you to focus on delivering high quality education.
Key Outcomes Of The Day
At this important workshop delegates will explore and discuss:

What is ‘Progress’?
What is the purpose of a Progress Review?
What does an effective Progress Review look like?
What to consider when evaluating the effectiveness of Progress Reviews
How the the inspection framework and Quality of Education link to effective Progress Reviews
Understanding the link between apprentices starting points and recognising progress.
Using Progress Reviews to support apprentices progress, using effective target setting

Embedding Effective Assessment in Apprenticeships
2026-07-15 14:00 - 2026-07-22 16:00 | Online
Get ahead of the changes – build assessment practice that works for learners, employers and your team
About this session
The way assessment is used in apprenticeships is shifting. With more focus on on-programme and pre-Gateway assessment, providers need to make sure their approach is fit for purpose. This series will help you build assessment into the apprenticeship journey from the very start – making it meaningful, manageable and linked to real workplace performance.
We’ll cover:

Practical ways to design and apply assessment methods that work across different standards
How to build assessment into delivery – from day one through to Gateway
Making assessments reflect the behaviours, skills and knowledge needed in the job
Involving employers so they can play an active role
Simple tools to plan, record and review assessments.

You will receive an attendance certificate after the series, as evidence of your personal development.
Series breakdown:
1. Planning effective assessment
Wednesday 15 July (2-4pm)
2. Assessment Design & Methods
Wednesday 22 July (2-4pm)
You can book onto the webinar series for £150 (+VAT). This includes the live webinars (with Q&A), the webinar recordings, and supporting resources.
Unable to make date / times? Register anyway and we’ll send you the recording and materials.
Facilitators and speakers
The session will be facilitated by Chris Cherry an SDN Mesma Group specialist in apprenticeship on-programme training and end-point assessment. Chris has supported hundreds of apprenticeship organisations to develop their curriculum against the new standards and has lots of insights to share.
Who should attend?

Managers, trainers, assessors and quality leads who want to improve assessment practice
Anyone involved in curriculum design or progress reviews
Employer engagement staff looking to play a role in assessment.

Booking information
If you have several staff who would benefit, let us know and we’ll send you details of the most cost-effective way of accessing the session.
If you’re a public sector body (e.g. Local Authority), and unable to book via card, please email us. When you make a booking, you agree to these Terms and Conditions (including those who request a booking via email and invoice)
Any questions, please email us.
SDN CPD is designed for Government funded Training Providers. If you’re not a Government funded Training Provider but are still interested in attending please email events@strategicdevelopmentnetwork.co.uk to discuss your attendance in more detail before booking.
Terms and Conditions
The Terms and Conditions (including our refund policy) for SDN events and webinars can be found here. When you make a booking, you agree to these Terms and Conditions (including those who request a booking via email and invoice)
Any questions, please email the SDN events team: events@strategicdevelopmentnetwork.co.uk

Level 3 Award in Education and Training (Fast-track)
2026-08-17 10:00 - 2026-08-20 16:00 | Online
As part of the Solvendis Teaching Excellence programme we are pleased to be able to offer an effective response to the need to develop the teaching and training skills of staff working in Post-16 education.
This intensive programme is designed for:

new or existing trainers with hands-on vocational expertise who are seriously looking to develop their teaching and training skills. This could include those recently moved into a training role from assessor role
staff new to the roles of trainer and assessor.

The programme will focus on those aspects of training so essential in ensuring sound learning – and, of course, meeting the requirements of the Education Inspection Framework. Participants will benefit from a clear understanding of the roles and responsibilities of different stakeholders in the education and training sector. They will develop their teaching and training skills through a clear understanding of inclusive teaching and learning, and be able to plan, deliver and evaluate learning which meets the needs of all learners in a safe and supportive learning environment.
Finally, participants will gain a detailed understanding of the different types and methods of assessment.
To complete the programme, participants will be required to attend four workshop days, which will include learner-led microteach, as well as completing some pre-course work and assignments. Assessment will be via portfolio, assignment and observation.
Although there are no minimum entry requirements for this course, participants should be able to demonstrate the minimum core levels of literacy, language, numeracy and ICT skills expected of all teachers and trainers in the sector. At the end of the programme, successful participants will be awarded the Level 3 Award
Delivered online, delegates need to attend on 17, 18, 24 & 25 July 2025 (10.00 – 4.00 each day).
