FE News

Achieving Compliance in Claiming Learning Support and Applying Functional Skills Exceptions
2025-03-13 10:00 - 11:00 (Europe/London) | Online
Overview

This session will unpack the apprenticeship funding rules for learning support (LS). We will look at some of the key compliance considerations that should be addressed when:

Assessing learning difficulty;

Planning a relevant programme of support;

Evidencing delivery of learning support;

Evaluating whether it is necessary and appropriate for support to continue.

Separate to Learning Support, we will also discuss the new flexibility for Functional Skills for apprentices with learning difficulties or disabilities.

An opportunity to understand DfE’s expectations, reflect on your own procedures, establish best practice and to ask questions.

Objectives

Our objectives are aligned with the DfE’s expectations. The DfE expect providers to:

Put reasonable adjustments in place for learners who require them;

Decide on the suitability of your screening and assessment methods;

Ensure learning support is relevantly applied and appropriately claimed.

The points above will then enable providers to be confident in claiming learning support funding. They will compliment your efforts to meet the moral and legal requirements of inclusion, and equality and diversity.

Also, to confidently determine when an apprentice should be required only to achieve Entry 3 Functional Skills.

Facilitator

Rupert Crossland, Director of Audit and Compliance, Professional Assessment Limited (PAL)

Succeeding in Regulatory Compliance
2025-03-13 10:00 - 16:00 | Hyatt Regency, 2 Bridge St, Birmingham, B1 2JZ, United Kingdom
Are you looking to improve your understanding and delivery in the areas of regulation and compliance, and in reducing the risks of regulatory interest and action in the coming 12 months? This not-to-be-missed, one-day event is aimed at practitioners and line managers who are delivering regulatory-orientated functions. It will be helpful to those working in any UK jurisdiction.

This not-to-be-missed, one-day event is aimed at practitioners and line managers who are delivering regulatory-orientated functions and will be helpful to those working in any UK jurisdiction.

Why should I attend?

Expert insights: Gain valuable perspectives from regulators and Awarding Organisation colleagues.

Practical solutions: Explore best practices and tackle ongoing challenges in a supportive environment.

Tailored for you: Perfect for professionals from Awarding Organisations (AOs), End-Point Assessment Organisations (EPAOs), and those considering applications for recognition

Key topics:

Trends and issues from a regulatory perspective

Organisational design and governance

Assessment design and delivery

Relationship management

Format of the day:

Hosted by Dr Fiona Summers, Deputy CEO at Laser Learning Awards and Non-Executive Director at Federation of Awarding Bodies, the day will include an introduction from Ofqual, followed by four deep-dive sessions on key aspects of regulation and compliance lead by senior figures in awarding organisations with a strong background in regulatory policy. Each session includes a presentation, group exercise, and Q&A. The event will conclude with a panel discussion featuring all session leads.

Implementing Version 2 of the 2024-25 Apprenticeship Funding Rules
2025-03-17 09:00 - 10:30 | Online
The Department for Education has just dropped a major update to the 2024-25 Apprenticeship Funding Rules – and the changes take effect immediately.
From 11 February, apprentices aged 19+ at start will no longer need to pass Level 2 Functional Skills to complete their apprenticeship. This applies to both new and existing learners. These changes will have significant implications for your staff, systems, and processes from both a compliance and quality perspective. Additional minor clarifications have also been made to rules on reservations of funds, co-investment and levy transfer but it is the functional skills changes which will require significant policy, administration and implementation updates.
A quick headline summary won’t cut it. That’s why we’re running a 90-minute deep-dive session to help you fully understand the impact, make the necessary adjustments, and implement these changes confidently.
We’ll also give you a detailed implementation action plan and a Functional Skills Declaration tool – the declaration will be available to download on receipt of booking. (The declaration is required in the new rules to evidence the apprentice and employer decision to continue or stop their Functional Skills programme).
Delivered by funding and compliance specialist David Lockhart-Hawkins (with added contributions from quality specialist Lou Doyle from Mesma and expert in Maths, English, and Digital Skills Christine Edwards QTLS, Creative Excellence), here’s what the session will cover:

A clear breakdown of the key rule changes – who they apply to and when
Practical implications for compliance across your learner journey (initial assessment, training plans, and more)
How this could influence your approach to English and maths, curriculum and potential implications for inspection
Practical actions you need to take across your organisation – systems, processes and staff
Live Q&A with David to give you the confidence you need to implement these changes

The CPD session will take place on Monday, 17 March (9.00-10.30am) with the Functional Skills Declaration issued ahead of the session.
Alongside the session, action plan and tool, you will also receive a 25% discount to our deep-dive CPD on the 2025-26 funding rules. We’ll share more during the session.
About your session
The session will be facilitated by David Lockhart-Hawkins, SDN’s compliance and funding expert who has supported hundreds of providers in their apprenticeship journey including some of the UK’s largest, highest quality, specialist and new providers. David’s in-depth understanding of curriculum design and quality, as well as funding, gives him a unique insight into the practical implications of funding rule changes.
Added contributions from:
Lou Doyle, CEO Mesma and Senior Strategic Associate SDN
Louise specialises in change leadership continuous improvement, quality assurance and governance. She is the Chief Executive Officer of Mesma (quality assurance experts and providers of online software, tools and in-depth support), and has previously held senior positions in education, after holding management positions in multinational businesses. She has worked extensively with colleges, universities and independent training providers to enhance the quality of provision. Louise holds a number of education governance roles and is both a T Level and Apprenticeship Ambassador. She has a Masters in Educational Leadership.
Christine Edwards QTLS, Creative ExcellenceA leading expert in Maths, English, and Digital Skills within apprenticeship education, Christine Edwards has been driving improvement since 2003. She specialises in embedding these essential skills into training, helping providers enhance teaching quality and learner success. Through her work with the Apprenticeship Workforce Development Programme and Greater Manchester Multiply Provider Support Programme, she delivers CPD, strategic support, and innovative teaching solutions. Passionate about improving skills for work and life, Christine is also exploring AI’s role in education to enhance teaching practices and support effective contextualisation of Maths and English into programmes.
This session is designed for apprenticeship providers – compliance and operational staff, quality managers, and leaders overseeing the impact on the apprenticeship delivery journey.
“This was excellent. You feel that an awful lot of work has gone into producing this, packed with helpful content, guidance and experience. Thank you so much!”
“I will be recommending colleagues to sign up to training alerts. Really looking forward to attending other sessions.”
“Very useful – as always. Thorough and detailed, with great slides to support.”
“It was very clear that a large amount of time and effort has gone into the preparation of today’s event – and that is why SDN is my first choice for webinars.”
“Excellent coverage, well planned and organised with clear expertise in the funding rules”
– Event attendees
Booking and payment:
You can either attend the live sessions or be sent the recording and materials if you prefer to review them in your own time.
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)
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.

Designated Safeguarding Lead Training
2025-03-18 09:30 - 12:30 | Online
Overview

It is a statutory obligation for those with a lead or designated professional role for safeguarding to meet a ‘robust two yearly training’ requirement. Having completed safeguarding awareness training, this webinar equips professionals to perform their senior safeguarding function.

AELP are delighted to be working with Education Child Protection (ECP) to offer this course, which holds 6 Continuous Professional Development (CPD) credits. When certificated, delegates can use the ECP centre number to record the activity as CPD.

Please note: Delegates will be required to attend both sessions fully in order to receive the CPD credits. If you don’t attend both sessions and participate you will not be eligible for a certificate. Please note that attendance is monitored by the software.

Please ensure that you test your system here before attending the webinar.

Objectives

This in-depth webinar will cover:

Understanding of the Safeguarding Framework, including legislation and statutory guidance;

Effective implementation of Duty of Care within the role of the Designated Safeguarding Lead;

Exploration of effective and robust record keeping;

Understanding the referral process and effective information sharing, and mental capacity;

Responding effectively to whistleblowing concerns;

Understanding of thresholds and risk analysis within the context of safeguarding.

Management of safeguarding across challenging topics including Domestic Abuse, ‘so-called’ Honour Based Abuse, Exploitation including Radicalisation, Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment (child on child abuse), Mental Health and Trauma Informed Practice.

For more information on course content and outcomes please watch this video:

Facilitator

Carly Spicer, Safeguarding Consultant, ECP Safeguarding

Click here to find out more information or to register.

Making The Leap's Early Careers Talent Fair 2025, supported by Pentland Brands
2025-03-18 10:00 - 14:00 | Emmanuel Centre, Emmanuel Centre, 9-23 Marsham St, London, London, London, SW1P 3DW, United Kingdom
Are you a teacher or tutor looking to bring a group of students to this Careers Fair? Please contact marketingcomms@mtl.org.uk

Making The Leap are hosting an Early Careers Talent Fair specifically for those aged 16-19 from less advantaged socio-economic backgrounds, with exhibitors from a range of industries including law, financial services, real estate, fashion and more.

On the back of National Careers Week (March 3rd-8th), which focuses on guidance and resources, this Early Careers Talent Fair is designed for young people looking to take their next step by exploring live apprenticeship and internship opportunities, and meeting employers who will be hiring for these roles.

Which companies will be exhibiting?

Pentland Brands: Owner of Sports, Outdoor and Fashion retailers

bp: Oil and gas company

BNP Paribas: Financial Services company

Paul, Weiss: Law firm

OCS: Global facilities services organisation

CloserStill Media: Events company

Savills: Real estate company

Legal and General: Financial services company

For those interested in visual effects and animations, employees from Framestore will also be at the fair representing Access VFX to provide advice on getting into the VFX and animation industries!

**Attendees who fill out a feedback form will be entered into a draw to win a £50 Amazon voucher!**

Who are we?

Since 1993, Making The Leap has been committed to supporting young people as they develop skills, build confidence, and access employment opportunities. Our Early Careers Talent Fair is in association with the global business behind some of the world’s best-loved sports, outdoor and lifestyle brands, Pentland Brands.

Teachers or tutors looking to bring a group of students, please contact gerard.brand@mtl.org.uk

Policy & Research Working Group - Improving the way Ofsted inspects education
2025-03-20 14:00 - 15:00
Please join us for our fourth Policy and research group.

As part of FIN’s ongoing commitment to excellence and improvement in education, FIN’s Policy and Research Group (FPRG) will gather insights and opinions from our members regarding Ofsted’s recent proposals for fairer education inspection and report cards; outlined in the press release on 3rd February 2025. During the session we will provide an overview of Ofsted’s proposals and their intended outcomes, discuss the potential advantages and disadvantages of the proposed changes and consider how these changes may impact educational institutions and stakeholders. We invite our members to join us to contribute to suggested improvements or alternatives to the proposals. The group will work collaboratively to draft a comprehensive response to the consultation that FIN will submit on behalf of its members and their stakeholders.

Please read Ofsted’s press release here: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/improving-the-way-ofsted-inspects-education

If you have any problems registering please email Caroline at info@fin-online.org.uk for assistance

Events – Fellowship of Inspection Nominees (fin-online.org.uk)

Cracking the code: Selling innovation and driving adoption in workforce development
2025-03-20 15:00 - 16:00 | CodeNode, 10 South Pl, City of London, London, EC2M 7EB, United Kingdom
In today’s rapidly evolving workforce landscape, buyers of skills development technology face mounting pressures. Innovators often struggle to identify and engage with the right buyer in an increasingly competitive market, while organisations are under growing pressure to demonstrate clear return on investment.

So what does this mean for investors and founders shaping the future of workforce development?

Join us for an insightful session, where investors, founders and buyers will share their perspectives on the complexities of the current landscape. Through discussion, we’ll explore the different strategies that can enable the uptake of emerging solutions to meet real-world workforce needs.

Attendees can look forward to fresh insights on overcoming market challenges, delivering measurable impact and leveraging innovation to build a more resilient and skilled workforce.

Speakers

Louise Marston, Directory of Ventures, Resolution Foundation

Alexandros Anousis, Global Head of Digital Learning, Ocado Group

Greg Freeman, Founder and CEO, Data Literacy Academy

Helen Gironi, Director of Ventures, Ufi VocTech Trust

This event is being hosted at CodeNode in London’s Liverpool street.Refreshments will be served. Guests are invited to stay on to attend the Ufi VocTech Showcase taking place later in the afternoon.

Empowering change: How do we build a skills system for a thriving future?
2025-03-20 16:30 - 17:30 | CodeNode, 10 South Pl, City of London, London, EC2M 7EB, United Kingdom
Join the conversation shaping the future of skills in the UK. As part of the Week of VocTech, this session brings together leading voices to explore the systemic reforms needed to create a more accessible, effective, and future-ready approach to skills development.

Featuring:

Anne-Marie Imafidon MBE, Co-Chair of Trustees, Institute for the Future of Work;

Mary Curnock-Cook CBE, Chair of Pearson Education UK and the Dyson Institute of Engineering and Technology; and

Rebecca Garrod-Waters, Chief Executive, Ufi VocTech Trust

With a focus on structural change, emerging technologies, and innovative approaches, the discussion will highlight the critical shifts required to ensure everyone has the opportunity to unlock their potential and gain the skills necessary to thrive in work.

By examining both challenges and opportunities, our speakers will seek to shape a vision for a skills system that is equitable, adaptable, and aligned with the evolving demands of the workforce.

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of the discussion of how the UK can build a skills system that empowers individuals, fuels business success, and accelerates economic growth.

Ufi VocTech Showcase 2025
2025-03-20 17:30 - 21:00 | CodeNode, 10 South Pl, City of London, London, EC2M 7EB, United Kingdom
The highlight of the Week of VocTech. Come together to celebrate, explore and be inspired by vocational technology.

Bringing together tech innovators, learning providers, employers and investors the VocTech Showcase from the Ufi VocTech Trust provides a unique opportunity to celebrate and share the impact of vocational technology, get hands-on with a selection of Ufi-supported tech, and strengthen connections across the voctech community.

The Showcase 2025 returns with an inspiring collection of vocational technology to explore. Meet the teams behind the tech and try it out for yourself. Explore who will be demonstrating here.

Our new venue

The Ufi VocTech Showcase 2025 is being hosted at CodeNode in London’s Liverpool street, a purpose built venue for digital, creative and innovation events. Refreshments will be served.

SCL Education Group to Showcase Core Skills Provision at Moving On Event in Leeds
2025-03-24 08:00 - 17:00 | Benton Park School, Harrogate Road, Leeds, LS19 6LX
SCL Education Group is proud to announce its participation in the upcoming Moving On Event, taking place on Monday, 24th March 2025, at Benton Park School, Harrogate Road, LS19 6LX. Organised by Leeds City College in partnership with Leeds City Council, this vital event is aimed at supporting young people in Leeds who are at risk of becoming NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training).

SCL Education Group will be exhibiting at the event to highlight the range of Core Skills and vocational training programmes available to young people seeking new pathways into education and employment. The Moving On Event will provide a unique opportunity for school staff to gather key resources, information, and contact details to better support students in their transition towards meaningful career opportunities.

Empowering Young People Through Education

SCL Education Group is committed to providing high-quality educational opportunities to young people in Leeds. In collaboration with Leeds Rhinos Foundation, SCL has launched a 13-week ‘Destination Focused’ education programme, designed to help young people develop essential skills and gain valuable work experience in a professional environment.

With an attendance rate exceeding 90% in the first two weeks, the programme has already enrolled 47 young people and is making a significant impact on learners’ engagement, confidence, and career readiness.

What to Expect at the Moving On Event

The Moving On Event 2025 will feature a mix of presentations from training providers, a careers fair-style carousel, and networking opportunities for school staff and young people. Attendees will gain firsthand insights into available courses, work placements, and professional development pathways that can help shape their futures.

Stuart Allen, Chief Education Officer for SCL Group, added:“We are delighted to attend the ‘Moving On Event’ so that we can showcase our destination focused programme to the young people of Leeds. It’s a great opportunity to see where we can engage, motivate and inspire these brilliant young people with an opportunity to find their talent, develop their behaviours and enhance the opportunities for them to flourish within their future lives. Exciting times for us, local employers and for the young people of Leeds.”

Join Us at the Moving On Event

SCL Education Group invites school staff, career advisors, and young people to visit their stall at the Moving On Event to learn more about their Core Skills provision and innovative NEET programmes. This is an invaluable chance to explore educational pathways and access resources that can help shape the future of Leeds’ young people.

Christina Comrie, Teacher for SCL Group is excited for the event and added “Every young person holds extraordinary potential—unlocked through belief, unwavering support, and opportunity. At SCL, we don’t just educate; we empower. We ignite ambition and stand proudly beside our incredible young people as they shape their passions and purpose.

We are excited to connect with school staff, career advisors, and the amazing young people of Leeds, at the Moving On Event, where we’ll showcase how our Core Skills provision and innovative NEET programmes are transforming futures. We look forward to meeting the next generation of leaders, innovators, and changemakers ready to leave their mark on the world.”

About SCL Education GroupSCL is a market-leading education, skills, and training provider, dedicated to inspiring the lives of young people through 16-19 study programmes, apprenticeships, and adult skills training. With a strong focus on tailored learning and employability, SCL is committed to shaping brighter futures through education.

Neurodiversity Navigators: Tips for Inclusive Success Sponsored by Cognassist
2025-03-25 10:00 - 11:00 | Online
Overview

Neurodiversity is a hot topic in many forums, spend a few minutes on social media and it’s clear there is a rising discussion. The expectation to meet the needs of those with differing Neurotypes is enshrined in the Equality Act 2010 and the SEND Code of Practice.

But with increasing time and budget pressures, how can we address the needs of an increasingly neuro-aware population? Should we be paying attention? Can we successfully build a neuroinclusive culture and keep to our budgets? This webinar is designed as an introduction to addressing this, to growing the understanding of current research-led good practice in Neurodiversity and perhaps picking up a few simple, cost-effective “hacks” along the way.

Objectives

This webinar will help delegates to:

Gain a clear understanding of the background to Neurodiversity and why the language around it is important;

Develop an awareness of current research that challenges common stereotypes around differing neurotypes;

Consider how person-centred, strength-based practice can strengthen your record keeping and onboarding processes, to increase disclosure;

Gain insight into simple changes that offer support and build a wider culture of neuro-inclusivity.

Facilitator

Rachel Bradford, Specialist Inclusive Learning Coordinator, MTC Training

Guest Speaker

Vicky Harold, Customer Success Education Lead, Cognassist

Click here to find out more information or to register.

Apprenticeship Curriculum Design
2025-03-26 13:00 - 16:30 | Online
Whether you’ve been on our curriculum webinar series, or are new to SDN, this Masterclass will help you hone your skills as a curriculum developer.

Developing a curriculum for apprenticeship standards is challenging. In many cases, it is less prescribed, employers have greater input into the content and sequencing, and the prior learning of the apprentice needs to be taken into account.

It’s something the ESFA and Ofsted are looking at closely too.

Over a 3.5-hour interactive online session, Chris Cherry will take you through a step-by-step example of how to deconstruct a standard and build the curriculum from the top down.

During the session, you’ll work on short activities at each stage to develop your understanding and skill and come away with a clear model you can use for the apprenticeship standards you deliver.

We also host another Masterclass in Apprenticeship Curriculum Design for HEIs, which you can find here.

Here’s what we’ll cover during the session:

The principles of good-quality curriculum design
A practical step-by-step worked example:

Deconstructing the standard and amplifying the KSBs
Articulating the learning outcomes, deciding on the learning methods and building in other components
Shaping this into ‘episodes of learning’ as part of a Scheme of Work
Translating the Scheme of Work into an Individual Learning Plan which takes both the apprentice’s prior learning and employer requirements into account

Practical tips on how to adjust the curriculum and training plan “mid-flight” during the programme, to meet the needs of the apprentice and employer

About your session

The session will be facilitated by Chris Cherry an SDN expert 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.

This masterclass is designed for those involved in the design and development of your apprenticeship curriculum and materials.

Before the session, you’ll be sent a 1-hr webinar, giving you an overview of the curriculum planning process for apprenticeship standards.

“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”

– Previous event attendees

Booking and payment:

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.

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.

Strategic planning and the Apprenticeship Accountability Framework
2025-03-27 10:00 - 12:00 | Online
Providers are measured and monitored by their performance against the indicators of the Apprenticeship Accountability Framework. Understanding the measures and the data used is essential for any leader and manager in the sector. In April 2024 the Department for Education updated the indicators for the framework and these will have significant impact on providers and their planning.
But how do we work with the data effectively and how do we benchmark performance? What do we do with it and how do we plan and implement appropriate actions to improve?

Being aware of how the data is formed, the measures within it and how to respond is vital to managing effective provision from both a quality and a compliance perspective but being able to put the data in context, set effective targets and work with the results is the real challenge.
That’s why this 2-hour deep-dive session will help you improve your understanding, get effective ways of planning and effective implementation of strategy in this area to lay a strong foundation for the coming years.

*New for 2025 – updated content including analysis of the new indicator measurements, and with QAR and retention benchmarking using rates published in March 2024.
During the session, we’ll look at:

Understanding the Apprenticeship Training Provider Accountability Framework, the indicators and risks
How the framework works with quality inspection
Data, Strategy, Context and setting effective targets
Interventions and working with action plans
Q&A

About your session

David Lockhart-Hawkins, SDN’s compliance expert produced this session.
David has experience of working with hundreds of high performing apprenticeship organisations over the last twenty years, including some of the UK’s largest, highest quality, specialist and new providers.

If you are involved in apprenticeship management, leadership and monitoring apprenticeship performance, this session is for you!

“David’s knowledge and expertise is unparalleled.”
– Event attendee

“I wished I had done it 18m ago when I got involved with apprenticeships.”
– Head of Quality & Improvement/DSL, Central College of Animal Studies

“Very well delivered, clear and very good subject knowledge”
– Team Leader Horticulture Apprentices, Capel Manor College

Booking and payment:

We recommend attending our workshops live, but you can also be sent the recordings and materials if you prefer to review them in your own time.

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)

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.

Apprenticeship Care Leavers Bursary
2025-04-01 10:00 - 11:00 | Online
OverviewFind out about financial support for apprentices who have been in local authority care, and payments to their training providers and employers.

Understand how to fulfil training provider responsibilities as set out in the funding rules, resolve uncertainties about eligibility and the claiming process.

ObjectivesThis webinar will help delegates to:

– Understand care leaver participation in apprenticeships and the scale of bursary underclaiming;– Understand eligibility for the apprenticeships care leavers’ bursary;– Fulfill training providers’ responsibilities and role in facilitating bursary payments from DfE/ESFA and to the apprentice;– Claim additional payments for training providers and employers.

Webinar Chair: Cheryl Swales, Head of Strategic Projects, AELP

Facilitator: Paul Russell, Policy Advisor, Department for Education

Guest Speakers: Jim Thomas, Finance & Fraud Prevention Officer, Gingernut Training and Toni McClelland-Couchman, Digital

FREE for all to attend.

Click here to find out more information or to register.

Claiming apprenticeship learning support funding (LSF) with confidence - 2024/25
2025-04-08 10:00 - 2025-04-10 12:00 | Online
From 1st August 2024, revised funding rules bring additional flexibilities and opportunities for providers to better support their apprentices with learning difficulties or disabilities.
Apprenticeship providers often lack confidence in claiming Learning Support Funding (LSF) but the August changes should result in more providers generating the additional revenue they are entitled to as well as being able to apply new functional skills flexibilities for apprentices with special educational needs, learning difficulties or disabilities which should promote increased completions and retention.
That’s why we’re hosting this two-part webinar series to examine the rules and evidence needed to apply learning support in 2024/25 but also use our experience of delivering outstanding quality to demonstrate solutions that make a real difference to the apprentice and provider experience.
This session builds on our incredibly popular 2023/24 session, with significant new content and learning resources to help practitioners develop their support systems. The sessions will bring you up to date with rules but spend most time on how these can be implemented including changes like the timing of support reviews and, most importantly, flexibilities on the required level of functional skills that may be applicable for an individual with a learning difficulty or disability.
Demonstrating a thorough understanding of the rules and giving best practice guidance on how to support a claim, we’ll take you through:

The 24/25 Funding Rules for learning support and the key changes from 2023/24
The foundations of learning support infrastructure
– Screening for learning difficulties and disabilities
– Needs Assessment
– Support Planning
– Support Review
Applying the 2024/25 functional skills flexibilities
Funding claim controls and using the Earnings Adjustment Statement
Funding Compliance management

Hosted across two 2hr sessions:
Part 1: Understanding the learning support and functional skills flexibility funding rules and relevant legislation
Part 2: Implementing best practice and an effective learning support management structure
Delegates will receive a handbook featuring activities that further develop learning in each session as well as a learning support structure compliance action plan.
Our package options also include document templates for meeting 2024/25 funding rules and additional consultancy on a one to one basis.
About your session
David Lockhart-Hawkins, SDN’s compliance expert will facilitate this series.
David has experience of working with hundreds of high performing apprenticeship organisations over the last twenty years, including some of the UK’s largest, highest quality, specialist and new providers.
The session has been designed for those involved in apprenticeship compliance and learner support e.g. Operation Managers, Learning Support Managers, trainers and administration managers.
“David’s knowledge and expertise is unparalleled.”
– Event attendee
Booking and payment:
You can either attend the session live or be sent the recordings and materials, if you prefer to review them in your own time.
If you have three or more staff who would benefit, or would like your wider teams/staff to have access, 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)
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.

Unpacking Provider Data Self-Assessment Toolkits (PDSATs) with a former SFA audit manager
2025-04-09 10:00 - 11:00 | Online
OverviewThis webinar will help you as a provider to use PDSATs to their full potential in line with DFE expectations. Reviewing PDSATs will enable you to investigate anomalies which would otherwise be raised in an DFE funding audit, and resolve the issue either ensuring learner records are on file to validate the data, or by updating the data. Using PDSATs to manage the validity of your organisation’s ILR data will help you to safeguard your funding, minimise audit errors and protect your reputation with the DFE.

ObjectivesBy the end of this session, you will be able to:

Select PDSAT reports that require investigation of potential funding errors;Identify anomalies in PDSAT reports that require particular remedial actions;Pinpoint accurate data and develop a process for explaining your retention of this data;Have all of the above ready to present as appropriate evidence during an audit, to protect your funding.

FacilitatorRupert Crossland, Director of Audit and Compliance, Professional Assessment Limited

Click here to find out more information or to register.

Effective Relationships for Learning
2025-04-10 10:00 - 11:00 | Online
Overview

This webinar is part of a series of webinars focussing on pedagogy and improving Teaching & Learning. The sessions will ensure that delegates can make practical differences to their teaching immediately.

Click the links to register your interest in the rest of this series.

How to ask Great Questions to Enhance Learning

Differentiation and Inclusion

Effective relationships for Learning

Objectives

This webinar will help delegates to:

Understand the importance of positive teacher-student relationships and their impact on learning outcomes;

Identify strategies for building trust and respect in the classroom and online to foster a supportive learning environment;

Develop communication techniques that encourage open dialogue and promote student engagement;

Explore ways to create an inclusive atmosphere that values diversity and enhances collaborative learning.

Facilitator

Paul Wakeling, Education Consultant

Click here to find out more information or to register.

FIN & UVAC Research - Ofsted Consulatation
2025-04-15 14:30 - 15:30
Ofsted’s consultation on its reforms to the Education Inspection Framework has implications for all apprenticeship and skills providers.

Following the success of FINs influence of the ‘big listen’ FIN and UVAC are now working together to present a formal response to Ofsted.

This is an opportunity to influence changes and response to the newly proposed framework, grading scale and inspection toolkit. So join Dr Mandy Crawford-Lee and Kerry Boffey in conversation.

We would like to encourage everyone to complete the survey and invite everyone to attend a complimentary webinar on 15th April 14h30 to share the views of UVAC and FIN’s research to date.

Complete the survey before we meet: FIN Survey on Ofsted Reforms Consultation

Register to attend the event: HERE

If you require any support with booking please contact info@fin-online.org.uk

Events – Fellowship of Inspection Nominees (fin-online.org.uk)

No Barriers, Just Knowledge
2025-04-16 10:00 - 11:00
Free Webinar: Rethinking Exam Accessibility with Cirrus Assessment

What if the only thing standing between a candidate and their future was an exam they couldn’t access?

For too many, that’s the reality. Not because they don’t know the material—but because the system never gave them a fair shot. A platform that fails with screen readers. A question that assumes everyone uses a mouse. A process that treats accommodations like special favours instead of basic rights. Accessibility decides who gets in—and who gets left out.

With the EU Accessibility Act right around the corner, accessibility is a hot topic. Join us for a free webinar where experts from the University of Pretoria and Cirrus Assessment will share practical ways to make assessments accessible for all.

You’ll also see the exam experience directly from a student’s viewpoint, highlighting exactly where barriers arise – and how to remove them.

Policy & Research Working Group - Improving the way Ofsted inspects education
2025-04-17 14:00 - 15:00
Please join us for our fifth Policy and research group.

As part of FIN’s ongoing commitment to excellence and improvement in education, FIN’s Policy and Research Group (FPRG) will gather insights and opinions from our members regarding Ofsted’s recent proposals for fairer education inspection and report cards; outlined in the press release on 3rd February 2025. During the session we will provide an overview of Ofsted’s proposals and their intended outcomes, discuss the potential advantages and disadvantages of the proposed changes and consider how these changes may impact educational institutions and stakeholders. We invite our members to join us to contribute to suggested improvements or alternatives to the proposals. The group will work collaboratively to draft a comprehensive response to the consultation that FIN will submit on behalf of its members and their stakeholders.

Please read Ofsted’s press release here: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/improving-the-way-ofsted-inspects-education

If you have any problems registering please email Caroline at info@fin-online.org.uk for assistance

Events – Fellowship of Inspection Nominees (fin-online.org.uk)

Beyond Happiness: The Secret to Engaged, High-Performing Teams
2025-04-23 10:00 - 11:00 | Online
Overview

Employee happiness is often seen as a ‘nice-to-have’—but what if it’s the key to higher performance, retention, and business success? Engaged employees are more motivated, productive, and committed to their work.

Join award-winning Learning & Development specialist Helen Bailey for an interactive webinar exploring the connection between happiness and engagement. Gain practical strategies to boost motivation, drive productivity, and create a workplace where employees can thrive.

Objectives

By the end of the session participants will be able to:

Understand the real meaning of happiness at work

Discover what truly drives employee engagement

Navigate workplace emotions with confidence

Learn how authenticity can improve team performance

Recognise the pitfalls of chasing happiness

Facilitator

Helen Bailey, L&D specialist

Click here to find out more information or to register.

Prevent Duty: How FE providers can implement it and comply
2025-04-24 10:00 - 11:00 | Online
OverviewThis dynamic, high quality session will provide delegates with a professional development opportunity.

Areas of focus from the ‘Prevent Duty 2023’ including understanding the national ideological context and exploring various types of permissive environments and their occurrences.

ObjectivesThis webinar will:

– Review implementation of the legal due regard for reducing the risk of creating permissive environments;– Explore the National Ideological context;– Identify risk factors in relation to permissive environments;– Review the types of permissive environments and how they occur;– Discuss where to go for toolkits and further support.

FacilitatorCarly Spicer, Safeguarding Consultant, ECP Safeguarding

Click here to find out more information or to register.

Strategic Safeguarding for DSLs
2025-04-28 10:00 - 12:00
Join guest speaker Rachael Bishop for a deep dive into how DSL’s and those in a position of overseeing safeguarding can develop better strategies to improve and manage learner safety.

This interactive session will support DSLs to:• Build and maintain a culture of safety• Work with key stakeholders and build effective partnerships• Embed effective safeguarding governance and compliance• Develop key policies and procedures• Understand how to manage local risks and the Prevent Duty requirements• Implement action planning and risk assessments• Understand a Governor’s role and responsibilities towards safeguarding.

Please contact info@fin-online.org.uk for any support with booking.

Event Booking (sphr.uk)

Adopting an Effective Approach to Future Strategic And Operational Curriculum Planning | AELP
2025-04-29 09:30 - 12:30 | Online
Overview

Supporting learners in achieving success across assessments and EPA requires a thoughtful and strategic approach that goes beyond standard preparation. Effective coaching, individualised readiness techniques and stress management strategies are integral to equipping learners with the skills and confidence they need to excel.

This interactive workshop explores the principles of effective coaching and preparation, combining evidence-based methodologies with practical tools for assessment success. It delves into the nuances of EPA requirements and broader assessment frameworks, identifies common barriers faced by learners and outlines actionable strategies to build resilience, competence and readiness for a range of assessment scenarios.

By designing targeted preparation plans and integrating structured support strategies, educators can enhance learner outcomes, improve organisational pass and completion rates, and ensure alignment with quality standards and expectations.

Objectives

This webinar will cover:

Formulating and implementing strategies to improve assessment pass rates, EPA success and overall completion of learning programmes.

The impact of exam stress on learner performance and strategies to manage and effectively reduce negative influences;

Best practices in coaching and assessment preparation to build learner confidence, competence and readiness;

EPA requirements and broader assessment expectations to inform tailored preparation plans;

Designing and implementing personalised, actionable strategies to improve learner outcomes, success rates and resilience building;

Defining areas for personal development and growth to provide effective coaching support;

Formulating and implementing strategies to improve assessment pass rates, EPA success and overall completion of learning programmes.

Facilitator

Christine Edwards QTLS, Creating Excellence

Click here to find out more information or to register.

Using AI (Artificial Intelligence) - FIN Working Group
2025-04-29 14:00 - 15:00
Welcome to our FIN Working Group to discuss using AI to support and enhance learner progress review.Could AI be the answer to improving the recording of progress reviews? This group will collaborate to discuss the current use and future potential of embracing artificial intelligence into our practice to improve efficiency and practice. With so many progress reviews carried out online, could the current the challenges of effectively capturing and summarising conversations in reviews and the potential of AI transcription be a game changer?

The session will be led by Kerry Boffey who has been working with a number of providers to try out some of the popular AI tools. If you are interested in sharing your experiences of AI or want to find out more, this working group is a great opportunity to get involved.

If you require any support with booking please contact info@fin-online.org.uk

Events – Fellowship of Inspection Nominees (fin-online.org.uk)

FREE WEBINAR - FIN DISCOVERY SESSION - WITH OFSTED INSPECTION DATA AND TOP TIPS
2025-04-30 10:00 - 11:00
Join us for an informal session hosted by Kerry Boffey, our founder and former Ofsted Inspector. Kerry will share some updates on inspections with some top tips. This is also an opportunity to find about the Fellowship of Inspection Nominees (FIN) and how your organisation could benefit and answer any questions you may have. Kerry will also provide attendees with an insight into the guidance and knowledge members have access to. We look forward to meeting you.

If you require any support with booking please contact info@fin-online.org.uk

Events – Fellowship of Inspection Nominees (fin-online.org.uk)

Apprenticeship compliance fundamentals and what this means for your role
2025-05-01 14:00 - 2025-05-08 15:30 | Online
Everyone involved in apprenticeship delivery should understand the fundamentals of apprenticeship compliance.

Whether you’re involved in training, curriculum design, quality assurance, employer engagement or administration – understanding what ESFA compliance means for your role is crucial in helping the organisation to draw down the right funding and mitigate risks.

Designed around the latest version of the funding rules, this three-part series is designed to introduce all apprenticeship staff to the core apprenticeship rules and where their role fits in the compliance journey.

Part 1 will look at the typical apprentice journey, the core rules that matter and common solutions seen, including the importance of the little details and core parts of the evidence pack.

Part 2 will look at common errors and build an understanding of risk awareness as part of a transparent compliance culture.

Part 3 will open the floor to core questions and discussions of best practice.

This series will help you to:

Understand the core compliance rules for Apprenticeships
Understand how they fit into the typical apprentice journey
Know how funding works and what this means for your role
Keep an eye out for common errors
How to mitigate funding risks

About your session

David Lockhart-Hawkins, SDN’s funding and compliance expert will facilitate this session.
After working in the sector for over 20 years, David has supported hundreds of providers to establish effective compliance systems. His in-depth understanding of funding and wider apprenticeship delivery gives him a unique insight into compliance across the organisation.

SDN’s CPD is drawn from its work with over 1,000 apprenticeship providers and thousands of staff – giving you a unique insights into practices that can drive the quality of your provision. Our sessions are also intensely practical – equipping you with the knowledge and resources to act and make improvements in your role and organisation.

Perfect for new starts across all departments as well as those requiring a refresher, this is designed for all staff involved in administrating or delivering apprenticeships so they can develop a healthy understanding of compliance and how it relates to their job role.

“David’s knowledge and expertise is unparalleled.”

– Event attendee

“I wished I had done it 18m ago when I got involved with apprenticeships.”

– Head of Quality & Improvement/DSL, Central College of Animal Studies

“Very well delivered, clear and very good subject knowledge”

– Team Leader Horticulture Apprentices, Capel Manor College

Booking and payment:

You can either attend live sessions or be sent the recordings and materials if you prefer to review them in your own time. You can also mix and match for whatever works best for your schedule.

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)

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.

Open Event at West Lancashire College
2025-05-01 16:30 - 19:00 | West Lancashire College, College Way, Skelmersdale, WN8 6LH, United Kingdom
At our final Open Event of the 24-25 academic year, school leavers can find out more about our range of BTECs, Technical and T Level courses which include:

T Levels in Building Services Engineering, Management and Business, Digital Support Services, Education and Child Care, as well as Health

BTECS in Art and Design, Early Years Education, Computer Science, Engineering, Health and Social Care, Sports and Uniformed Public Services

Technicals in Beauty Therapy, Bricklaying, Carpentry and Joinery, Electrical, Hairdressing, Motor Vehicle and Plumbing

Foundation Learning including Inclusive Learning, Aspire programme and Supported Internship

You can meet our tutors and talk to current students, view our outstanding facilities and find out more about our great results, free* transport, fabulous wrap around support, great connections with employers and universities, as well as fully funded trips including Germany, Spain, Malta and Cyprus!

Plus, there will be lots of activities for you to explore and free refreshments too.

We very much look forward to welcoming you to our college soon.

*Subject to eligibility and availability

Getting the Most from Your Observations of Teaching, Learning and Assessment
2025-05-07 09:30 - 2025-05-08 12:30 | Online
Overview
This online workshop will focus on how you can improve your current practice when observing teaching and assessment activities. We will initially consider how the use of observations by Ofsted to make judgements about ‘curriculum implementation’ and ‘curriculum impact’ has changed over time and how this might affect your own practice.

We will then reflect on why teaching in lessons is often judged too generously and discuss the traits of highly effective lesson observers.

Richard will also provide you with a range of useful and insightful prompts for use when observing a group or one-to-one learning session and will reflect on some ‘Ofsted myths’ about teaching and learning.
Bearing in mind that observation activities should encompass the whole of the learner journey, we will consider what makes for an outstanding progress review, professional discussion and question and answer assessment in the workplace.

Finally, we will consider the sorts of questions you might ask learners as part of an observation, writing up and feeding back your key judgements, and agreeing development needs as part of an action plan.

Objectives
This in depth interactive workshop will examine a number of key areas, including:

The ways in which the use of observations by Ofsted inspectors to make judgements about teaching and learning have changed over time.
Why teaching in lessons is often judged too generously.
The traits of highly effective lesson observers.
What to look for in a great learning session.
Prompts for making judgements about different aspects of a session.
Ofsted myths about teaching and learning.
The sorts of questions you might ask learners as part of an observation.
Observing progress reviews.
Observing professional discussions and question/answer sessions in the workplace.
Writing up and feeding back your judgements and agreeing a development plan.
Decisions you need to make about your observation process.

Facilitator: Richard Moore, Richard Moore Solutions

Click here to find out more information or to register.

AI in Adult Education Workshop
2025-05-07 14:00 - 15:30 | Online
One of the highlights of the Cambridge Access Validating Agency’s Annual Conference last December was Nork Zakarian’s workshop on ‘AI in Adult Education’. Given the popularity of the session and the significance of this subject, we are delighted to be opening this online workshop to all. The workshop will cover:

Introduction to AI and a prompting framework for effective AI generation.
A practical activity to generate content relevant to your professional practice that may include assessment design, unit design, enhancing accessibility for diverse needs, personalised learning, and lesson plans.
Good Practice and supporting colleges to engage with AI.
Discussion on guidance on the use of AI in assessment, data privacy, future of assessment, academic integrity, detecting AI misuse and mitigation strategies. If you would like to attend, please register here.

Who are we?

The Cambridge Access Validating Agency (CAVA) is a non-profit membership organisation who designs, validates, quality assures, and awards Access to Higher Education (HE) Diplomas. Access to HE Diplomas provide an opportunity for adults without the relevant formal qualifications to go to university. CAVA works with six universities and more than 30 further education providers in the UK.
